How Do I Optimize Video for YouTubeWith YouTube now the second largest search engine it’s as important to optimize video as it is to optimize your web site. This is the first of several articles that addresses what you should be doing to optimize video.

What are the most important things to do to optimize video?

Video Content

Produce high quality content that is engaging and informative. Your videos should answer questions, educate, entertain or solve problems. My SOHO Today Show addresses issues geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs, like getting started, marketing and technology. Our Wedding Weight Loss Fast channel offers up exercise, nutrition and clothing tips.

Include At Least One Call-To-Action – Freebies Always Welcome!

What do you want your viewers to do? Don’t be shy! Tell them to visit your web site, sign up for the newsletter, Friend you on Facebook. And offer something free – a discount on your services, information on DIY projects, think creative!

Use Google Trends for YouTube

Google Trends for YouTube allows you to see the popularity of your targeted keywords. Google Trends for YouTube also suggests similar keywords that also have substantial search volume. Staying on top of your keywords will help optimize video for YouTube.

Video Name

Your video name should be descriptive of the video content. Don’t name your video 73jdoo.mov, name it mortgage-application-tips.mov.

Video Title, Description, Key Words

These three are often overlooked but are very important to optimize video. Just like your web site you should be using keyword rich descriptions that are detailed and informative. Your video title should tell the viewer exactly what the video is about. Keep your title to less than 66 characters.

Your description can be up to 800 words. Make the description engaging and informative. Make sure to use your keywords throughout the description. YouTube search results show only the first 25 characters so include your primary keyword(s) first, followed by several sentences that are creative and tell the viewer exactly what the video is about.

Embed the YouTube Video on Your Web Site

You can also share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and your email blasts.