Titles and descriptions are crucial components of any online content, especially for YouTube videos. They are important in grabbing attention, search engine rankings, and viewer engagement. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your titles and descriptions!
Title Mistakes
Vague and Generic
A title should clearly convey the essence of your video. Avoid generic titles that fail to provide specific information to viewers. Use specific titles that accurately describe the content and capture the audience’s interest. For example, instead of a generic title like “Amazing Travel Vlog,” go for a descriptive and engaging title such as “Discover Italy’s Hidden Treasures With Me”
Misleading Clickbait
Clickbait titles may generate initial clicks, but they can damage your credibility and lead to high bounce rates if the content doesn’t deliver on the promise. For example, titling a video “You Won’t Believe What Happened Today” is only appropriate if there is truly something extraordinary that can do justice to the title.
Ignoring SEO
Titles should include relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results. Neglecting SEO best practices can make it very difficult to get discovered by your target audience. For example, instead of “Fun Day Out,” opt for “Family Fun Day Activities in [City Name]”.
Too Short or Too Long
Titles that are too short may not provide enough information, while overly long titles can be confusing and may get cut off in search results. It’s important to strike a balance between brevity and descriptiveness to attract viewers effectively. For example, instead of “Healthy Recipes,” or “Quick and Easy Healthy Recipes for Busy Weeknights That You’ll Love,” consider “5-Minute Healthy Weeknight Dinners”.
Missing Power Words
Power words like “amazing,” “stunning,” “mind-blowing,” “epic,” and “must-see” can create a sense of urgency and excitement and encourage viewers to click on your video. For example, instead of “Three Party Looks For Your Next Night Out,” use “Three Amazing Party Looks For Your Next Night Out.”
Lack of Emotional Trigger
Titles that evoke emotion are more likely to resonate with viewers. Avoid bland titles that don’t spark any emotional response. For example, instead of “Benefits of Exercise,” use “Transform Your Life with this Exercise Regime.”
Thumbnail Title Repetition
If your thumbnail already includes the title, repeating the same title in the video title can be redundant and waste valuable space. In such cases, consider using a variation of the title that complements the thumbnail. For instance, if the text on the thumbnail is “Quick Hairstyles for Busy Mornings,” you could consider titles like “Effortless Morning Hairstyles for Busy Days” or “Easy Hairstyles for Rushed Mornings.”
Description Mistakes
Too Short Description
A description provides context and additional information. A description that’s too short may not provide enough details to entice viewers. Aim for a description that is informative, engaging, and provides enough information to compel viewers to watch your video. To write an effective description, consider summarising the main points of your video, including relevant keywords for SEO, and inviting viewers to engage with your content by asking questions or prompting them to take action.
Not using keywords
The absence of keywords in your video descriptions can limit your visibility in search results. Including relevant keywords and phrases is crucial for attracting your target audience and ensuring better ranking. For example, if your video is about healthy breakfast recipes, your description should include keywords like “healthy breakfast ideas,” “easy breakfast recipes,” and “nutritious morning meals.”
Unnecessary Details
While descriptions should be informative, avoid including irrelevant or excessive details like lengthy personal anecdotes, unrelated stories, overly technical jargon, or repetitive information. It can detract from the main content of the video and disengage your audience. Keep descriptions focused on providing value to your viewers.
Not Adding Time Stamps
Time stamps help viewers navigate to specific sections of your video. Not including them can make it harder for viewers to find the information they’re looking for. For example, if a video is about the benefits of exercise, use specific topic terms along with their timing in the video like this – “00:10 – Introduction, 01:25 – Benefits of Exercise, 03:50 – How to Get Started.”
Missing Call to Action
A call to action encourages viewers to take a specific action, such as liking, commenting, or subscribing. Not including a call to action can result in missed engagement opportunities. Instead of ending your description abruptly, use “If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content.”
Not Adding a Link to Your External Profile
Adding a link to your website, social media profile, or other external platforms can drive traffic and engagement beyond YouTube.
Bonus Tips
No A/B Testing
A/B testing involves testing different titles or descriptions to see which performs better. Not using A/B testing can result in missed opportunities to optimize your content for maximum engagement. You could create two versions of a title and description and see which one gets more clicks and engagement over time.
By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing these tips, you can create titles and descriptions that not only attract viewers but also improve your overall YouTube presence and engagement.