SEO Professors: Video Marketing - Is YouTube Your Best Option For Hosting Your Videos?

YouTube was created to host and deliver videos. Was it built though for all types of content including your marketing videos? No, it wasn't, evidenced by the sales of "pre-roll" advertising rights at the front of any video. However, there is a reason to use YouTube.

YouTube was created to host and deliver videos. Was it built though for all types of content including your marketing videos? No, it wasn't, evidenced by the sales of "pre-roll" advertising rights at the front of any video. However, there is a reason to use YouTube.

The reason you want to use YouTube as a distribution point for your marketing videos is because the software provides keyword terms / tags that are associated with your video when you upload it. Also, the title of your video is relevant and will show up in search results so by all means, use YouTube to distribute your video. So, while you probably won't get that many direct plays from YouTube itself, it will still help you get your video found in search engines.

But, does it make sense to use YouTube to embed a video advertisement on your website? Yes and no. Yes because it is free but no because you are at risk of someone else's pre-roll advertisement showing up in front of your own advertisement. YouTube was never created to be a marketing hosting company for video and so they have the right to use your content however they choose, once you've uploaded it.

The best place to upload your video ad (if you have one) is into an online directory whose sole purpose is to support your marketing initiatives. These would include a local search site devoted to delivering local news, activities, and/or local business information. They will help you create a great video, upload it to YouTube for you and host it. They will also come up with additional ways to distribute your video advertisement in select locations to get more play and conversions.

Video advertising has greater impact than text or display advertising. So, you need a video ad and distributing it wisely is important. While you should include YouTube as an upload option, it is not the preferred way for marketing and advertising your business.