With the launch of the YouTube Creator Playbook, YouTube has created an amazing opportunity for YouTube users. The playbook spells out how to make good videos for YouTube and how to optimize them properly. When marketing on the web, it is imperative that you follow modern SEO practices and incorporate these tactics into your content. In Parts 1, 2, and 3, we discussed how you can improve SEO performance by increasing your presence in the YouTube community, using analytics tools, and writing good metadata for your videos. The fourth YouTube SEO element you need to know about is thumbnail optimization.
Your video's thumbnail is the perfect opportunity to attract a viewer. When you search YouTube or Google, you will see thumbnail images that preview the video. The thumbnail does not have to be a frame from the video itself; instead, it can be any image you desire. Uploading an attractive image to use as your thumbnail can massively impact your ability to convert potential clients.
So what makes a good thumbnail? A good thumbnail image is attractive, appropriate, and well-conceived. At Gearshift TV, our DC video marketing team works with many clients on creating and selecting perfect thumbnail images. To watch our video highlighting the 4 most beneficial SEO practices for YouTube, click here. To get started on your YouTube campaign with professional video production and expert SEO, contact Gearshift TV at 1.877.477.STUDIO.