How to Write YouTube Descriptions to Boost Video Visibility
Mastering the art of writing YouTube descriptions to enhance video SEO
A video description is one factor supporting your video SEO on YouTube.
If you watch a YouTube video, you will find a description box below the video.
A description should contain additional information to your video and may encourage viewers to do a specific action.
It doesn’t have to be long and winding, but still tricky to create.
A well-written and appropriately-structured video description can help you boost SEO and the video’s visibility.
Here are some steps to creating YouTube descriptions, from researching keywords to giving timestamps.
#1. Research your keywords
In any SEO tips, keyword research may come at the top of the to-do list.
Thanks to the advent of technology, you can research keywords instantly from many platforms.
The easiest and free way to look for potential keywords is to go to Google Trends and YouTube search bar.
In Google Trends, you can search your topic, and Google will provide several potential keywords that many are looking for.
Meanwhile, you can also type your topic on the YouTube search bar, and it will list options for what people are typing.
Additionally, you can use SEO tools to generate keywords — for example, TubeBuddy, Vidiq, and TubeRanker.
Aim to have one to three keywords in every video, in which one main keyword must appear in the title.
#2. Know how to place your keywords
Once you get the keywords you need, understand the rule of placing the keywords on your video description.
Here are several things you need to take note of:
- Place the primary keyword at least once in the first three sentences.
- Repeat the primary keyword two to three times in the description.
- Use similar keywords to avoid overstating.
- Keep your description flowing naturally to avoid keyword stuffing.
Make the primary keyword count in the first 200 characters to place it above the fold (a.k.a; the “Show more” button).
Besides, make your video description flow naturally by including relevant or similar keywords to avoid keyword stuffing.
#3. Explain your content, write like a human
Commonly, YouTubers or brands have their specific call-out name to greet viewers.
You can make a compelling description by addressing your viewers with a unique name.
Continue with explaining your content. For example, what problems you cover and what solutions you offer.
You may also add additional sources related to the video to build credibility.
Also, the best practice for writing a video description is to address viewers personally, so don’t hesitate to use the first pronouns.
#4. Add a call-to-action (CTA)
The description box is a great place to promote your other resources.
For example, you can include your social media accounts to drive people to follow you or add a link to your relevant blog post.
Some influencers also put affiliate links in their description box. Ensure you’ve read the policy if you want to do the same.
If you don’t have any resources related to your content, you can encourage viewers to subscribe and share your video.
You can also ask them to turn on the notification bell, so they’ll get notified when you upload a new video.
Read: The 5 Most Used Call-to-Action Designs on the Internet [INFOGRAPHIC]
#5. Include links appropriately
To optimize engagement of your channel by including links to your video description.
Ensure to include the http:// or https:// to make your links work. Commonly, people shorten their URLs to make them concise.
You can place links at the end of your description or wherever appropriate.
#6. Give timestamps to make videos scannable
Add timestamps in your description to make your video scannable.
Timestamps enhance user experience on your channel, resulting in increased watch time and video ranking.
Google also indexes timestamps for mobile searches.
A tip to make your timestamps bomb is incorporating keywords so that Google can index them better.
#7. Show your personality
Write a description with your voice and show your personality.
Create a fun reading experience for your viewers and build bonding with them.
Genuinely spell out your video value and send your message to them.
Overall, a well-written video description is necessary for growing YouTube subscribers.
You can create a template for your video description to help you write faster in the future.
Consider tracking your keyword performance and video metrics to see if your effort works.
Leverage the analytic page to spot holes and improve your video SEO more in the future.‘
If you plan to run a YouTube marketing, read our guide here: YouTube for Business — The Essentials For an Effective YouTube Strategy
