Creating video content that resonates with your audience is a fantastic way to grow your brand, but without the right keywords, even the most engaging videos can go unnoticed. Keywords are the bridge that connects your content with the people who are searching for it. But how do you find those magical words? Let's break it down step-by-step.
In this guide, we'll walk through the entire process of finding video keywords. From understanding your audience to using the right tools, you'll learn how to optimize your videos for search engines and, ultimately, your viewers. We'll take a look at real examples and practical tips to make sure you're equipped to start identifying the keywords that will drive your content's success.
Know Your Audience
Before diving into keyword research, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of who your audience is. Imagine you’re throwing a party. You wouldn’t just invite anyone off the street, right? You’d want to invite people who enjoy the kind of get-together you’re hosting. The same principle applies here.
Start by asking yourself a few questions: Who are you making videos for? What are their interests and pain points? Where do they hang out online? Think about their age, gender, location, and even their lifestyle. These factors can significantly influence the keywords they use when searching for content.
Once you have a solid grasp of your audience, jot down some initial keyword ideas. These can be broad at first, like “digital photography tips” if you’re targeting budding photographers. Remember, the more you know about your audience, the better equipped you'll be to discover the keywords they’re likely to use.
Brainstorm Initial Keywords
With your audience in mind, it’s time to brainstorm some initial keywords. This step is all about getting the creative juices flowing. Don’t overthink it; just grab a pen and paper or open a new document and start writing down anything that comes to mind.
Consider the topics you cover in your videos. Are there specific problems your content addresses? What questions do people frequently ask in your niche? Use these as a starting point for your keyword list. If you’re stumped, think about the phrases you would type into a search engine if you were looking for content like yours.
It can help to use a mind map to organize your thoughts. Start with a broad topic in the center and branch out into more specific subtopics. This visual approach can help you see connections and uncover keywords you might not have thought of initially.
Use YouTube's Autocomplete Feature
One of the simplest and most effective ways to find video keywords is by using YouTube’s autocomplete feature. This tool gives you a peek into the minds of searchers by showing you what people are already looking for.
Head over to YouTube and start typing your initial keywords into the search bar. Notice the suggestions that pop up? These are popular searches related to your keyword. For example, if you type “how to bake,” you might see suggestions like “how to bake a cake” or “how to bake bread.”
Make a note of these suggestions, as they can be goldmines for keyword ideas. Not only are they indicative of what people are searching for, but they also give you a sense of the kind of content people want to see. Take note of these suggested keywords and consider how they align with your content.
Research Competitors' Videos
Checking out what your competitors are doing is another great way to find video keywords. After all, if their videos are ranking well, it’s worth understanding what keywords they might be targeting.
Start by identifying a few competitors in your niche. Watch their top-performing videos and pay close attention to the titles, descriptions, and tags they use. These elements often contain the keywords they’re targeting. While you’re at it, take a look at the comments section. Sometimes viewers ask questions or suggest topics, which can give you additional keyword ideas.
However, don’t just copy what they’re doing. Use these insights to inspire your approach. Think about how you can target similar keywords with your unique spin or angle. This way, you’re not just replicating their strategy but innovating on it.
Leverage Keyword Research Tools
There are numerous keyword research tools out there that can help you uncover popular search terms. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush are excellent for finding keywords related to your topic. While these tools are often used for website SEO, they can be equally beneficial for video content.
With these tools, you can input your initial keywords and get a list of related terms, along with data on search volume and competition. This information is invaluable as it helps you prioritize which keywords to focus on. Look for keywords with a good balance of search volume and competition. Too much competition, and you might struggle to rank; too little, and there might not be enough interest in the topic.
Remember, while these tools provide helpful data, they should complement your understanding of your audience and the insights you gathered from other methods, not replace them.
Analyze Search Trends
Search trends can give you a sense of how popular a keyword is over time. Google Trends is a handy tool for this purpose. Simply enter a keyword to see its popularity over weeks, months, or years.
Understanding these trends can guide your content strategy. For instance, if you notice that “Christmas decoration ideas” spikes every November, you know when to release seasonal content. On the other hand, if a keyword is steadily declining, it might not be worth your time to target it.
Trends can also help you spot emerging topics. If you see a keyword gaining traction, it could be an opportunity to create content before the market becomes saturated. Being ahead of the curve can give you a competitive edge and establish you as a thought leader in your niche.
Refine Your List with Long-Tail Keywords
While broad keywords are important, don’t overlook the power of long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that often have less competition and can attract highly targeted traffic.
For example, instead of just targeting “baking tips,” you might go for “easy baking tips for beginners.” These keywords may have lower search volumes, but they can bring in viewers who are more likely to engage with your content because it directly addresses their needs.
To find long-tail keywords, return to your list of initial keywords and think about how you can make them more specific. Consider adding modifiers like “best,” “easy,” or “for beginners” to create phrases that match the intent of your audience more closely.
Test and Optimize Over Time
Once you have your list of keywords, it’s time to put them into action. Use them strategically in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. But remember, SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. It requires ongoing attention and tweaking.
After publishing your videos, track their performance. Are they getting the views and engagement you hoped for? If not, don’t be afraid to revisit your keywords and make adjustments. Sometimes a small tweak can make a big difference.
It’s also worth experimenting with different keywords over time. What works today might not work tomorrow, so stay flexible and ready to adapt to changes in viewer behavior and search algorithms.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right video keywords might seem like a lot of work, but it’s an investment that pays off by connecting your content to the right audience. By understanding your viewers, brainstorming effectively, and using the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to crafting videos that not only reach more people but resonate with them.
Speaking of reaching the right audience, Pattern can help you streamline this process. As an SEO agency, we specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic from Google and turning that traffic into paying customers. We focus on results, not just rankings, and we create programmatic landing pages targeting hundreds of search terms. This means more people find your brand and, importantly, more people who are ready to buy. If you're looking to make SEO a true growth channel, not just a guessing game, check us out at Pattern.