Does a video really help your website?

[sitandstay]

Well dose it? Dose anyone on here have a video on there website and if so dose it help and where did they got it from?

 

[fisicx]

Well dose it? Dose anyone on here have a video on there website and if so dose it help and where did they got it from?

It works for some people.

They either did a DIY job or got the video made professionally.

Pedant bit now: *does *their *get. Mind you my spolling and grammer is pretty rubbish most of the time so perhaps I need a bit of self immolation.

 

[Newcott]

Will depend on the situation - what do you do and maybe we can give you some more information if its likly to work for you or not.

 

[TangerineDream]

Hi there

I have video on one of my sites www.telemaketinggb.com. This has been great success. It has increased the time spent on the site, the number of pages visited and most importantly the conversion rate.

It was so successful I got my money back in just 6 days.

I have another website being launched in a few days and have a video on that too.

I think they are great.

 

[hdwedj32]

I have in house produced video on both my websites on every page and on our Facebook landing page.

Along with all the videos on our You Tube channels.

Yes it definitely helps, my customers have reacted very well to it.

 

[Newcott]

Some interestint new facts on Video (shame its only USA based)

http://mashable.com/2011/06/15/nielsen-video-study/

Video is easily one of the best way forwards but its such a broad term that you need to think specificly what you want to get out of it.

Its the same as saying "We need a website"

 

[dubOnline]

100%

video works great - get on it and use it.

You can get a flip hd for a few hundred quid and it will be just fine.

Video has helped me hugely - from pitching to site reviews to training and site guides/walkthroughs

It is great at generating rankings in the serps and thousands of youtube hits a day helps me get great levels of opt ins to my email list

Good luck

 

[TheBlogshop]

Although I'm generally for videos on websites, you have to ensure that you're using them in the correct way to see the benefit.

A few years ago, it appeared to be all the rage for websites to have lengthy flash introductions and while some visitors liked them, they could be particularly annoying if you just wanted to go straight to the website content - more so if there wasn't a 'skip' button - and for many businesses, their website's suffered.

As long as you make sure that watching the video isn't somewhat forced upon visitors and they're given the choice of watching it or not, they can be a particularly fantastic resource to utilize.

 

[sitandstay]

Will depend on the situation - what do you do and maybe we can give you some more information if its likly to work for you or not.

Thanks for your reply, We are a small Animal and House Sitting company (www.sit-and-stay.co.uk)

We have recently added live chat to our site and this is proving very successful we are also one of the only Animal and House Sitting companies that offer live chat on our site.

It was just a thought really if adding a short animated video to my site listing the services we offer might be a good idea.

What are your opinions?

Thanks,

Sit and Stay Animal and House Sitters.

 

[Newcott]

I'd say yes, its a B2C busines and its going to be something that I think will grab peoples attention.

question is do you want a infomercial/annimation or funny video - Kittens/Cats/Dogs/Puppies are instant Gold on the internet (just look at the Cravendal video) You could have some real fun with it and if you do well enough get a viral buzz from it.

 

[sitandstay]

I'd say yes, its a B2C busines and its going to be something that I think will grab peoples attention.

question is do you want a infomercial/annimation or funny video - Kittens/Cats/Dogs/Puppies are instant Gold on the internet (just look at the Cravendal video) You could have some real fun with it and if you do well enough get a viral buzz from it.

Thanks for this information, I thought A funny video, but would that make the company not look serious?
What would you recommend?
Also, being a new company I don't want to blow the bank on this...

 

[Newcott]

Thanks for this information, I thought A funny video, but would that make the company not look serious?

Doesn't have to - as said depends on how you go about it.

Look at IKEA for example http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ikea+cats&aq=f

Over 4.5mill views combined and its a very stylish video.

Budget will determin what you can do but my first reaction/thought would be what about a video of what mischief your pets got up to whilst your away....

 

[sitandstay]

Doesn't have to - as said depends on how you go about it.

Look at IKEA for example http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ikea+cats&aq=f

Over 4.5mill views combined and its a very stylish video.

Budget will determin what you can do but my first reaction/thought would be what about a video of what mischief your pets got up to whilst your away....

Your right, that is a very simple advert but has made a big impact.

