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What’s the Perfect YouTube Video SEO Strategy for My Business?

Bassem Ghali is a 2-time winner of the Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year award and a digital marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience working with companies such as Canadian Tire, Vistaprint, Remax Canada, Alpha Laps, Xplornet, and Toronto Star.



Usually people think that with the hundreds upon hundreds of hours of content in an array of different styles being uploaded on YouTube, there just isn't a way to compete with everyone else.

But daunting as it may sound, YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine which means it is absolutely possible to drive peoples clicks and views to your videos and away from others just by having an effective YouTube Video SEO strategy!

The goal here is to create a YouTube SEO strategy that gets your videos on the top of the results pages. So, If you aren't quite sure where to start, here's a quick guide to do just that. Check out our YouTube Video Advertising Packages to boost your video views!

Find your potential keywords

Researching keywords is a great way to figure out what terms your audience searches for the most. 

  • Utilize the YouTube search bar itself:  The first few suggestions in the search bar represent the most searched keywords, you can learn a lot just by studying the different terms that come up.
  • Green Lotus SEO Tools:  While Ranking on the YouTube Search Engine Results Page (SERP) is the main goal for your YouTube SEO strategy, Being picked up by google has a lot of benefits as well. The keyword research tool in Green Lotus SEO Tools lets you study the search volume of your potential keywords, this way you can eliminate keywords that people aren't really searching for. Not only can you use Green Lotus Tools for keyword research but you can use it to manage your entire SEO strategy for you business website as well. YouTube videos rank very well on google, so it only makes sense to optimize for Google too. By taking this step, you're hitting two birds with one stone!
  • Scope out the competition:  This helps you learn from other people's mistakes and successes. Visit a channel that's related to yours and pay attention to which keywords are drawing the viewers in and which ones don't have as many views Observe what kind of content they are responding to (animated videos, or commentary style videos? Educational or entertaining content? This information is helpful even beyond the SEO of your YouTube channel and this lessens the trial and error aspect.
  • Google Trends:  On the other hand, if you already have keywords in mind, you can use google trends to find out more about the keywords like search volume. You can also use this tool for the google search engine as well.
Choose the right keywords

You might notice that the current list of keywords you have are mostly short and simple. Your instinct may tell you to follow suit and just use those keywords but keep in mind that everyone else might have seen the same thing and now are using those keywords too which means it might be harder to rank for those.

If you look at longer, more specific keywords, they have less results which means less competition. Yes they may be fewer but you can take advantage of this and be more visible. You would have a somewhat smaller audience, but also a more involved one, as they would be likely to click on your video.

Implementing your chosen keywords

Once you've identified your ideal keywords, it's time to put them to use. This means that you need to include your keywords on your video metadata so YouTube crawlers can identify them. Here are the elements you need to optimize.

  • Video Title:  It's crucial that you include your focus keyword in this section. Your focus keyword is the one that represents your video topic the best. 
The video title affects your SEO from a keyword standpoint but also it also is a huge factor in the click-through rate which is one of the big things the YouTube algorithm takes into account. The title must be captivating to get that click from the audience.
  • Video Description:  The description box is where you can expand more on your video but at the same time it's a good area to incorporate more of your chosen keywords. This signals the YouTube crawlers on what your video is about therefore presenting your video in the appropriate search. Viewers also use the description to decide whether or not your video is what they're looking for or not.
Remember: There's a preview of the first lines of the description in the SERP, so the first lines of the description can affect the click through rate and overall SEO.

  • The Transcript:  A transcript is a document that contains the narration said in your video. This matters because YouTube crawlers as of yet cannot process audiovisual content but they can go through text. 
In other words, if you pair your video with a transcript whether written by a person or AI or even both, the words mentioned in your can lend their hand as keywords. This gives a heavier and more varied keyword density. 

Helpful Tip:  In the first 15 seconds of your video, mention your focus keyword. This will allow your transcript to have the full SEO potential. 

Optimize your YouTube video content for SEO

You might think that Video SEO is one of the last steps for a video marketing campaign. Which makes sense too. YouTube SEO strategy plays a huge role in the visibility of your video across YouTube or other channels. But it may come as a surprise to you that a top notch YouTube SEO strategy begins with your script.

It's possible for you to use the keywords that have a good amount of search volume as a base for a video topic, this way you can reach out to the audience that's organically interested in that topic.

There are other ways your video script affects your ranking on the YouTube SERP.  These are:

  • Length of Script:  The SEO algorithm for YouTube loves longer videos and it's simply because longer videos make the viewers spend more time on the platform.
Apart from that, longer videos are often associated with higher quality content since many assume that there was more effort put into the production of it.

Yes, video length is important but don't drag along a topic just for the sake of making it longer. YouTube also takes into account watch-time, likes and shares and these can be put at stake if your content is dragging, repetitive.

