You’ve shot the video and posted it to YouTube in hopes of  informing people about your product, service, or event. Now that it’s published to the world, have you done everything needed to make sure that video gets views?  The second largest search engine in the world, there are millions of videos uploaded to YouTube already. How will yours stand out? Most don’t! So here’s nine YouTube online video marketing tips that will help your videos separate from the pack organically.

What does organically mean? It means without buying hits or views from those “fake social media marketers” I mentioned previously.  As a business or individual, you posted that video in hopes of reaching people that are genuinely interested in your content. Remember, you are not merely seeking hits, you’re aiming for product or service awareness, potential business leads and sales, or industry authority status, etc.  Views or hits are just one way to initially measure whether your video has served its purpose.

YouTube Online Video Marketing Tips

1. Use proper keywords in your title, description, tags:  What words would people use to search for your content? These words are “keywords.”  Use product names, services, people’s names, etc.  If your video is instructional use words like  “how-to” “ways” “tips” that also clue viewers into what they are about to see. It’s also best to use the main keyword first in your title.

Properly utilizing these keywords will increase the changes of your video being seen, not only on the YouTube platform, but also in Google search.

2. Add A Transcript: This might take some pre-production of your videos because it relies on the script or narration of your video.  If there’s to be narration in your video, include keywords in the script.  When you transcribe your videos, those keywords will be naturally included.  Below is an example of a YouTube transcription with listed time codes.

YouTube transcript/caption example

Unsure what keywords or phrases you should add to your script? Do a search on YouTube and see what your competition is using. Secondly, Use Google’s Keyword Tool to help you choose popular keywords and phrases related to your video.

Admittedly, transcribing your videos does take some extra work, but adding it to your YouTube videos will also increase its chances of being seen in search results. Need help to do the task?  Enlist help of interns or online services like HireMyMom.com, TenBux.com, or Craigslist.com that will do the job inexpensively.  The final product will need to be in a plain text file.  To read more of what your transcript will need and how to upload it click HERE.

3. Embed In Your Blog/Website:  Use the embed code provided by YouTube to embed your video into your website or blog. That may sound like common sense, but many leave their content on YouTube without thinking where else the video could strategically be used to increase visibility and views.

When embedding in your blog or website be sure to write key word rich text around it with a CALL TO ACTION such as “watch”, “see”, “view,”  or “leave a comment.”  Instruct site visitors exactly what you want them to do concerning your content.

4. Use Annotations:  Got a series of videos? Use YouTube annotations to link to other YouTube videos or your channel. Annotations can be edited to pop up anytime while the video is playing and add an element of interactivity to your video. For example if there is a part 2 of your video or an alternative ending, use annotations in one video to draw viewers to the next one.

5. InVideo Programming:  This nifty and new tool introduced recently by YouTube allows you to feature a video “picture-in-picture” style across all videos on your channel.  Once enabled you can feature a lesser viewed video within one that receives more views. Read more about it HERE.

6. Video Responses: See a video on YouTube that is related to yours and has lots of views and comments? That’s the kind you want to respond to. So choose one of your videos to do that.  Once approved by that video uploader, your video will appear beneath theirs. This tactic can bring not only more awareness of your content, but also more views.

Videos that have 1 or less video responses are best to use because your response will be seen more prominently. Generally the first 2 responses are the most visible.  Also, leave a text comment or even go the extra step and contact the uploader via the information provided.

7. Tweet, Post, and Pin It:  This should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway! Share your videos on your social profiles, but don’t throw it up on your profiles all willy nilly. Be strategic!  Find where the audience is for your content on Facebook, Twitter, bookmarking sites, and Pinterest then share it, not spam it!

Share your video within your online groups and forums where you have a presence. Share with the entire network or a few targeted individuals.

8. Create Playlists: Grouping your videos into a playlist helps improve your videos search engine optimization aka visibility in search. Again, when titling your playlist remember step 1 in using the appropriate keywords in describing your playlist.

9. Post Regularly:  The more quality content you create the better according to YouTube’s algorithm. Consequently, you increase the chances your content will be seen and engaged with. Timely and fresh content is key to building an audience so think long term in developing your content, not short one hit wonders.

BONUS TIP Be Sheer, Be Social: Remember YouTube is not only a video hosting site, the second largest search engine on the internet, it’s also a social platform. Comment, respond to comments, like, share, and have an active presence there. Basically, “do unto others” as the saying goes and it will be returned.  Encouraging engagement, such as likes and comments. These actions increases your search rank, and thus your video’s visibility on the platform.