Regarding 'what your pets get up to while you are away' I don't want the clients to take us as a joke, but I would like to have a video that gets many hits, creating much more business. I think a funny one would be the best way to go...

 

[Newcott]

WEll the idea would be the mischief they'd get up to if they hadn't employed your services, I do think you could have some fun with it and not be taken for a joke but thats just me

 

[sitandstay]

WEll the idea would be the mischief they'd get up to if they hadn't employed your services, I do think you could have some fun with it and not be taken for a joke but thats just me

That sounds a good idea Where can I get a cheap video made?

 

[Newcott]

Cheap and Video are two words that don't go well together I'm affraid, not if you want something of quality or the idea I threw out above.

It maybe better to look at a annimation/typography/presentation type video if your working on a tight budget.

 

[michael12]

I use videos as my main SEO technique, so yes I find them to be important. If you can get high up the results on youtube then that means more links to your site

 

[Jet Virtual]

^^^ What Michael said. Youtube is HUGE, and it's growing even more. Don't forget that videos show up in search results for Google as well. If you have a video with your main keywords in it and you manage to get many views on it, you have a big chance of people finding it on Google, then clicking through to your website.

Thanks for this information, I thought A funny video, but would that make the company not look serious?
What would you recommend?

I'd definitely recommend either a funny video or an informational video which helps people out. People don't go to Youtube and similar sites to look at adverts, they go there to be entertained or to learn something. I recently used a free animation program called Go Animate to make a couple of videos for Jet Virtual, so you don't have to spend loads.

This is our channel:<removed by mod> As you can see, the animation program isn't flawless, but for a free one, I think it's really good, and very versatile. It doesn't take too long to learn how to use either.

I think it's a good idea to start off with free or inexpensive options first no matter what your budget is, just to test the waters. And some of the most popular videos on Youtube are low-budget!

 

[sitandstay]

^^^ What Michael said. Youtube is HUGE, and it's growing even more. Don't forget that videos show up in search results for Google as well. If you have a video with your main keywords in it and you manage to get many views on it, you have a big chance of people finding it on Google, then clicking through to your website.



I'd definitely recommend either a funny video or an informational video which helps people out. People don't go to Youtube and similar sites to look at adverts, they go there to be entertained or to learn something. I recently used a free animation program called Go Animate to make a couple of videos for Jet Virtual, so you don't have to spend loads.

This is our channel:<removed by mod> As you can see, the animation program isn't flawless, but for a free one, I think it's really good, and very versatile. It doesn't take too long to learn how to use either.

I think it's a good idea to start off with free or inexpensive options first no matter what your budget is, just to test the waters. And some of the most popular videos on Youtube are low-budget!

Thanks for this information

Also, dose this free program work on a mac? I would like to see your videos, could you PM over me your youtube channel?

Thanks

 

[oliverhall]

An E-commerce example...

One of our clients DAPW.co.uk sell duvets. They wanted a video answering some of the common problems that buyers face. We produced a short 2 minute video for them (can be viewed on their website).

They found that people who viewed the video were 50% more likely to buy a duvet from them than those who didn't view the video.

Proof that videos do really help your website.

 

[Shaykhoun]

Hello,

Video helps your website in many ways,

Apart from the obvious, video makes your website look great instantly... and is an eye-catcher!

If you do incorporate video in your website it affects your SEO,

Google uses video in their algorithm therefore you are much more likely to be higher in any search result.

Also video can make your website look more attractive. It provides the viewer to have another way of understanding your product

It is good to market your product through video and audio, rather than just a having the viewer browse through the website. This is because video has the capability to capture the audience and not loose potential clients/customers through information being hard to get hold of.

 

[TangerineDream]

Hi there

I have video on one of my sites www.telemaketinggb.com. This has been great success. It has increased the time spent on the site, the number of pages visited and most importantly the conversion rate.

It was so successful I got my money back in just 6 days.

I have another website being launched in a few days and have a video on that too.

I think they are great.

The new website has been lauched and the conversion rate has gone through the roof compared to the previous on. Its not just because of the video, we have done other things too.... But I beleive its a major factor.

Have a look at the video here

 

[fisicx]

They found that people who viewed the video were 50% more likely to buy a duvet from them than those who didn't view the video.

