Online Video and SEO: Where to Start
Posted by Yvette | Under SEM 101, SEO, Starting Up Wednesday Dec 30, 2009
According to BusinessWeek, “videos are 53% more likely to appear on the first page of search results than text pages.” Clearly, online video is a fantastic way to increase your traffic, propel your brand, and optimize your website. Here’s a quick rundown of what to consider when creating and posting video for your company.
Video isn’t just about the big ideas. Don’t think that in order to record a video about your business that you need to have something amazing or groundbreaking to say. In reality, video is just one more way to communicate with your target audience. What are the questions your clients ask the most about your industry? If you own a restaurant then make a video of your top chef creating your special dessert or appetizer. If you own a body shop you can make a video explaining how quickly and easily your shop gets out the most common dents. Here’s a good example by NYC dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz, who releases two to three new videos a week on various skin conditions.
Stay on point. Your video shouldn’t be longer than 10 minutes. Videos that drag on and on just don’t work. If you have a lot of information you’d like to cover then do a video series. Remember that your video is not supposed to replace actual contact with the client. You don’t need to reveal all of your secrets or tell your prospects how to build their own version of whatever it is that you sell. Your video should provide a bulleted overview of one your products, services, or update people on what’s happening in your industry. The key is to add value – inform, educate or solve a problem.
Come up with a title that ranks and gets people to watch. When creating a title for your video make sure that it’s catchy enough that people will watch it and remember to utilize your keywords so that it can rank appropriately on Google.
Consider third party hosting. You can either host your video on your website or through a third party like YouTube or Metacafe. Hosting on YouTube or any other 3rd party site offers you the easiest way to upload, share, and promote your content. You can also take the “embed” code from these services and paste the video on your site.
The bottom line is that online videos are another great way to market your company online. So, get your camera ready and get in the game.
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