Written by Chris Jolley
Introduction
When someone says “SEO,” or Search Engine Optimisation, most people either nod like they totally get it or look as lost as Tom Hanks in Castaway. More often than not, it’s the latter.
Let’s be honest, to most people, SEO is
But here’s the bit you do need to know:
If you add video to your website, you’re 53 times more likely to land on the first page of Google.
Yes, 53 times. That’s not a typo. That’s from a study by Forrester, and it’s one of the strongest cases for using video in your marketing.
So, if you want to be seen, clicked, and contacted more often, video is your new best friend.
Let’s break down how it works, why it works, and how you can actually use it without needing a degree in videography or SEO.
Why Google loves video
Google’s like your nosy neighbour. It watches everything.
How long people stay on your site, how fast they leave, and what they do while they’re there.
As far as Google’s concerned, when someone clicks on your site and watches a video, three very helpful things happen:
They stay longer
More time on your page tells Google your content is valuable.
Did you know that pages with video can almost double the average time someone spends on your site?
They bounce less
People who watch a video are more likely to stick around.
In fact, video can reduce bounce rates by up to 34%.
They take action
Whether they book a viewing, make a call, or fill out a form, video nudges them to take action..
So much so that adding a video to your landing page can increase conversions by up to 80%.
Put simply, video makes your website look better in Google’s eyes and helps real people get what they need faster.
What kind of video helps with SEO?
Let’s clear one thing up. You don’t need a cinematic masterpiece.
You just need a video that is useful, relevant, and doesn’t make people click away in five seconds.
Here are a few types that work well:
Property video tours
Let buyers or renters get a real sense of the layout and flow. It makes them feel like they’ve already visited.
To learn more about property videos, check out our service page.
Meet the team videos
Help people get to know who they’re dealing with. It builds trust before anyone even picks up the phone.
How-to content
Simple, helpful videos that answer questions your audience is already searching for. For example, how to prep a house for photos, what to expect from a property shoot or how to use [insert your product here].
Behind-the-scenes footage
People like to see how things work. It makes your brand feel human and transparent, and that’s a very good thing.
Can’t decide whether to hire a videographer or rent equipment and do everything yourself? Our comprehensive guide explores the pros and cons of both approaches.
YouTube is your SEO secret weapon
Here’s something you might not know: YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world.
And it’s owned by Google.
That means your videos don’t just help your website, they can also show up in YouTube searches and even in Google’s own results.
All you need to do is:
- Give your video a clear, keyword-rich title.
- Add a helpful description that includes links back to your site.
- Choose a thumbnail that encourages clicks.
This gives your content multiple entry points, which means more visibility and more traffic.
How to make your videos work harder
1. Use the right titles
Be specific and include keywords naturally. A title like “3-Bedroom Terrace in Didsbury | Walkthrough Tour” tells people exactly what they’re getting.
2. Write a good description
Tell people what’s in the video, add a few keywords, and include a link to your website. If possible, include a transcript or captions.
3. Embed it where it makes sense
Add the video to your homepage, blog, or property listings. Wherever people are already looking, make it easy for them to watch.
4. Choose a strong thumbnail
This is what people see before clicking. Make sure it’s inviting and relevant. Bright, clear images work best.
5. Promote it
Upload to YouTube, post it on social media, include it in emails, and share it wherever your audience spends time online.
Is video really worth it?
Here’s a quick recap:
- Sites with video are 53 times more likely to appear on Google’s first page.
- People spend more time on video-rich pages.
- Bounce rates go down, conversions go up.
- You come across as more trustworthy, approachable, and professional.
That’s a lot of upsides for something that doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take forever to produce.
Video helps people connect with your business, understand your offer, and feel more confident taking the next step.
Check out our guide on getting started with video marketing.
Ready to use video for your brand or listings?
At Jolley Productions, we create purposeful, personality-filled video content for businesses, homeowners, and estate agents.
Whether it’s a stylish property tour, a punchy team intro, or something a little more creative, we can help you stand out online and climb the search rankings.
Want to see what we’ve done? Check out our gallery.
Or contact us and let’s talk about how we can make video work for you.