A good example but not enough information. For example how did people get to the video? Did they search on youtube, land on the video page or clickthough from the homepage? What was the navigation path of those who didn't?

And what does 50% more likely to buy actually mean? Do you mean that out of every 5 sales, 3 were from those who watched the video or just the 50% more clicked through to a product page?

Sorry for being such a pedant but if the video really bumped sales, why isn't it on the homepage?

 

[fisicx]

I have video on one of my sites www.telemaketinggb.com. This has been great success. It has increased the time spent on the site, the number of pages visited and most importantly the conversion rate.

Exactly the sort of site that benefits from this sort of marketing as visitors to the site are already in a receptive mode. This has been the general thrust of the thread - properly targeting videos can work well.

If you were selling cheap socks however it probably wouldn't have the same impact.

Would be interested to see if it works with viagra...

 

[point across . co . uk]

Hi

Sorry to hijack this post slightly, but we are considering having a video on our site showing a walkthrough of our system instead of the current slide show.

We are concerned about whether this can be executed professionally and would it be worth the effort do you think?

Kind Regards

Sam

 

[Newcott]

Sam - any video can be done professionally if you get the right people behind it, I don't think that should be a concern.

Its a matter of what would it show, would it be able to get across a message, quicker/simpler/more direct then what you currently are doing.

 

[Databroker]

NO doubt that video can help a website. Great for SEO and one of the best tools for reducing bounce. Apparently you have 20 seconds to capture attention -otherwise game over. ( not an expert on this though - just opinion )

 

[Tony Hayes]

Video can help in many ways from SEO, Viral Marketing through to helping conversions.
It can be done in so many ways easily these days too from doing free videos using animoto.com, being in front of a camera or doing screen capture videos using camtasia or jing.
The key thing IMHO is to be clear on the objective of the video and if its purpose is to increase exposure of your business then give some valuable information in exchange for peoples time and don't just push sales driven content.
It builds trust, authority and helps to increase your mailing list which gives you the opportunity to build a relationship with your subscribers long term and of course increases the probability of sales if done correctly.
A recent statistic i came across stated that 67% of people would rather watch a video then read a blog post or words to that effect. I have personally found that with videos ranking well in the search engines that by being on page 1 (even at the lower end of the page) increases the number of click through's to your site too if the title is appealing enough.

 

[Jose Jimenez]

Thanks for your reply, We are a small Animal and House Sitting company (www.sit-and-stay.co.uk)

We have recently added live chat to our site and this is proving very successful we are also one of the only Animal and House Sitting companies that offer live chat on our site.

It was just a thought really if adding a short animated video to my site listing the services we offer might be a good idea.

What are your opinions?

Thanks,

Sit and Stay Animal and House Sitters.

Video would work great for your business.

What do potential customers want to know/see? While Im no expert for your business I'd hazard a guess they want to make sure you are trustworthy, experts at looking after animals and you also love them. Try to put that across in your video and include some animals and love of course. A lot/most animals are like members of the family so people want to make sure they are well looked after.

First things first take a step back and think about what you want to achieve and see if a video is suitable. If it is, think about the message you want to put across and the action you want potential viewers to take. Call us for free quotation, etc.

 

[Digital Investments]

Video's can help in 2 key areas:

1) SEO
2) Increased Conversions

Be sure to upload your videos to You Tube as well and other video marketing websites in order to get maximum exposure for your video and to increase the volume of targted traffic going to your site, as well as the increased link juice. A quality video will also increase your conversions (in most cases) on your sales and landing pages

 

[sitandstay]

Thanks for all your input on this post I am currently getting a video made my a member on this forum, I will keep you updated when it is done

 

[RhysLucas]

[FONT=&quot]Absolutely the easiest web video tool I've ever used, it's a lot clearer and a lot better and most important critical thing, you can put hyperlinks inside the video.[/FONT]

 

[Ally@VTIQS]

Hi we have recently posted a demo video of our own product on youtube because its sometimes a hard concept to get across to potential clients. If you do something that's hard to explain, feel that people really need to see what you've got or think that a more personal approach by yourself might be useful then a video would be a good idea, don't fall though for the give us a few pictures and we will put a video of them together for you mob there is no benefit to those. In our own instance, as it is a technical product, we used a bit of soft ware that we already had which was snaggit and created a real time vid of someone going through the testing procedure. Cost us nothing and several people who just couldn't get it - got it! so well worth the investment of time. Good luck!

