5 Steps to Generate Traffic with YouTube Videos

As multi-media becomes an increasingly essential component of the web, successful real estate agents and brokers will need to understand how to make the most of online video –YouTube in particular. First, let's get one thing clear: yes, you should be posting video online. Phew – I'm glad we've covered that. Now, let's look at specifics.

1) Create a great video.
Before you post anything to YouTube, you'll need to create a fun, educational video. Make sure the videos are non-salesy and entertaining. From the very beginning of the video, make it clear that viewers will gain something by watching the video. Create value.

One idea: community videos can be very successful. For instance, consider creating videos about your local farmers' market or another unique facet of your community.

At the end of the video, be sure to include a call to action (CTA). In most cases, steering people toward your website is a smart choice. Share the URL and explain that people will find additional value there.

2) Select an Attractive Image
Wrong or right, first appearances make a big difference. People are much more likely to watch your video if you select an attractive image as the "still" for your video.

3) Snoop on Your Competition
Do a search for videos that are similar in substance to your video. Take a good look at the videos that rank highest for this search. Which keywords are they using? You should use those keywords for your video. What other tactics have they implemented? Can you use these tactics yourself?

4) Add Keywords to Your Title and Description
Even the most basic understanding of SEO should focus largely on keywords. You've certainly performed some keyword optimization on your website and have performed some research to determine what your target keywords should be.

You'll need to choose keywords specifically for your video. (See item #3, above, for suggestions on choosing keywords.) Use these keywords to tag your video. You should also try to include one/several keywords in the video description. While we're on the subject of descriptions, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Include your website's address in your description.
• Add additional contact information so that people can get in touch with you directly.
• Include a CTA in the description.
• Make it clear in the description what people will gain by watching your video.

5) Socialize
Of course, if you're optimizing your video properly, it should get returned during a keyword search. Still, you should go the extra mile to generate traffic to the video by posting it on social sites like Facebook and Twitter.