Did you know that Google owns the top two search engines in the world? In addition to Google search, they also own YouTube as the number one place to search for video content online. Yep, Google monopolizes video search results.
It is so important to follow the guidelines that Google gives us to properly catalog our online videos. Google wants to be the best, so they tell you how to help them find your video content. The trick? You have to know to look for the best practices and we are here to help.
It is not easy creating splendid video content for your business. In fact, we are quite sure you want to highlight that work on your website. Did you know that Google has a specific formula they want you to follow to make sure that they can show it off for you in the search results? As a digital marketing company, it is always important for us to understand the best way for our customers to be found online.
Did you know more than 500 hours (about 3 weeks) of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute of every day? How can you make sure that your videos are highlighted in search of that much competition? The answer is to start with the end in mind.
When you start with the end in mind your video content is sure to catch the attention it deserves. Think about the results you want to have? What is the purpose of this video? What problem am I solving? Who is my audience? Just like any other piece of your content Content Marketing Strategy, your video must be result driven.
For instance, do not leave your video named something generic like “video #1.” The formula we follow when naming video include identifying what the video is about for instance “How to ___________” and then say who made the video like “How to _______ by ___________.” This will help Google to identify the type of video it is and who made it.
What is a meta tag? Ok you clicked the link and learned about meta tags, now what is a Max Video-Preview Robot Meta tag? Simply stated, it is the preview of a short clip of the video content that enables users to see the content of the video. Often Google will pull some of the key moments of the video for users to preview. If you are using YOAST SEO this code is added automatically to the videos you put on your website.
This one is important because you want the video to be a stand-alone piece on your website. One pro-tip we can offer is that you can make each video a landing page on your blog. Then it can be shared to other locations on your website. Google can use the URL to direct traffic to the exact blog. If you want that re-direct to be your website, you must have a unique URL to make that happen.
PRO TIP: If you don’t want to have ads on top of your videos ( like you see when you embed a video from YouTube, you can use a video platform like Wistia or Vimeo to host your video content, then share it on your website.
Using Google’s guidelines is your best way to be found in the search engine results. When you use the guidelines, you are telling Google to find your stuff. When they find your stuff, they make it available to the people that are searching for the things you are doing. You win, and Google wins because they want to be the best in search.
Today, the internet is incredibly competitive for businesses. There are two choices, you do the work, or you pay for instant gratification with ads, or both. The most important thing is that if you are going to create videos for your brand, make sure you are optimizing it by following these steps to make it easy to find.
Do you need help with developing compelling videos for your website? Contact Us
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