Story Based Question
You’ve recently uploaded a series of tutorial videos to your website, but they’re not getting the traffic you expected. You realize the titles might not be optimized for search engines, and you wonder if tweaking them could help. What are the best practices for optimizing video titles for SEO, and how can you make sure your videos show up in search results and attract more viewers?
Exact Answer
The best practices for optimizing video titles for SEO include using relevant keywords, keeping the title clear and concise, including brand names or series titles when appropriate, and making the title compelling to encourage clicks.
Explanation
Optimizing your video titles is crucial for making sure they show up in search results and attract viewers. Here’s how you can get it right:
- Use Relevant Keywords
The title should clearly reflect what the video is about and include relevant keywords. Think about what your audience is searching for and make sure your video title matches those search queries.- Example: If your video is about how to set up a home workout routine, use a title like “How to Create a Home Workout Routine for Beginners” instead of something generic like “Home Workout Tips.”
- Keep the Title Clear and Concise
Video titles should be easy to understand at a glance. Avoid using overly complex or vague titles. Stick to something that’s straightforward and describes the video’s content.- Example: A video about cleaning your smartphone screen should have a title like “How to Clean Your Smartphone Screen” rather than something like “Smartphone Tips.”
- Include Brand Names or Series Titles (When Relevant)
If your video is part of a brand or a series of videos, include the brand or series name in the title. This not only helps with recognition but also allows you to create a consistent brand presence across videos.- Example: If you have a fitness brand and are releasing a new workout video series, you might title your video “Fitness Pro’s 10-Minute Full Body Workout – Episode 1” to keep consistency.
- Make the Title Compelling
The title should also make the viewer want to click. You can add elements that spark curiosity, solve a problem, or promise value, like “Top Tips,” “Easy Guide,” or “Must-Know.”- Example: Instead of just “How to Make Smoothies,” you could title it “How to Make the Perfect Smoothie in 5 Minutes” to make it more clickable.
- Add Numbers and Specifics
Adding numbers (like “5 Tips,” “Top 10,” or “7 Steps”) makes the video feel more structured and gives users an idea of what to expect.- Example: “5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Productivity” is more attractive than simply “Boost Your Productivity.”
- Optimize for Length
While titles should be clear and descriptive, they should also be concise. Aim for a video title length between 50 and 70 characters. Titles longer than that may get cut off in search results or on mobile devices.- Example: A title like “How to Get Started with Online Shopping for Beginners” is effective but shouldn’t be much longer than that.
Example
Let’s say you run a YouTube channel that focuses on cooking. You’ve just uploaded a video showing how to bake a chocolate cake, but the title is “Baking a Cake.” That title is far too vague, and it doesn’t help the video get found. Here’s how you can optimize it:
- Add Keywords: “How to Bake a Chocolate Cake” is better because it includes the keyword “chocolate cake.”
- Make It Engaging: “How to Bake a Perfect Chocolate Cake from Scratch” is even better because it emphasizes perfection and the unique angle of making it from scratch.
- Keep It Concise: The title is clear and not too long, so it’s perfect for both desktop and mobile users.
By following these best practices, your video will be more likely to show up in search results when someone searches for chocolate cake recipes, leading to higher traffic and engagement.