  • The Introduction:  Another factor that defines your videos ranking is Audience Retention. This is a metric that represents how long viewers watch your video.
Ideally you want your viewers to watch all the way to the end of your video but that's not the case for all viewers. There are ways to hold your viewers attention right from the start.

You can begin by highlighting the benefits of watching your video. This needs to be consistent with what you promise in your title, description and thumbnail. You need to deliver on whatever you mention because viewers who clicked on your video have those same expectations.

  • The Calls to Action:  Videos that bring in new subscribers, lots of engagement in the comment section as well as likes and shares are the ones that perform better on the results page. 
This is one of the most challenging factors in YouTube SEO because you have no control over how people want to engage or interact with your video. But, you can influence their decisions by prompting them into taking action. This is why it's crucial to include these calls to actions into your script.

The amount of calls to action depends largely on the length of your video, but in a 10-20 minute video you would normally find 3 calls to action. One in the beginning, middle and end.

Things to remember 

Ranking for that coveted first spot on the YouTube search engine may seem like it can only be done by long-time youtubers, huge companies or even adorable animal videos but realistically, anyone can get there just by having the right video SEO strategy. 

Focus on long-tail keywords instead of the broader ones. You would be aiming for a reduced group of YouTube searches but those users would be looking for exactly what your video offers and will be more likely to click on your video.

Your YouTube SEO strategy should not be an afterthought. If you take into account the SEO factors right from the very first stages of video production, especially when writing the script, this gives you the chance to work with keywords you already know people are searching for!