 

[sitandstay]

Hi we have recently posted a demo video of our own product on youtube because its sometimes a hard concept to get across to potential clients. If you do something that's hard to explain, feel that people really need to see what you've got or think that a more personal approach by yourself might be useful then a video would be a good idea, don't fall though for the give us a few pictures and we will put a video of them together for you mob there is no benefit to those. In our own instance, as it is a technical product, we used a bit of soft ware that we already had which was snaggit and created a real time vid of someone going through the testing procedure. Cost us nothing and several people who just couldn't get it - got it! so well worth the investment of time. Good luck!

Thanks, but I have already got a company working on it. They are a member here, and I will post my video up next week when it is ready, along with there website address

 

[SmallBizMarketing]

Hi Sit & Stay!

The question I always ask is...

"Is it going to enhance the website users experience, add value to their visit and assist in converting them into a customer or lead?"

If you are creating content for content sake then it can be wasted marketing effort.

Its the message rather than the medium that is the first consideration.

Video is a very powerful and engaging medium to use. It is also very search engine friendly now Google owns You Tube!

I have added video to both my website and blog and many clients sites too but it has to be well thought out in terms of why you are adding it and what message it needs to convey.

A great site to create free videos is Animoto. The basic free option enables you to create professional 30 second videos - adding video clips, images, messages on screen and royalty free music. They are really easy to add to your website too - link from You Tube or embed HTML code.

Video client testimonials would be good for your business I feel - happy customers with their pets! A Flip video camera would do the job.

PS - remember to create a You Tube channel too - its free and now the second biggest search engine so a very powerful marketing tool.

:O)

 

[sitandstay]

hi everyone,

Just though I would give you a quick update in this thread.

I am in the process of getting a video done. It is by a member on this forum (DDM2011)

His website is http://www.digitalduvetmedia.com/

He came around today to do the shoot, I am very excited about seeing the final production

If any of you need a video, I would strongly recommend contacting Dan from Digital Duvet Media.

I will let you all know when the videos on my site

 

[Antony Warnes]

Hi Sit & Stay!

The question I always ask is...

"Is it going to enhance the website users experience, add value to their visit and assist in converting them into a customer or lead?"

If you are creating content for content sake then it can be wasted marketing effort.

Its the message rather than the medium that is the first consideration.

Video is a very powerful and engaging medium to use. It is also very search engine friendly now Google owns You Tube!

I have added video to both my website and blog and many clients sites too but it has to be well thought out in terms of why you are adding it and what message it needs to convey.

A great site to create free videos is Animoto. The basic free option enables you to create professional 30 second videos - adding video clips, images, messages on screen and royalty free music. They are really easy to add to your website too - link from You Tube or embed HTML code.

Video client testimonials would be good for your business I feel - happy customers with their pets! A Flip video camera would do the job.

PS - remember to create a You Tube channel too - its free and now the second biggest search engine so a very powerful marketing tool.

:O)

I can't agree more!

I produce for TV these days but still do the odd bit to help out local businesses and charities.

Though what I used to find were companies wanting to do TOO much with video. Over long, over complicated messages can do more harm than good.

Though things like case studies and testimonial videos are powerful selling tools. Every time i see a written testimonial on a website i'm always sceptical.

However when you see a short video of your happy client, at his place of business, singing your praises it will sell me more than any written sales message or web copy.

There are companies that will film these with professional equipment and techniques which will make a much better impression than something filmed yourself.

 

[DeadlineData]

Excellent posts guys and a very interesting read.

I am keen to incorporate video on our simple url. I am compelled to watch a full video on a website should I encounter one and find myself spending more time on a site as a result.

Does anyone have any recommendations for UKBF users or video creators? Interesting in having a chat with one!

 

[sitandstay]

Excellent posts guys and a very interesting read.

I am keen to incorporate video on our simple url. I am compelled to watch a full video on a website should I encounter one and find myself spending more time on a site as a result.

Does anyone have any recommendations for UKBF users or video creators? Interesting in having a chat with one!

Hi,

Drop me a PM and I will pass the details on of the person that done mine

 

[DeadlineData]

pm sent