How Does Video Affect Google’s Hummingbird Algorithm?

Video is purported to be an integral part of Google’s new Hummingbird algorithm. Google understands that video increases visitor engagement and it dovetails well with with the search engine’s partner – – Youtube.

How Does Video Affect Google’s Hummingbird Algorithm?

As always video titles and descriptions should be keyword rich and clearly state the benefits of viewing the video. Building an SEO friendly title that is also marketing friendly is an art but descriptions can be virtually as long as you want them to be. When a video I have produced is scripted, I often simply use the script as my description. That way Google and Youtube know exactly what the video contains and it is easier to index. Additionally you can also upload the script as a text file to be used for closed captioning. Google loves this and your content is now available to hearing impaired visitors as well.

When the video is not scripted you will need to write a summary of the content. With Hummingbird, longtail keywords are in fashion so use conversationally friendly search phrases. If you are familiar with voice search, imagine how you might ask Siri for the content of your video and include that sort of phrase into your description. For instance: “Condominium Management Chicago” or “piano lessons Chicago Gold Coast.”

Embed your video into your website rather than simply linking to youtube. This results is better SEO by keeping visitors on your site longer. As always Google will be on the lookout for those looking to “game the system” so  be sure it offers value related to the surrounding text and site content.

Google wants to see interaction and social proof such as Facebook content, reflected by LIKES and SHARES or TWITTER citations and other social media references.  Don’t forget that Youtube is also a social media site with the opportunity to SHARE, LIKE and COMMENT. Understand that SHARES have more value than LIKES so be sure your production encourages higher level interaction.

At the end of the day concentrate first on the needs of your potential customers, clients and site visitors, then on the your SEO needs. In a perfect world these are one-in-the-same but they can conflict now and again. However if you concentrate on good, helpful, high quality content both of your objectives should be met.

Including video on your website feeds the bird. Google’s Hummingbird.

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Reno Lovison is Executive Web Video Producer at RenoWeb.net

If you need help with video production I can show you how to repurpose visual assets you already have to produce high quality high value video that will make your site more sticky, enhance your visitors understanding of your product or service and improve your SEO.