Are you looking into improving your SEO? Well we have prepared an advanced look at SEO-optimizing descriptions that go beyond the basics just for you. These tips will help refine your approach, get in the better graces with YouTube’s algorithm, and attract loyal viewers who resonate with your content.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Keywords
As Google’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) and semantic search tools get smarter, ranking on YouTube requires more than just tossing in a few keywords. The game has shifted toward creating content that reflects real questions viewers are asking. Why? Because search engines are now all about intent—they want to understand the context and deliver the most relevant, satisfying answer to each search.
So, if you’re making a video about specific camera settings, you’ll want to think beyond the term “camera settings.” Instead, put yourself in the viewer’s shoes: What questions might they be asking? A phrase like “What are the best camera settings for night photography?” not only directly reflects a common query but also mirrors natural language.
Using tools like VidIQ or AnswerThePublic can give you insights into the specific questions people are typing in. These tools will show you popular, question-based keywords related to your topic, letting you create video titles, descriptions, and content that sound like direct answers. Not only does this help with SEO, but it also makes your content feel more relevant.
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Competitor Keywords and SEO
Taking advantage of competitor keywords is all about making them work for you without fighting an uphill battle on the exact same terms. By adding niche twists to keywords that established creators already rank for, you can target less competitive phrases that still capture search intent—meaning you'll pop up in related searches without going head-to-head with major channels. Here’s how to optimize for competitor keywords in ways that can help you stand out:
Find the Gaps in Competitor Keywords
Tools like VidIQ’s are invaluable here, helping you peek behind the scenes of what keywords your competitors are already ranking for. Think about keywords that underscore unique features or specific problems your target audience might have. If a popular creator ranks well for "video editing software," you could target something like “video editing software with auto-sync” or “budget-friendly editing software for beginners.” These phrases appeal to niche audiences and cater directly to search intent—people often look for certain features, price points, or user levels that popular videos might not cover in detail.
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Influencer Mentions
Try including phrases like “Inspired by [Influencer]” or “Following [Influencer]'s Advice” directly in your video titles or descriptions. For instance, if you’re a creator inspired by another popular creator, using titles like “My Results from [creator]’s Challenge” can be a good idea to attract viewers.
However, use keywords like these sparingly and only when applicable. If you were inspired by another creator, give them credit! This will make you much more trustworthy in the eyes of the audience, the other creator, and the YouTube algorithm itself.
Unique Selling Points with Value-Based Keywords
Audiences love to know what makes your content stand out. Try using value-focused keywords like “no-bull reviews,” “data-backed insights,” or “hands-on tutorials” that communicate value upfront and clarify what sets your channel apart. For example, if you're sharing cooking tips, a description might read, "A no-nonsense approach to 5-minute dinners for busy nights."
Emotional Trigger Words
Appeal to viewers' emotions by incorporating compelling language. Words like “insightful,” “surprising,” “shocking,” or “eye-opening” evoke curiosity. Emotional hooks can improve click-through rates and engagement. Describe your video with sentences like, “Discover shocking stats that will change the way you think about YouTube SEO in 2024.”
However, it’s important to keep in mind that emotional trigger words should be used sparingly as well, because instead of the desired effect your SEO might look like a typical clickbait title, and YouTube doesn’t exactly care for it.
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High-Value Link Structures in Your Descriptions
Instead of a basic list, strategically organize links in a "journey" format. For example:
- “For first-time viewers, check out our beginner playlist”
- “Ready to level up? See our advanced techniques”
- “Exclusive behind-the-scenes tips are shared on our Patreon”
This keeps viewers engaged with a sense of progression and personalizes their experience, potentially increasing watch time and subscriber conversion.
Upcoming Trends or Industry Insights
Mention relevant trends or forecasts related to your video topic. Doing so not only shows viewers your channel is up-to-date but can also improve searchability when trends become widely discussed. This might look like, “Stay tuned for 2024’s biggest editing software update tips” or “Future-proof your YouTube SEO strategies with these tools.”
SEO strategies aren’t as intimidating or bad as one might think at first. If you know what you’re doing, most of the time it comes naturally. The main advice we would give is to keep creating and keep experimenting, because that is what will make your content and your SEO better! If you are struggling with it on your own, AIR Media-Tech is only a message away!
