If you are thinking of creating a YouTube channel, or you already have it but do not perform what is expected, do not despair. We will show you a series of tips to optimize your YouTube channel that will help you squeeze your full potential.
Keep in mind that the competition on Google’s video platform is voracious. Therefore, it is important to be very clear that success does not come from nothing. You have to work it every day.
No goal, there is no success
The first thing you have to consider is what you want to achieve with your YouTube channel. Until you have a goal and a strategy that accompanies it, you will not optimize your YouTube channel.
Getting to upload videos without a strategy is like killing flies with cannons. To arouse the interest of your potential subscribers from the minute one have a proper strategy is vital.
When defining those lines you have to make special emphasis on making it clear what your audience will find when you enter your channel. They should know what content you are going to offer them without having to search your video list.
Starting from a clear objective is the time to work each and every one of the elements that are part of your YouTube channel:
1.- Channel name
Once you have defined the strategy you are going to follow well, the next thing is to give your YouTube channel a name. In addition to being your cover letter, when choosing it you have to take into account search engine positioning. Remember that YouTube is the second most used search engine in the world, only behind Google. Something that very few brands really take advantage of.
Therefore, it is recommended that you do a small research on the best keywords that your target audience uses. This is how you will take a giant step by making it easy for them to find you.
2.- Avatar
As important as the name is the images with which you will shape your channel. Choose an attractive image that looks good in both large and small resolutions and does not include any text. By reducing the image size it will not be read.
The first image you are going to upload will be that of your avatar. Remember to give it the same name as your channel and consider these factors:
- Youtube supports JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG formats. Does not support animated GIFs.
- Upload a 800×800 pixel header image.
- Avatar images must be square or rounded, and adjusted to a size of 98×98 pixels.
If you have the Google+ account linked to Youtube, the avatar that will be displayed will be the first one. To unlink both accounts go to ‘Youtube Settings’ and then ‘General Description’. There you will have the option to unlink both spaces, something that is not recommended.
3.- Cover image
Note that the channel design changes depending on whether it is displayed on a computer screen, smartphone, tablet or television. This causes the size of the images to change.
For this reason, large images may be clipped. To make the look great on all screens, what the platform recommends is that you upload an image of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Also consider the following parameters:
- Minimum dimensions of upload: 2048 x 1152 pixels.
- Minimum security area for text and logos: 1546 x 423 pixels. If the images exceed these dimensions, they may appear trimmed on some devices or display modes.
- Maximum width: 2560 x 423 pixels. In this way, the security area will always be visible, regardless of the size of the screen.
- File size: It is recommended that you do not exceed 4 MB.
4.- Create a featured video
When it comes to optimizing your Youtube channel, one of your best cover letters will be the trailer or featured video of your channel.
Logically that implies that you have to get down to work with the recording and editing of a video that represents the channel. Take your time to craft a small script in which your intentions are clear.
When recording your first video, keep the following in mind:
- Try not to get over the minute and a half.
- It’s not about making a traditional TV ad. You have to hook your audience and generate the desire that they want to see more.
- Get to know your audience before you launch and find out what their needs are.
- Become a problem solver, people often look for solutions.
- Invite them to follow your videos.
Once you have this first video, you should place it in the right place. The first thing is to upload it and then, in the settings, go to the ‘For new visitors’ tab. The next step will be to click on ‘Trailer of the channel’ and then select the video or enter its url.
5.- A good description to optimize your channel
Another point to take into account the time to optimize your Youtube channel is to correctly fill in the description of your channel. Do not think that because it is a video platform you have to neglect it.
The first lines of what you write should hook your potential subscribers. Make them want to see more, explaining what your videos have to make them deserving of their subscription.
But, above all, it leverages and enhances the relevant keywords. And, if you can, it includes a upload schedule so users know when they have to come back to see new content.
6.- Incorporate your social networks
Don’t forget to fill in your social media profiles in your channel settings. To do this you just have to click on the name of your channel and select the different boxes.
This way your subscribers can have another way of contact with your brand. Something fundamental to earn your trust. While generating a community that transcends YouTube to expand on any of the social networks you are present in.
7.- Remove juice to the sections
To optimize your Youtube channel you have the possibility to create sections. With them, in addition to maintaining a little order, you will give clues to your users of the content of the same. But in the sections they do not only have videos uploaded by you. You can also include playlists or even other channels that you find interesting.
The sections can be one of your biggest allies. You can make them based on a specific theme or date, for example, ‘The best videos of May’. Similarly, you can draw up lists of views with their own and other content that you know will delight your subscribers.
The sections can also be used to promote other channels, whether yours or any other user. If your content seems interesting to your audience, do not hesitate to create a new section.
8.- Featured channels
If you have different channels, you are interested in promoting them. To do this, you only have to include them in your list of featured channels. This way, subscribers to your channel will know which channels you like. Which will probably get them to visit and, perhaps, start following them.
If you select the random function in the settings, the channels will be automatically alternated.
9.- Related channels
They are another way to achieve greater visibility when it comes to optimizing your Youtube channel. However, keep in mind that it is the Google video platform that decides whether to promote your channel or not.
To make the decision is based on the similarities of your channel with another that subscribers are seeing. If you want to be aware, do not forget to select this option in your channel settings.
10.- Miniatures with Images
In thumbnails you should try to create a pattern so subscribers know that they belong to your channel. For this you can use different colors, typography or image assembly.
If your miniatures convey any emotion, or focus on the eyes and demonstrate some kind of passion, you have the success assured in this field. You can add the thumbnail of each video in the upload process or after the process is finished.
The Rubius is one of the YouTubers you can take an example of. It features a style of miniatures that identifies you, even when you don’t use your face for your photo montages.
11.- SEO for the title
As you can see, when it comes to optimizing your Youtube channel there are many parameters that you must take into account and work properly. Your video title will also require you to think very carefully about what words you use.
You have a space of 100 characters to reflect your content, which you have to write with your mind on SEO. You should find keywords based on suggested searches on Google and Youtube that resemble the content you have created.
As much as possible, try to play with the suspense to arouse the interest of users.
12.- Video description
If your video title is important, the description you add to it as well. Here you can include links and also keywords that can give you greater visibility. To create a description of value take care of these factors:
- It is important to link it to your external website or blog. In addition, it is advisable to use synonyms in the titles of your website.
- Try not to be the same title as your video.
- The description should not be long.
- Let your audience know that you will soon post more videos. Invite visitors to subscribe to your channel. To do this, do not forget to include a link to your channel subscription.
- Link the channel to your social networks.
