Youtube is one of the most powerful platforms to generate traffic and exposure for your business. Some people are even of the opinion that if you post a video to Youtube you're almost guaranteed to go viral. This is obviously not the case. Wondering how your particular video is going to get views, amidst the literal millions of videos posted there, can be downright intimidating.

You may feel like you have to compete for search results just like on Google all over again. And you wouldn't be wrong in having this concern. But let it be known that with a little clever, good old fashioned SEO optimization, your videos can stand out, and bring you the kind of traffic your business deserves.

Here are five essential tips that will ensure your videos get found quickly by your specific target market, and continue to get discovered and watched by new viewers again and again.

1) Optimise your video's description with the correct keywords

Youtube is effectively a search engine in its own right, and like Google it has no way of understanding what your video is about unless you tell it. This means that it depends on words to properly categorise your video.

Using the right keywords in your video description will help Youtube to display your video to a viewer who searches for similar content. Don't make the mistake of going for a short video description though. The more information you can provide, will make it easier for Youtube to rank your video.

So don't be shy to extend on the description and make use of some long tail keywords in addition to your main keyword.

2) Learn which keywords are better suited to Video SEO

Not all keyword phrases are created equal. Some keywords naturally imply informational text and content that a person would want to read. And others indicate content that a person would want to see and watch.

If someone is searching for answers to financial questions they might have they're not hoping to find a video, but an article that teaches them how to do tax returns for example. On the other hand people wouldn't mind finding a video if they want to enjoy views of their favourite car.

So think of the visual references to your product or service and how you can tie these in with keywords. This also makes your video a one two hit in both Youtube and Google.

3) Harness the power of Social signals and Networks

Usually it's not a good idea to go about spamming your link to your video all over the place. But if your video provides value, and can benefit people, then they will appreciate your thinking of them when you share your video online. Especially if your video is a 'how to video' which provides clear demonstration of your product in action.

The idea is to link up with people who have similar interests on platforms like Linkedin and forums in your given market. This way your video continues to get targeted and consistent traffic. Youtube will go on to regard these as quality views, and give your video additional exposure where relevant.

4) How you can increase video engagement.

With Youtube it's not all about links to your video, but rather they look at actual user interaction. The best way to boost user engagement on Youtube is to actively get more likes to your video and increase subscriptions to your Youtube channel.

The easiest way to do this is to encourage viewers. It takes a few seconds at the end of a video to ask people to subscribe. If your video has given them true value then it is likely they will be warm to the idea. A simple call to action within your video will increase likes, comments and subscriptions.

5) Optimise your Youtube channel

It's always a good idea to create separate categories in your Youtube channel, especially if the videos cover a variety of different subjects. It makes it a breeze for people to explore your video collection and also gives Youtube even more keyword references it can use to boost your video.

So set up playlists and group your videos accordingly making sure to title them by including keywords you're trying to rank for.