In this video, I want to talk about how to publish YouTube videos actually Rank. Why do some YouTube videos rank and bring in views over time, while others seem to disappear after just a few days?
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1. Create A Strong YouTube Title
Your title is one of the first things people see before deciding whether to click on your video. A weak title can hold a good video back, while a strong title can help the right viewer understand exactly why they should watch.
A good YouTube title should be clear, relevant and interesting. It should tell people what the video is about without misleading them.
There is nothing wrong with using curiosity in your titles, but I personally do not like titles that are misleading or clickbaity. If the title promises something, the video should deliver on that promise.
AI tools such as ChatGPT can be useful for brainstorming title ideas. I do not see AI as a replacement for our own thinking, but it can certainly help generate ideas and save time. You can then choose the best title, adjust it and make sure it properly reflects your video.
If you are new to creating videos, you may also find this post helpful: How To Record Your First YouTube Video Without Overthinking It.
2. Design A Thumbnail That Stands Out
Your thumbnail works alongside your title. The title tells people what the video is about, while the thumbnail helps catch their eye.
You do not need to be a professional designer to create better thumbnails. I certainly do not claim to have design skills, but tools such as Canva, ChatGPT and other platforms have made thumbnail creation much easier than it used to be.
A good thumbnail should be clear and easy to understand. It should not be too cluttered, and it should support the message of the title.
When someone sees your thumbnail, they should quickly understand what the video is about. If the thumbnail and title work together, you are giving people a much better reason to click.
For anyone building an online business, this is also a good reminder that presentation matters. Whether it is a YouTube thumbnail, a blog post image or a landing page, first impressions count.
3. Write A Helpful YouTube Description
Your YouTube description is another opportunity to help both viewers and YouTube understand your video.
A good description should explain what the video is about, include important keywords naturally and provide any useful links mentioned in the video.
Again, ChatGPT can be helpful here, especially if you are working from your video transcript. However, it is important that the description stays honest and accurate. The description should be based on what is actually in the video, not something you wish had been in the video.
I like to include a short summary, a list of what the video covers and a clear call to action. If there are relevant links, they can also be added to the description.
If you are using YouTube as part of a wider online business, it is also helpful to send people back to your own website where appropriate. I have written more about this in my post: Do Not Build Your Business On Borrowed Land.
4. Add Relevant Tags
YouTube tags may not be as important as they once were, but I still believe they are worth using.
YouTube gives us space to add up to 500 characters of tags, so I normally make use of that space. Tags can help give YouTube extra context about the subject of your video.
The key is to keep the tags relevant. Do not add popular keywords that have nothing to do with your video. That does not help the viewer, and it does not help your channel in the long term.
Examples of useful tags might include your main topic, related search terms, your channel name and any relevant tools or platforms mentioned in the video.
5. Choose The Right Playlist
Playlists are easy to overlook, but they can be very useful.
A playlist helps organise your videos into topics. This makes it easier for viewers to find related content and can encourage them to watch more than one video.
I know from my own experience that I often watch videos through playlists when I am researching or learning something. If one video is useful, I may carry on watching the next video in the playlist.
If you create videos about YouTube tips, affiliate marketing, WordPress, AI tools or online business, it makes sense to group similar videos together. This helps viewers and also helps keep your channel more organised.
You may also find this post useful if you are creating content around business and affiliate marketing: Affiliate Marketing For Beginners.
6. Add Cards And End Screens
Cards and end screens are another way to encourage viewers to watch more of your content.
This is something I know I could improve on myself. It is easy to publish a video and forget to add these extra elements, but they can be very useful.
An end screen can point viewers to another video, a playlist or your subscribe button. If someone has watched to the end of your video, there is a good chance they may be interested in watching something else from you.
Cards can also be used during the video to point people towards related content. For example, if you mention another video or topic, you can use a card to make it easier for viewers to find it.
This is a simple way to keep people on your channel for longer and help them discover more of your content.
7. Publish And Share Your Video
Once your video is published, it is worth sharing it in sensible places.
I normally share my videos on my Facebook page and LinkedIn business page. Depending on your audience, you may also share on other social media platforms, in an email newsletter or on your own website.
The important thing is to share naturally. You do not want to spam people, but there is nothing wrong with letting your audience know that you have created something useful.
Every viewer counts, especially when you are building a channel. A video may grow slowly at first, but those early views, comments and watch time can still help.
If you are building your online presence, your website, YouTube channel and social media should work together. YouTube can bring people to your content, while your website can act as your home base.
8. Check Your YouTube Analytics
YouTube Analytics can teach you a lot, but it is important not to become obsessed with the numbers.
When I first started online many years ago, I would regularly check stats and look to see if any commissions had come in. It is easy to spend too much time checking numbers instead of creating useful content.
Analytics are helpful, but they should be used wisely.
You may want to look at things such as:
- How many views the video received
- How long people watched for
- Where the traffic came from
- Which thumbnails and titles seem to work best
- Which videos lead to subscribers
- Which topics your audience responds to
The goal is not to stare at the numbers all day. The goal is to learn from them and then apply what you learn to future videos.
9. Learn Something From Every Upload
One of the most important things I have learned is that every upload can teach you something.
I did not particularly enjoy school when I was younger, but as I have got older, I enjoy learning far more. When you learn something useful, it can make life easier and help you move forward.
The same is true with YouTube. Every video gives you an opportunity to improve.
You might learn that a certain title style works better. You might discover that your thumbnail needs to be clearer. You might realise that people are dropping off too early in the video, or that a particular topic is getting more interest than expected.
You do not have to learn everything at once. Just try to improve little by little. If you can learn something new most days, or even several times a week, that knowledge begins to build up.
Creating videos is a long-term process. The more you create, the more you learn.
Why I Recommend Video Ranking Academy
As I mentioned earlier, I have been a member of Video Ranking Academy for over five years.
I purchased the training several years ago, and one of the things I like is that I still have access today. The training has been updated over time, and there are also additional resources, testimonials and a private community where members can ask questions.
For me, it has been a helpful resource because I am always learning more about YouTube. Even after creating many videos, there is always something else to improve.
YouTube changes, tools change and the way people watch videos changes. That is why ongoing learning is important.
If you are serious about growing on YouTube, I believe it is worth learning from people who understand the platform and have tested what works.
Final Thoughts
Ranking on YouTube is not guaranteed, but there are many things we can do to give our videos a better chance.
Start with a strong title. Create a clear thumbnail. Write a helpful description. Add relevant tags. Use playlists. Add cards and end screens. Share your video sensibly. Check your analytics without becoming obsessed. Most importantly, learn something from every upload.
You do not need to get everything perfect straight away. The important thing is to keep creating, keep learning and keep improving.
If you would like more help with YouTube, affiliate marketing and building an online business, you may find these posts useful:
- Video Ranking Academy Review
- How To Record Your First YouTube Video Without Overthinking It
- Do Not Build Your Business On Borrowed Land
- Affiliate Marketing For Beginners
- How To Start An Online Business
Thank you for reading, and I hope this helps you give your YouTube videos a better chance of ranking.