Isn't video content killer-link bait?

[grahammilton1]

I have not tested this yet and but I cant find anything useful on it searching online.

My theory is that if you host a video on one of your own webpages and have the embed code of that video right under it then isnt everyone that grabs that embed code and sticks it on their site/blog giving you a backlink? When you click on an embed YouTube video it takes you straight to YT so surely someone embeds one of your videos that is hosted on your site it must give you a backlink?

If this is the case then what would the ancor text be if any? and how would you change it? What's the value of this think over a pure text link from the same page?

If this the above is correct then surely video is an incredible link building tool? The challenge still lies with making cost effective, quality video content but if you can get the hang of that then your on to a winner right? YouTube may get millions of hits and 'be the second biggest search engine' but having own branded, self hosted, killer-link-bait videos on your site must be the way forward?

Adding a video site map will help tell Google the video is there and it should get indexed in video searches. Also if it gets visibility in universal search you get visitors coming straight to you site....

[PhilNottingham]

To me, this is a bit like finding a successful infographic and then asking "Isn't image content killer link bait?".

Video, like image, is a medium for content delivery - rather than a type of content and this is how it should be considered in the context of link bait. Video content can be excellent link bait, but the form itself is not by default any more "linkable"  than images, words or applications.

"Linkbait video" it requires a specific approach which often doesn't tie in very well with commercial interests. For someone to link to a video, there has to be specific value in the experience of watching it through -- this can be an aesthetic experience, humour, instruction or exciting delivery of information. for more information and advice on what makes a "linkable" video - check out this blog post on the topic - http://www.distilled.net/blog/social-media/youtube/creating-awesome-videos-for-seo/

There are also some specific problems with using video for Link Bait

1. If you don't secure your video properly, the content can be ripped and uploaded to YouTube. As you rightly pointed out, Youtube is the worlds second biggest search engine, which means that individuals will use it to find your video content, rather than your own site. This means that often a lot of your earned links will go to an erroneous YouTube channel, rather than the targeted domain.
2. Video is invasive when embedded on a website. Unlike reading or looking at an image, watching a video is an active and engaged process. You cannot skim read a video and thus, if someone embeds a video on their site - it has to be because they want their readers to temporarily disengage from their own content and spend the time watching the thing through.
3. People don't link to mediocre videos. The internet is awash with average video content, the vast majority of which is on YouTube and never gets watched or linked to be anyone. While you can always pick-up a few links with an average blog post, PDF document, infographic or plugin, run of the mill video will get you nowhere.

So, yes, Video can be great link bait - but there's a lot of risks involved and you have to do an exceptional job really get the links coming in. I would encourage you to have a play and put something out there, but don't expect to get it right first time. Videos can be valuable even if they don't get links as they offer the opportunity for blended organic results, video results, exposure on YT and can help improve the overall richness and quality of your site.

[grahammilton1]

Thanks for the reply.

I understand that the vido sitemap is key for Vseo but are you saying its crucial for link building as well?

Has anybody had results with link building with video content? Do we know for a fact that is someone embeds a video that resides on your site that you get a backlink? And what would the ancor text be?

I am looking into buying Easy Video Play - looks like is has all the features I am looking for (you can embed sign up forms in the video itself) and it uses Amazon F3 to host the videos and there is no monthly cost. I messaged them about sitemaps and you have to do it manually but it doesn't look do hard - if any one has used EVP before I would be really keen to hear ho you got on before I commit??

Regards,

Graham

[SEOPA]

Keys things to consider:

1. Video sitemap is key

2. You don't have to physically host the video assets to accomplish this. Most of the legit platforms (BrightCove, LiveClicker, Wistia) have a feature where they still host, but you indicate the URL of the page the video resides on, for the same effect.

3. The platforms (Wistia in particular) make it very easy to automate the site map and specify meta info for each video.

4. At the end of the day, you have to have great video content. (solid content and solid quality). Too many people right now are producing really bad video, and this will come back to hurt them. With great content, video can be a fantastic tool in the arsenal.