Video SEO for Local Businesses: Get Found By Nearby Customers
Living in an Internet world, video content helps local businesses get into the limelight. Video SEO or Search Engine Optimization will help people in your vicinity locate your business. And since more people are watching videos than ever, it is a sane way to reach prospects who are nearby.
Why Video SEO?
Imagine you own a bakery, and someone nearby searches for “best cupcakes near me.” If you have videos on your website or social media, video SEO can help them find you quickly. Google loves to show local videos in search results, so it can help your business appear right at the top.
Videos can also show up in Google Maps results, making it easier for locals to see what your business offers.
Let’s break down the essentials of video SEO.
How Does Video SEO Work?
To get your video in front of local customers, focus on these basic steps:
- Keywords: Use words people are searching for, like “plumber in [Your City]” or “best bakery near me.”
- Titles and Descriptions: Write clear titles and descriptions with local details.
- Tags and Hashtags: Add tags and hashtags to your video with city names or neighbourhoods.
- Video Thumbnails: Use eye-catching images for your video covers.
These small actions help search engines understand your video, making it easier to show it to local customers.
Simple Steps to Boost Video SEO
Here’s how you can boost your video SEO and get your videos found by locals. Each step will help you reach people nearby without needing fancy tools.
1. Add Local Keywords
Think about how people search. If you run a landscaping service in San Diego, use keywords like:
- “Landscaping in San Diego”
- “San Diego Garden Tips”
- “Local Landscaping Ideas in San Diego”
Adding these words in your video title, description, and tags tells search engines that your video is relevant to people in that area.
2. Post Videos on Your Google Business Profile
Google loves when businesses use video on their Google Business Profile.
- Upload short videos of your products or services.
- Show your shop or workspace.
- Introduce your team or share behind-the-scenes clips.
Videos here can appear directly in search results and Google Maps, making it a direct path to reach local customers.
3. Use Subtitles and Closed Captions
Adding captions or subtitles helps search engines understand your video content. It also makes your video more accessible for everyone, including those who might have the volume turned off.
4. Add Your Contact Information in the Video
Have your contact details or address shown in the video. This might be on-screen at the end or in the video description. When customers know where you are, they are most likely to visit.
Tips to Make Your Video Stand Out
You can do a couple of things to improve your videos:
Engaging Thumbnails
The thumbnail is the first thing people see. Pick a bright, clear image that shows what your video is about.
For example, if you own a restaurant, show a popular dish. Make it look appetising and fun!
Create Short and Useful Videos
Most people have short attention spans. Try to keep videos between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Give quick tips, show how a service works, or highlight what makes your business unique.
Add a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Encourage viewers to take action. Simple calls like:
- “Visit us for a free coffee sample!”
- “Call us to book an appointment today.”
- “Watch our other videos to learn more tips.”
A Table of Video SEO Tips for Quick Reference
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Add Local Keywords | Include your location in the title, description, and tags |
Post on Google Business | Upload videos to your Google Business Profile for extra exposure |
Use Subtitles | Helps search engines understand and improves accessibility |
Show Contact Details | Display your address or phone number in the video or description |
Eye-Catching Thumbnails | Make the thumbnail attractive and related to the video’s topic |
Keep Videos Short | Aim for 30 seconds to 2 minutes for higher viewer retention |
Add a CTA | Prompt viewers to take action, like visiting your website |
Why Video SEO Matters for Local Businesses
The first obstacle you will have is getting them to view your video, but where you really need to reach them is on a personal level. People love to know something about whom they are buying from, and a good video will show them that.
Now think about a customer who is trying to make a choice between two bakeries. One shows them video after video of happy customers and freshly baked products, while the other does not have any at all. Which one would he choose?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Video SEO for Local Businesses
Q: Can I DIY Video SEO?
A: Yes, many small business owners do their own video SEO. With a few easy steps, like adding keywords and posting on Google Business Profile, you can make a big difference.
Q: How often should I post videos?
A: Start with one video per month. As you get comfortable, try to post every two weeks to keep things fresh.
Q: Do I need expensive equipment to make videos?
A: Not at all! You can use a smartphone to create short, engaging videos. Just ensure the sound and lighting are good.
Q: How do I know if my video SEO is working?
A: Track views, likes, and comments. If people engage, your videos are reaching the right audience.
A Final Checklist for Video SEO
Before uploading, use this checklist to make sure your video has everything it needs to be found:
- Local Keywords: Check your title, description, and tags for local words.
- Google Business Profile: Post your video directly to your Google Business listing.
- Captions/Subtitles: Make sure these are added for better understanding.
- Contact Info: Display your address or phone number in the video or description.
- Attractive Thumbnail: Choose an inviting image.
- Call-to-Action: End with a simple, clear CTA.
Wrapping It Up
Video SEO is a straightforward way to connect with customers in your area. You can also use local keywords, post often to your Google Business Profile, and create engaging short videos. That is literally the main idea, showing them what you do and how you do it, and inviting them to visit.
Get started right now and watch as more local customers find and connect with your business!