Do links in the description of YouTube videos count for SEO?
I am working for a startup that is still in the development stage. It would be great to get some initial traction through search traffic. We don't have a blog up yet but we do have short YouTube explainer videos and promotion videos. How can I use these videos to get found on search engines?
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Aug 31, 2018
Yeah, they do work.
Though their effect isn't that much. But for link diversity, you really should do it. A few months ago we did the same thing for Reviewer Tips website that reviews automotive, tools, outdoor, home, kitchen related products. Their helpful blog section is also good. They got a few backlinks from those videos and also some referral traffic as a bonus. They had very few links initially so those few links were important for them. Especially as they were just starting they needed some basic links like these. Going extreme from the beginning isn't good. Having links from Youtube, Quora is always a good thing.
May 22, 2016
The description box is a crucial player in your YouTube marketing strategy because its contents (along with your titles, tags, and captions) help YouTube to determine if and where your videos rank on search or as related videos. The html-ready box can also include clickable links which appear in search engine results. This is where you will optimize your video for maximum effectiveness and post links that will connect your viewers to your website, offers, and other online sources.
Your videos description is VERY important.
Because Google and YouTube can’t “listen” to videos, they rely on your text description to determine your video’s content.
Here are the basic guidelines for the description:
- Put your link at the very top of the video (this maximizes CTR to your site)
- Include your keyword in the first 25 words
- Make the description at least 250-words
- Include your keyword 3-4 times
Tip: If your landing page URL is very long, or doesn't contain any relevant keywords then consider using a URL Shortener like bit.ly to customize the link.
That way, you can confirm just how much traffic that first link sent you.
Must read online resources:
5 Ways to Hack the YouTube Description Box for Better Rankings Source: 5 YouTube Description Box Hacks for Better Rankings http://www.reelseo.com/youtube-description-box/#ixzz49OQzymJ2 ©ReelSEO.com, All Rights Reserved
5 Advanced YouTube SEO Tactics to Drive More Traffic to Your Videos & Website
https://searchenginewatch.com/sew/how-to/2340726/5-advanced-youtube-seo-tactics-to-drive-more-traffic-to-your-videos-website
YouTube SEO: The Ultimate Guide
http://backlinko.com/how-to-rank-youtube-videos
The Optimal YouTube Video Description: A Reel How-To Guide Source: YouTube Video Descriptions: A How-To Guide to Optimizing! http://www.reelseo.com/youtube-video-description/#ixzz49ORL0QEj
©ReelSEO.com, All Rights Reserved
Jun 12, 2018
You can also get ideas from top-ranking videos and optimize your keyword accordingly. This will make you appear in related videos for those top ranking videos.
-Anne Fonsi
-www.bamuna.com
May 13, 2016
I'm going to be very blunt and clearly in the minority here. Is there value in being on youtube? Yes, if you're a big brand and the purpose for having your video on youtube is to educate folks with a "How to" video, or you're creating supplemental entertainment marketing like a Redbull type of brand. Otherwise, don't do it! Private hosting is the way to go.
In short, your explainer video should be on your website's homepage. Do this first before ever placing your video on youtube!
Consider what it is you want your viewer to do after they've seen your explainer video. And think about how to make it easy for them to take that action. This is a combination of providing an excellent user experience and creating the opportunity for your viewer to make the minimum viable conversion.
If your visitor's minimum viable conversion is to contact you to learn more or to buy your product. The video should only be on your website, because that is where your conversion takes place.
Check out my video to learn more about Video SEO. Here's a link to part 1:
http://artiemedia.com/why-video-now/what-is-video-seo-part1/
And make sure to watch part 2:
http://artiemedia.com/why-video-now/what-is-video-seo-part2/
These videos are a great starting place, but video marketing strategy is all about optimizing your conversions -and every business has unique goals that require different levels of conversions for different points in the buyer's journey.
You're welcome to contact me to learn more, Andrew. TalkSoon [at] ArtieMedia [dot]com
May 13, 2016
Good question Andrew! The answer like most have given is YES. It does count. Any website with good reputation/traffic is a good source for acquiring quality backlinks. However it's advisable that the link be relevant and in the right content. Too many links is not recommended in the same video. Make sure you properly optimize the video with right keywords/content as well.
May 13, 2016
Yes this can certainly help to 'Expand Your Web". SEO is not just ONE thing.... so adding a YouTube video with great description, keyword, and links back to your site can definitely help expand your web. You can then embed that same video into your Website, your blog, your Facebook Business account, and add links to it in your newsletters. And the links, the description, the backlink to your site, can all help with SEO and can show up in Google Search and YouTube search. If you need more help or want to learn about SEO, we can help.
headTrix, Inc. | Adobe Certified Training & Consulting
www.headTrixTraining.com
310.450.0122
Consulting | Design | Development | Training
May 13, 2016
Hi Andrew, I've been doing SEO/Digital Marketing for 11+ years now and run a leading UK Digital Marketing Agency called Odyssey New Media (odysseynewmedia.com)
Here is my view based on your question:
1) YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine in the world - so you definitely need to optimise for YouTube search.
2) Optimising for YouTube Search - When you write titles, descriptions and also add search tags etc. relating to your video content, this will help you get found on YouTube search as well as give users information relating to your video
3) Relevant Links are valuable for SEO - relevant links can and should be placed in description text areas for videos. Make sure you include relevant links to the video content. If you sold mobile phones and created a review video for iPhones, then a direct link to the iPhone you are reviewing makes sense. It doesn't make sense to just throw a link to your homepage in there though because its not as directly relevant to the content and focus of the video.
4) Ranking with YouTube videos - Popular YouTube videos which are optimised and have high views can appear in normal Google organic search results. Again, well optimised titles, descriptions and tagging can encourage this to happen but your video will also have had to attract a significant number of views.
I hope this helps you out. If you have any other questions or require services relating to SEO, YouTube optimisation, promotion or anything else please feel free to email me on rob (at) odysseynewmedia (dot) com.
Kind regards,
Rob Stoubos
Owner & MD of Odyssey New Media
May 13, 2016
Yes, It count for SEO. It's good for you if your link is relevant according to your content, audience and business.
May 12, 2016
The link needs to be relevant to the content and target visitor, then it can't go against you.
May 12, 2016
Absolutely! Any respected site where you have a link to your website will help with SEO. It has to be relevant and related to your business.
Giselle
AZ Social Media Wiz
Thanks Roshan for the articles as well as the detailed explanation. I didn't know I could include links in the html box. Good to know.