Want to Add Video to Your Website? 4 Things You Need to Know
Videos encourage more interaction with website viewers as well. Research by DoubleClick, a digital marketing and technology company, indicated that consumers were more likely to click on website videos than to click through still image links. They were also likely to play videos two-thirds of the way through giving more time for you to get your message across.
Ready to add videos to your website to enhance your marketing? Here are some key things to know before you start:
1. Determine the type of media you want to include. What fits your message and purpose? If you want to show a presentation or provide visual information, then an audio file won’t do the trick. If instead, you want to demonstrate a band’s latest recording, you may not have to have a video file. Videos take up more storage space than audio files and both more so than text. Be sure your website can accommodate the file size you want to use.
(Web hosting companies, such as WebMedley, typically offer different web hosting plans to meet your storage needs. Depending on your needs, it may be better to host your site with us and host the media files elsewhere. We can help you determine the best course of action.)
2. Decide on the length and complexity of your video. Will it last just a few minutes or will it be longer?
One of the easiest ways to add video to your website is through YouTube, a free video sharing website. You can upload your videos on the YouTube site, and then put a code in your website that brings up your video. However, YouTube limits the length of the video to 10 minutes, and suggests that videos be no longer than 2 or 3 minutes. That’s a great length for a welcome address or introductory information, but it may be too short for a presentation, demonstration, or sermon. Note that the YouTube company name will be visible on your video.
Another option, particularly for a lengthier video, is to embed the video that you store on your own server. Alternatively, you can broadcast video live using a service such as Ustream, Justin.tv, Mogulus, and Qik.
3. Know the equipment you need. How professional do you want your video to be? That will determine the type of camera equipment you will need. Whether you’re creating a video podcast using your computer’s camera, a recording from your cell phone or digital camera, or using professional studio equipment, the degree of sophistication you want in your broadcast will determine the equipment necessary. Keep in mind that the most expensive equipment may not be best. Consider your message and audience and determine how formal or casual you should be.
In addition to recording equipment, you will also want software for editing the recording on your own computer. Software such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro or Windows Movie Maker
Depending on the file format of your video, you may also need software to change it in order to edit it. Formats that may work well for streaming video, for example, may not work as well for editing. You may also want to compress your files to save space on your computer or if you want to copy the information onto a hard disk.
4. Make sure the technology doesn’t overwhelm your website. The video should enhance your total page, not detract from it. Have a clear idea of how the video will add another dimension to your message, and keep it simple.
Ready to add video to your website? Our technical staff can help you get started.
