When you think of SEO, you probably think of Google. It’s easy to understand why. Google is the most powerful search engine, period.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the only search engine. Even though no search engine matches the sheer size of Google, there are some that rival Google’s usefulness.
I’ll even go on record saying that some search engines can be more powerful than Google. (Gasp!) Not as big, no. Not as popular. But if you tap into other search engines, you can boost your search presence and conversions.
It’s like this. Less popular search engines fill specific roles. For example, if you do Bing SEO, you can reach an audience you can’t reach on Google.
See what I mean?
If you ignore other search engines, you’re doing your business a disservice.
Today, I want to talk about YouTube.
It might seem weird to think of YouTube as a search engine, but when you think about it, that’s exactly what it is.
Specifically, it’s a search engine for videos.
The entire site is driven by a search bar that’s smack dab in the middle of the page. It’s similar to Google’s video search results.
Because YouTube is its own search engine, it has its own SEO best practices.
Just like you want to get your site high up on the SERPs, you want to get your videos high up on the YouTube SERPs.
YouTube SEO is a bit different from regular SEO, and it might take a little while to get used to.
To help make it easy for you, I’ve created a list of techniques that will provide you with the visibility you need on YouTube.
1. Find video keywords
2. Optimize your video title
3. Optimize your tags
4. Tell people to comment
5. Encourage people to subscribe
6. Step up the production value
7. Make an eye-catching thumbnail
8. Add closed captions
9. Edit your filename
10. Build links to your channel, not just your videos
11. Share on social media
12. Send an email to your list
13. Embed your video
14. Steal keyword ideas
15. Start your description with your focus keyword
16. Use YouTube for keyword research
17. Increase your watch time
18. Review your watch time report
19. Look at your audience retention report
20. Use engagement reports
21. Add some suspense
22. Create playlists
23. Get featured on another channel
24. Get interviewed
25. Find your optimal video length
26. Improve your content