What's important to remember is that people can't enjoy or interact with your video if they can't find it. Make the right Video SEO moves, be competitive in the vast ocean of content and your audience is sure to find you.
by Bassem Ghali 9 December 2024
Toronto's construction market is fiercely competitive. To stay ahead, you must keep up with the latest digital trends. One of the biggest game-changers recently is Google's AI Overviews. This new feature uses artificial intelligence to give people quick summaries of what they're searching for, which means they might need help to even click on individual results. So, how does this affect your construction business? It means you have to work even harder to stand out in search results. At Green Lotus, we help construction businesses like yours adapt to these changes and ensure you're still getting noticed by potential clients. We focus on making your website and content the best it can be, so even with AI in the mix, you come out on top. Deconstructing AI Overviews: How They Impact Your Construction Business AI Overviews represent Google's attempt to deliver quick and comprehensive answers to user queries directly on the search results page. This means that your online presence needs to be optimized not only for traditional SEO factors but also for these AI-powered summaries. Consider it a competition to become the "featured snippet" for various construction-related searches. If your business consistently provides the most relevant and authoritative information, you'll be well-positioned to capture valuable leads and drive business growth. Check our digital marketing services contractors, construction companies & SEO services home builders Content is King, Context is Queen, and Quality is the Kingdom: In-depth Content: Go beyond basic service descriptions. Toronto residents commonly encounter roofing difficulties, such as leaks and damaged shingles. To acquire confidence and demonstrate your competence, provide high-quality content that addresses these challenges and even more. A guide like "Navigating Your Roofing Options in Toronto" may appeal to your target audience. Alternatively, provide practical advice in an article such as "Top 5 Roofing Problems in Toronto and How to Prevent Them". Focusing on your audience's requirements allows you actually to connect with them. Keyword Optimization: Integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your content. Use long-tail keywords that show the specific services you offer and the areas you serve. For example, if you provide "custom home building in North York," incorporate this phrase and related variations throughout your website and content. Schema Markup: Schema markup is like a translator between your website and Google's AI. It helps the algorithms understand the context of your content, making it more likely to be included in AI Overviews. Ensure your website uses schema markup to identify your services, location, customer reviews, and other essential information. Elevate Your Google Business Profile: Comprehensive and Accurate Information: Consider your Google Business Profile your digital storefront. It is frequently the first impression a potential consumer receives, so keeping it correct and current is essential. This includes ensuring that your company's name, address, and phone number are accurate. But don't stop there! Include your website, service areas, business hours, and any extra services you offer. A rich and accurate profile enables customers to easily find you and understand what your firm is all about. Visual Storytelling: A picture is worth a thousand words, and high-quality photos and videos can make all the difference in the world of online search. Showcase your completed projects, highlight your team's expertise, and give potential customers a visual tour of your capabilities. Customer Reviews as Social Proof: Encourage satisfied customers to leave detailed and positive reviews on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews improve your local SEO and enhance your credibility and trustworthiness in AI Overviews. Consider implementing a system for collecting customer feedback and testimonials. Building a Robust Online Presence: Local Citations for Authority: Consider local citations virtual "votes of confidence" for your business. Ensure your business information is consistently listed across relevant online directories and platforms, including industry-specific directories, local business associations, and general online directories. Backlinks as Trust Signals: Boost your website's authority with high-quality backlinks. Think of backlinks as a much-needed vote of confidence from other websites. When reputable sites in the construction industry, such as suppliers, associations, or even local news outlets, link to yours, it signals to Google that your content is valuable. This increases your website's trustworthiness and improves its search ranking. Backlink development is essential for enhancing your website's search engine rankings. These "endorsements" indicate to Google that your content is trustworthy and deserving of promotion in search results. The better your website ranks, the easier it will be for potential clients to locate you. Social Media Engagement: Maintain an active and engaging presence on social media platforms relevant to your business. Share valuable content, engage with your followers, and join industry-related discussions. Social media signals fluctuate but might indirectly affect your SEO and increase your online presence. Harnessing the Power of AI and Automation: AI-Powered Tools for Efficiency: Digital marketing is evolving rapidly, and small businesses must stay ahead. AI-powered tools can help you streamline your efforts and uncover new opportunities. From content creation to social media management, AI offers valuable solutions. You can gain a competitive edge in your market by embracing these technologies. Sales Automation for Lead Nurturing: Use sales automation solutions to improve lead generation and customer relationship management procedures. This can help you generate more leads, build stronger relationships, and convert prospects into paying clients. Real-World Applications for Construction Businesses: Consider a Toronto-based construction company specializing in historic building restoration. By creating in-depth content on topics like "heritage home preservation techniques" or "restoring Victorian architecture in Ontario" and optimizing their Google Business Profile with relevant keywords, images, and customer reviews, they can increase their chances of being featured in AI Overviews for related searches.
Google's AI Overviews
by Bassem Ghali 14 October 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI), local search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing aren't just buzzwords anymore; they're how your small business may realize its digital potential. The rules have again altered thanks to Google's recent innovations in generative AI search. This technology doesn't just make it faster to find information; it also changes how you study, plan, and even come up with new ideas, which will help you get more leads and grow your business. What is Generative AI Search? Imagine asking Google a complex question like, "Find the best HVAC technicians in North York with at least ten years of experience and emergency service availability." With generative AI, you won't have to wade through pages of results; instead, you'll get a brief synopsis of the best possibilities with links to their websites that emphasize their salient qualities. This feature is used by Google's new Gemini model, which is designed to search, to give more complete and easy-to-use results. How Can Generative AI Benefit Your Small Business? For small business owners in Toronto, like contractors, plumbers, or cleaning services, generative AI search offers a wealth of opportunities: Enhanced Local SEO Want to show up in those helpful AI summaries? Generative AI helps you understand what your customers are searching for and how to optimize your website accordingly. Check our Local SEO Services! Streamlined Research Do you ever feel like there is too much information for you to handle, especially when it comes to the newest ways to get rid of pests or fix water damage? Getting water from a firehose is impossible! The most important information can be summed up by generative AI to help you quickly understand what you need without being too overloaded. It's kind of like your own CliffNotes for staying up to date in your area. Improved Decision-Making Sometimes we get stuck on a paper while we try to figure out how to sell our business or buy new tools in a way that gets us the most for our money. It can feel like putting together a puzzle that no one has all the pieces for! But what if you had a professional with you to help you sort through the choices and weigh the pros and cons? AI that can make things can do that. To have someone you can trust help you make smart business choices is like having a trusted guide. Boosted Productivity You can focus on other important things while creative AI plans things like team-building events or meal plans.
by Bassem Ghali 10 October 2024
Almost half (46%) of all Google searches are for local information, such as "near me" searches. Homeowners use their smartphones to find solutions for everything from leaky faucets to faulty wiring. For companies offering home services, roofing , electricians , plumbers and contracting like yours, local SEO is crucial to ensure that you are the top choice when urgent needs arise. This guide offers a simplified approach to local SEO, specifically designed for busy contractors or home service providers. We will avoid using complex language and provide practical strategies and real-world examples to help you attract local customers, convert leads, and dominate your service area. The Foundations of Local SEO Success Google My Business (GMB): Complete Your Profile: Include accurate and detailed information about your business. Verify Your Listing: Confirm your business's digital address with Google. Categorize Strategically: Select categories that precisely match your services. Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews build trust and credibility. Engage with GMB Posts: Share updates and offers to keep your profile active. NAP Citations: Ensure Consistency: Maintain identical Name, Address, and Phone number across all online platforms. Prioritize Quality: Focus on reputable directories and avoid spammy listings. On-Page Optimization: Keyword Research: Identify and incorporate relevant keywords into your website content. Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Craft compelling descriptions that entice clicks. Create Localized Content: Develop pages targeting specific neighborhoods or areas you serve. Mobile-First Approach: Ensure your website is responsive and user-friendly on all devices. Optimize Website Speed: A fast-loading website improves user experience and search rankings. Link Building: Local Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses for cross-promotion and link exchange. Community Engagement: Sponsor local events or participate in community forums to earn links and build goodwill. Guest Blogging: Share your expertise on relevant industry blogs to gain exposure and backlinks. Reviews and Reputation Management: Monitor Reviews: Actively respond to both positive and negative reviews. Address Concerns: Resolve issues raised in negative reviews to demonstrate customer commitment. Encourage Feedback: Make it easy for satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
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