https://youtu.be/rdhAVrF0LG0
If you want to increase your organic views on YouTube, there are several powerful strategies you can implement. From improving your click-through rate to mastering keyword research, optimising your videos for SEO, creating compelling thumbnails, and posting consistently—let’s break down these key elements and show you exactly how to boost your YouTube views without paying for ads.
1. Improve Your Click-Through Rate (CTR)
The click-through rate (CTR) is the percentage of people who see your video and then click on it. To improve your CTR, it’s essential to create content that answers the specific questions your audience is searching for. By performing keyword research, you can identify the questions people are asking and tailor your videos to address those directly.
For example, if you discover that people are asking “How to write a book,” you can create a video titled, “How to Write a Book: Step-by-Step Guide.” When your video aligns with what people are searching for, your CTR will naturally increase.
2. The Importance of Keyword Research for YouTube SEO
Keyword research doesn’t just help with CTR; it’s crucial for ranking your videos at the top of YouTube search results. If you neglect this step, your videos might struggle to get noticed.
Take the example of keyword research I did for a client, a ghostwriter named Dan. By narrowing down to highly specific, long-tail keywords such as “Can I hire someone to help me write a book?” or “What app can help you write a book?” we created targeted content. These types of questions, with consistent monthly search volume, ensure that your videos stay relevant and rank high.
3. Should You Use Trending Topics?
While it might be tempting to jump on trending topics, I recommend focusing on evergreen content. Trending topics are short-lived, but evergreen content remains relevant for years to come, driving views consistently. By addressing timeless questions, your videos will continue to bring in organic views long after they’re posted.
4. Optimise Your Video Titles
Optimising your video titles is a simple yet effective way to get more clicks. Once you’ve done your keyword research, use the exact phrase or question that people are searching for as your title. For instance, if your video answers the question “Who can help me write a book about my life?” make sure that’s the title. This ensures clarity and relevance, which boosts the likelihood of clicks.
5. Craft Engaging Thumbnails
Thumbnails play a critical role in attracting organic views. They should work in tandem with your video title to create curiosity. For instance, if your video title is “How to Manage a Construction Project Step-by-Step,” your thumbnail could say “From Start to Finish,” or feature an image that suggests insight into the video.
Remember, thumbnails need to spark curiosity but avoid “bait and switch” tactics that promise something that isn’t in the video. False expectations will disappoint viewers, leading them to click away quickly.
6. The Power of Consistency
Consistency is key on YouTube. While you can post anywhere from once a week to multiple times a week, it’s important to stay regular. Posting more often and then slowing down can send negative signals to YouTube’s algorithm, potentially harming your channel’s visibility. Stick to a schedule that works for you, whether it’s weekly or daily, but ensure you remain consistent.
7. The Role of Video Length
Does video length impact organic views? The answer is, it depends. The goal is to keep viewers engaged for as long as possible. Longer videos that maintain audience attention can result in higher watch time, which is crucial for YouTube’s algorithm. However, if your videos lose viewers halfway through, the length could backfire.
Look at your analytics and adjust. If you’re seeing an average view duration of just 30-40%, shorter videos with better engagement might be more effective. However, if your content keeps people hooked, don’t be afraid to create longer videos.
8. Rank Your Videos Every Time
I manage over 50 YouTube channels, each with hundreds of videos ranked at the top. This is all achieved through organic YouTube SEO. By following a proven strategy and making sure your content addresses what people are searching for, you can consistently drive thousands of views without paying for ads.
If you want to learn exactly how to implement these strategies, check out my video on YouTube SEO: The Leaf Strategy, where I dive deeper into the exact process I use to rank videos at the top.
Conclusion
Increasing your organic views on YouTube requires a mix of strategy, consistency, and attention to detail. From understanding how to optimise your click-through rate with precise keyword research to crafting engaging thumbnails and staying consistent with your content, these tactics will help you grow your channel and boost your organic views over time. Follow these steps, and you’ll start seeing results that last.
