You may have noticed something new while browsing Google lately: video carousels. According to Ubersuggest, 62% of all Google searches now include videos. That’s right—more than half of Google’s search results pages now feature videos, making this format one of the most valuable tools in your content marketing arsenal.
But here’s the kicker: videos are up to 50 times more likely to rank organically than plain text content. If you’re not incorporating video into your digital strategy, you’re leaving a massive opportunity on the table. Let’s dive into why videos are dominating search results, how to create them effectively, and how you can turn one long video into a treasure trove of content for all your platforms.
What’s Driving the Video Boom on Google?
Google’s algorithms are designed to prioritize content that engages users—and what’s more engaging than video? From tutorials to product reviews, people love visuals. They help communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-digest format.
Two major factors driving this trend include:
- Improved User Experience
Videos provide dynamic, interactive content that keeps viewers engaged longer. Google notices this increased time-on-page and rewards websites with better rankings. - The Power of YouTube
YouTube, the second most popular search engine in the world, is owned by Google. By showing more video content, Google connects users to YouTube’s vast resources, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms.
In fact, YouTube boasts 2.49 billion monthly logged-in users, making it an unmatched platform for reaching your target audience.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Just Social Media Reels
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have popularized short-form videos, but focusing exclusively on 15-second clips could limit your potential. While reels and shorts are excellent for grabbing attention, they don’t have the same searchability as longer videos. Plus, they’re fleeting—your audience may not return to your feed to rewatch them.
Instead, think of short videos as the frosting on your content cake, not the entire dessert.
Pro Tip: Create Long Videos First
Start with a high-quality, value-packed long video for YouTube. Then, repurpose segments into bite-sized pieces to share on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Here’s how this strategy works:
- Post the full-length video on YouTube for maximum SEO benefits.
- Share clips on social media to generate buzz and funnel viewers back to your YouTube channel or website.
- Embed the video on your blog to enhance its visibility and appeal.
This way, you’re leveraging Google’s SEO power and social media’s viral nature simultaneously.
How to Create Videos That Rank
Not all videos are created equal. To get your videos ranked on Google and YouTube, you need to be strategic. Here are some key tips:
1. Focus on Keywords
Just like blog posts, videos need SEO optimization. Include your focus keyword in your video title, description, and tags. For example, if you’re creating a video about “best productivity tools,” make sure this phrase appears in all the right places.
2. Optimize Thumbnails
A thumbnail is the first thing a viewer sees. Design one that’s visually appealing and relevant. Bright colors, bold text, and a clear focus help grab attention.
3. Add Closed Captions
Closed captions improve accessibility and allow search engines to “read” your video content, boosting your chances of ranking.
4. Hook Viewers Immediately
The first 10 seconds of your video are critical. Grab your audience’s attention with a compelling question, statistic, or statement.
5. Include a Call to Action (CTA)
Encourage your viewers to take the next step—whether that’s subscribing to your channel, visiting your website, or downloading your free resource.
Why YouTube Is the Best Place to Start
By focusing on YouTube, you’re tapping into a platform that’s designed to help your content thrive. Here’s why it’s worth prioritizing:
- Massive Reach
With nearly 2.5 billion users, YouTube allows you to connect with a highly engaged audience. - Search Engine Power
YouTube videos often appear directly in Google’s search results, giving you double the exposure. - Evergreen Content
Unlike social media posts, YouTube videos have a long shelf life. A well-optimized video can continue to drive traffic for months, even years. - Repurposing Opportunities
Once your video is uploaded, you can easily break it into shorter segments, turning one piece of content into multiple assets.
How to Repurpose Your YouTube Videos
Repurposing content is the key to maximizing your video’s ROI. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Edit for Social Media
Use tools like Canva or Adobe Premiere Pro to trim your YouTube video into shorter clips (15–60 seconds). These clips can be shared on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Make sure to add captions and optimize them for vertical viewing.
2. Embed on Your Website
Adding your YouTube video to a relevant blog post can boost both your video’s views and your website’s SEO. It’s a win-win!
3. Use in Email Marketing
Send your video to your email list with a short, engaging description. Videos can increase email click-through rates by up to 300%.
4. Run Ads
Shorter clips from your video make excellent ad content. You can run these ads on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram to drive traffic to your website or channel.
Real-Life Example: Repurposing in Action
Here’s how this strategy could look in practice:
- Create a 10-Minute Tutorial Video
Upload it to YouTube with the title “How to Build a DIY Website: A Step-by-Step Guide.” - Clip for Social Media
Take a 30-second segment about choosing a color palette and post it as a reel on Instagram. Add captions and a call-to-action: “Watch the full tutorial on YouTube.” - Embed on Your Blog
Write a blog post titled “DIY Website Design: Tips and Tricks” and embed the full video. - Send to Your Email List
Share the blog post in your newsletter with a link to the video. - Run a Targeted Ad
Use another short clip from the video as an ad for your web design services.
The Proof Is in the Numbers
If you’re still not convinced, consider this: Businesses using video see 49% faster revenue growth than those that don’t. And with the ever-growing dominance of video in Google’s search results, now is the time to start.
Want more tips? Check out this video to learn how to create videos that rank.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Today!
Videos are no longer optional—they’re essential. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or a small business owner, integrating video into your strategy can revolutionize your digital presence.
Here’s your game plan:
- Start by creating a long, high-quality video for YouTube.
- Repurpose that content for social media, your website, and email campaigns.
- Use SEO techniques to ensure your videos rank on Google.
Don’t wait for your competitors to outpace you—start now. Need help getting started? Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a winning video strategy. Let’s turn your ideas into content that converts!
