YouTube has been a goldmine for creators and businesses, with more than 2 billion logged-in monthly users providing access to a global audience.
But in this overpopulated space, simply uploading a video is not enough — you need to optimize your content for the most exposure and engagement.
Here are four things you can start doing now to help make your YouTube videos perform better, helping you to rank higher in Google and YouTube search results:
Optimize Your Video Title and Description
How to Optimize Your Title:
- Keep it concise yet compelling.
- Include your primary keyword naturally within the first 60 characters.
- Use numbers, questions, or power words like “how-to” or “best” to create curiosity.
Example: Instead of “Tips to Grow on YouTube,” try “5 Proven Tips to Grow Your YouTube Channel Fast.”
How to Optimize Your Description:
- Start with a brief overview of your video content, incorporating primary and secondary keywords.
- Add timestamps to improve user navigation.
- Include relevant links, such as your website, social media, or affiliate products.
- Use 2-3 hashtags to improve searchability, but avoid overstuffing.
PRO TIP
Research keywords using tools like Ubbersuggest to find what your audience is searching for.
Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails
Your video thumbnail is the visual gateway to your content. A good example of a thumbnail to use would be one that is designed in an effective way and acts as a gate between your content and the audience.
Thumbnail Best Practices:
- Use bold and readable text to highlight the video’s key takeaway.
- Include high-quality, relevant images that convey the video’s theme.
- Use contrasting colors to make the thumbnail pop.
- Add your logo or branding for consistency across your channels.
Tools to Create Thumbnails: Canva and Adobe Spark are user-friendly tools for designing professional thumbnails that stand out.
PRO TIP
A/B test your thumbnails to determine which designs drive higher CTRs.
Engage Your Audience with Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares, and watch time play a significant role in YouTube’s algorithm. Encourage viewers to interact with your content by using clear CTAs.
How to Use CTAs Effectively:
- Ask viewers to like, comment, and subscribe within the first minute of your video.
- Use end screens and cards to direct viewers to other relevant videos or playlists.
- Pose a question related to your video’s topic to spark comments and discussions.
Example: “What’s your favorite tip for growing on YouTube? Let me know in the comments!”
PRO TIP
Respond to comments promptly to foster community and boost engagement.
Promote Your Videos Across Multiple Channels
Don’t rely solely on YouTube’s algorithm to bring in views. Actively promote your videos across various platforms to maximize reach.
Promotion Strategies:
- Share your videos on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn with engaging captions.
- Embed your videos in blog posts or articles to increase traffic from search engines.
- Email your subscribers with a teaser and link to your latest video.
- Collaborate with other creators to reach new audiences.
Go Beyond YouTube with TVStartup
While optimizing your YouTube videos is crucial, envision the possibility of expanding your viewership by starting your own TV channel.
With TVStartup, you can:
- Build a branded TV channel on platforms like Roku, FireTV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
- Monetize your content with ads, subscriptions, and pay-per-view options.
- Reach a global audience on smart TVs, mobile apps, and websites.
PRO TIP
Repurpose your video content into shorter clips or graphics for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels to drive traffic back to your channel.
Final Thoughts
Enhancing your content material in the platform of YouTube is the result of thinking up a good optimization strategy, polishing the visuals, making the audience interested, and regularly promoting the items.
Start implementing your strategies with TVStartup and watch your YouTube video performance soar!