Keyword research is a crucial step in optimizing your YouTube video tags, titles, and descriptions to improve discoverability. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to research keywords for YouTube:
Step 1: Understand Your Video Content:
- Before diving into keyword research, have a clear understanding of the content of your video. What is it about? What are the main topics or themes?
Step 2: Brainstorm Initial Keywords:
- Start by brainstorming a list of potential keywords and phrases related to your video. Think about what terms viewers might use to search for content like yours.
Step 3: Use YouTube’s Autocomplete:
- Go to the YouTube search bar and start typing some of your initial keywords. YouTube’s autocomplete feature will suggest related search phrases. Take note of these suggestions.
Step 4: Analyze YouTube Search Results:
- Conduct searches using your potential keywords and examine the search results. Pay attention to the top-ranking videos and the keywords they use in their titles, descriptions, and tags.
Step 5: Use Keyword Research Tools:
- Utilize keyword research tools to expand your list of keywords and gather data on their search volume and competition. Some popular tools include:
- Google Keyword Planner
- YouTube’s built-in keyword tool
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Moz Keyword Explorer
Step 6: Evaluate Keyword Metrics:
- In your chosen keyword research tool, analyze the metrics for each keyword, such as search volume and competition. Aim for keywords with a balance of decent search volume and manageable competition.
Step 7: Long-Tail Keywords:
- Consider using long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases. These often have less competition and can target a niche audience effectively.
Step 8: Prioritize Keywords:
- Based on the metrics and relevance, prioritize the keywords you want to target. Identify the primary keyword that best describes your video’s main topic.
Step 9: Create a Keyword-Rich Title:
- Craft a video title that incorporates your primary keyword naturally. Make it engaging and descriptive.
Step 10: Craft a Detailed Description:
- Write a video description that includes the primary keyword and related keywords. Provide context about your video’s content, and include links to relevant content and social media profiles.
Step 11: Tag Optimization:
- Add tags to your video that include your primary keyword and related keywords. Use variations and synonyms of your main keyword.
Step 12: Monitor Performance:
- After publishing your video, keep an eye on its performance in YouTube Analytics. Assess which keywords are driving traffic and refine your keyword strategy accordingly.
Remember that keyword research is an ongoing process. Trends change, and new keywords may emerge, so periodically revisit and update your keyword strategy to stay relevant and maintain high search visibility for your YouTube videos.