Videos can be a very effective way to boost SEO if used properly. Embedding videos on pages, optimizing video content for search, and promoting videos can improve rankings and traffic. However, simply adding videos without optimizing them may not lead to significant SEO gains.
Why videos can help with SEO
Videos optimize SEO in a few key ways:
- Increased user engagement metrics like dwell time and lower bounce rates signal to Google that content is useful. This improves rankings over time.
- Transcripts from videos allow additional keyword opportunities that text-based content alone can’t match.
- Embedding videos leads to greater opportunity for backlinks as the content is more likely to be shared.
Best practices for using video to boost SEO
Follow these guidelines to maximize the SEO impact of videos:
Optimize on-page elements
- Write descriptive video titles using target keywords
- Embed videos on relevant pages
- Use transcripts to improve keyword targeting
- Include schema markup to richly describe videos
Focus video content
- Feature helpful, informative videos that answer user questions
- Spotlight authentic experts sharing their knowledge
- Identify Rising viewer interest and competition to choose topics
Promote videos
- Share videos on social platforms
- Pursue backlinks through guest posts or outreach
- Include videos prominently on homepages or key landing pages
Types of videos that work well for SEO
Certain video styles tend to attract more engagement and work better for SEO:
- Tutorials and “how-to” videos – Teach viewers to solve problems
- Expert interviews – Capture insider tips and domain authority
- Original research – Investigate questions and provide data/evidence
- Animated explainers – Use visuals to describe complex topics
Best practices for optimizing video SEO elements
To maximize results, optimize both on-page and off-page elements:
On-page optimization
- Title – Under 60 characters, target key term near beginning
- Description – Accurately convey purpose and content
- Tags – Include variations of target keywords
- Transcript – Full transcript improves accessibility and keywords
- Context – Embed on comprehensive, relevant pages
Off-page optimization
- Descriptive filenames – Use dashes to separate words
- URL slug – Simple, readable, includes primary keyword
- Thumbnail – Visually engaging, conveys topic
- Backlinks – Build links to boost rankings
Results to expect from video SEO
Here are some potential results:
- Higher rankings – Adding videos can help pages gain initial rankings or improve existing positions.
- Lower bounce rate – Videos encourage visitors to stay on pages longer before leaving.
- More total keywords – Transcripts expand the potential keywords that can drive traffic.
- Backlinks and shares – Unique, helpful videos are naturally more viral.
Give video SEO sufficient time to make an impact, as improving rankings is an ongoing process. Measure both on-page metrics like dwelling time and off-page signals including backlinks gained.
Key takeaways
- Adding quality videos boosts SEO through greater user engagement.
- Optimize videos on page with titles, tags, transcripts, etc.
- Promote videos externally to earn backlinks.
- Tutorials, expert interviews & original research make shareable video.
- Measure rankings, dwell time, bounce rate and links to gauge impact.
Conclusion
Videos can be a valuable asset in an overall SEO strategy. By providing engaging content to answer user questions while also optimizing videos for search, sites can expect higher rankings, lower bounce rates, more total keyword opportunities, additional backlinks, and increased organic traffic. Adopting video best practices allows websites to stand out and deliver better experiences. Tracking key metrics helps understand the direct SEO impact over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best type of video for SEO?
How-to tutorials, expert interviews, original research videos, and animated explainers tend to work best for improving SEO through engagement and sharability. - Should I transcribe my videos for SEO?
Yes, adding full transcripts helps search engines better crawl the content and allows you to optimize more keywords. Transcripts also aid accessibility. - How much can videos boost my organic traffic?
It varies extensively based on factors like competition and optimization tactics used, but sites that actively add videos tend to see slow but steady rankings gains over time. - Can I rank a video in Google without a blog?
It is challenging but possible in some cases to rank standalone videos without associated text content. However, embedding videos on comprehensive, optimized landing pages works much better for SEO. - How long should my SEO video be?
Ideally, aim for videos between two and 10 minutes long. Extremely short or extremely long videos see lower completion rates which signals less engagement to search engines. - How do I make my video thumbnails more clickable?
Use eye-catching images relevant to the topic, include the central focus prominently, use contrasting background colors, and add numbering if part of a series. - What tags should I use for my video?
Include a mix of primary keywords, secondary keywords, and long-tail variations that describe your video content accurately. Using tags the video isn’t actually about may be seen as keyword stuffing. - Can I optimize video file names for SEO?
Yes, use target keywords and descriptive titles in the video filename separated by dashes instead of spaces or underscores. Keep filenames concise. - Should my homepage have video?
Having quality videos prominently featured on your homepage can capture attention faster and help visitors understand your brand or products better. Ensure they are easily visible above the fold. - Is it better to host videos natively or embed them?
Embedding videos from YouTube or other platforms saves hosting bandwidth while still allowing some customization around width, height, autoplay, etc. If you host videos natively, ensure your server capacity is robust. - How important are backlinks for video SEO?
Backlinks remain one of the top ranking signals. Earning links to your optimized videos gives an added SEO boost by improving domain authority and indicating quality, trustworthy content to Google. - Can I rank multiple videos for the same keyword?
It is possible, especially if the videos offer distinct value. But in competitive spaces, landing page optimization around one best video is smarter to consolidate rankings for that term. - What is the optimal video length for user retention?
Two to three minutes is ideal. Beyond 10 minutes sees steep drop-offs except for very compelling content. Short form under one minute can work when bite-sized content meets an intent. - Should I focus on YouTube or my site for video SEO?
Ideally both, as they serve different purposes. YouTube establishes authority and enables video sharing. On-site videos directly boost your site’s rankings when embedded on optimized pages. - How do I improve my video average view duration?
Hook viewers quickly in the first 10-20 seconds. Deliver information clearly in a logical flow. Use dynamic transitions, text overlays and visuals to reinforce key points. Understand audience interests to create engaging content. - Will video sitemaps help SEO?
Sitemaps specifically outline the videos available on your site, which helps search engines index and surface them in results. So video sitemaps can provide an SEO boost by improving discoverability. - Can I rank brand new videos quickly?
Ranking brand new videos takes time as trust and authority build slowly. Sometimes recent viral videos drawing many backlinks can rank faster. But focus on quality over speed for sustainable growth. - Is it better to embed videos or link out to YouTube?
Embedding keeps viewers on your site longer, allowing for better dwell metrics that influence organic rankings. Linking to YouTube aids discoverability and referral traffic. Do both for maximum impact. - Should I use animation videos or live footage?
If portraying real concepts, using live footage adds an authentic feel. For conceptual or technical topics, animation can create an informative, engaging video efficiently using visual metaphors. Know your content and audience. - How much of my homepage should be video?
As a rule of thumb aiming for 20-30% video coverage on your homepage is enough to attract interest while still leaving space for core brand messaging and calls to action above the fold.