Website Video Presenters

[Sososher]

We have just launched a website called Sososher.com. Sososher is a social shopping website where you can upload video/picture reviews of purchases you have made for others to watch, watch retailer promotional videos, add shopping buddies - interact with other members, share product recommendations and receive cash back on every purchase you make. We have been experiencing a fantastic amount of hits day in day out but we have identified a problem in that we are aware that although users were aware of the functionality of the website, they were very unsure as to what the cash back aspect was all about. We have addressed this issue and have had made and uploaded a web video presenter to our home page to give our users instant clarification as to what cash back actually means. Before we decided to get the video made we did a lot of research and took into account two main points of view below:-

1 – If you need a web video presenter, then your website isn’t worth looking at as people should know instantly what the site is all about.

2 - The average time a visitor gives a website when they first visit is less than 5 seconds, which means that if they don’t understand what the website is about in that time they’ll click off “probably never to return again”.

One of the main turn offs with web videos/presenters (we found this out after visiting various video production companies) is that they become very intrusive in that they auto play when the page loads up. We understand that totally which is why we went for the non auto play option – the downside to that is users may not click the play button to watch/listen to the presenter.

Any thoughts on the subject

 

[fisicx]

If you need a web video presenter, then your website isn’t worth looking at as people should know instantly what the site is all about.

If you came to this conclusion then why have a talking presenter? All you have done is bolt on an extra to cover up a identified problem with the site. It would be interesting to know how many of your visitors returned, just because you get loasds of hits doesn't necesserily mean they stayed for long or, more importantly, bookmarked and returned.

 

[Sososher]

Hi Fisicx,
As mentioned, the purpose of the video presenter was to give users instant clarification of what the "cashback" element of the website is all about. Do you not think she explains and clarifies this point?
Our CMS shows that existing members do return to our website and that new membership is improving.

 

[fisicx]

I didn't even bother to click on her. I was too busy concentrating on what I was supposed to do.

In my opinion you should get rid of the vid and change the site so you aim is clear. Most of the primary navigation is irrelevant, the slideshow thing is pointless and the really useful information is below the fold. Once on a cash back page I can see a category list down the left - this needs to be on the homepage.

There are loads of other improvments you could make to the site but to list them all needs a website review and that's for full members only.

 

[Sososher]

Thanks for the feedback,
Good or bad we appreciate it as it will only help with site improvements. In an ideal world we would be able to please everyone with the design and functionality of the website (everyone's tastes and preferences are different - e.g. you'll either love Twitter or hate it) and while some people love the idea of the scrolling retailers - others may not for that reason as you mentioned we have retailer categories listed on the left of the stores page.

 

[tony79]

You may want to check your hosting package.... I tried clicking on the video and got the dreaded "low bandwidth - try later" notice.

 

[fisicx]

...and while some people love the idea of the scrolling retailers – others may not for that reason as you mentioned we have retailer categories listed on the left of the stores page.

So I assume you have tested both types to see which one is more effective?

I sort of get the feeling the site layout was defined a while back and can't be changed which is going to be a real bugger once you start testing and analysing.

 

[Sososher]

So I assume you have tested both types to see which one is more effective?

I sort of get the feeling the site layout was defined a while back and can't be changed which is going to be a real bugger once you start testing and analysing.

With the popularity of the iPod/iPhone coverflow our pre testing and the feedback we have been getting is that the majority of users prefer to use a more interactive system than a static one, hence the reason why that option is there on the homepage – but of course there is an option to use both.

 

[fisicx]

With the popularity of the iPod/iPhone coverflow our pre testing and the feedback we have been getting is that the majority of users prefer to use a more interactive system than a static one, hence the reason why that option is there on the homepage – but of course there is an option to use both.

Since your homepage interactive widget doesn't even work on an ipod/iphone that reply doesn't make sense.

However just because people like the flashy thing doesn't mean to say it's the most effective solution. Not saying your layout is wrong but until you split test you will never know if there is a better way to do things.

 

[Sososher]

Since your homepage interactive widget doesn't even work on an ipod/iphone that reply doesn't make sense.

However just because people like the flashy thing doesn't mean to say it's the most effective solution. Not saying your layout is wrong but until you split test you will never know if there is a better way to do things.

As you probably know, the iPhone doesn’t have the capability to play flash “from any website” – I would suggest as what I said does make sense as I was referring to the fact the people like using and are familiar with the coverflow on the iPhone/iPod. I did start this post with reference to web videos and not the coverflow aspect. Looking at your website I can see that one of your core selling points is website assessment, clearly you’re not a fan of our website or indeed flash is something you don’t agree with and that’s fine, but just because you don’t agree with something doesn’t make it wrong! based on the feedback that we get and have been getting it is the most effective solution.
An extract from you website states (If you have to stop and think about what to do next then the designer has failed in their task to deliver a usable website) in some parts that’s true, but in other cases that’s not the case. Take for example the success of Twitter, then look at the results you get when you Google how to use twitter 868,000,000 or what is twitter 1,030,000,000 the results speak for themselves.

 

[fisicx]

I don't have a problem with flash as it can be a very useful tool. I don't have a problem with the iphone coverflow either as its an easy way to get to an album I like. All I was suggesting was that the really useful information on your homepage is below the fold. The coverslide thing is only really useful if you know what is listed, at the moment I have to browse to see if there is anything I like. Maybe having staic buttons would get more clicks, maybe it won't. Your opening post was about the talking presenter and the need to explain how the site works. This would indicate to me that the site needs a bit of rework - fix the source of the problem rather than add another layer.

Not having a go at your site, just trying to suggest an alternate way of looking at things.

 

[Sososher]

I don't have a problem with flash as it can be a very useful tool. I don't have a problem with the iphone coverflow either as its an easy way to get to an album I like. All I was suggesting was that the really useful information on your homepage is below the fold. The coverslide thing is only really useful if you know what is listed, at the moment I have to browse to see if there is anything I like. Maybe having staic buttons would get more clicks, maybe it won't. Your opening post was about the talking presenter and the need to explain how the site works. This would indicate to me that the site needs a bit of rework - fix the source of the problem rather than add another layer.

Not having a go at your site, just trying to suggest an alternate way of looking at things.

Much the same as you scroll down to look at posts in this forum - the average web user scrolls down on the majority of webpage's they visit. There a very few "if any perfect websites" - we have only just launched and aware that as time goes on and user feedback comes in then changes will be made. As I said in my earlier comment "Good or bad we appreciate it as it will only help with site improvements" - thanks for your comments.

 

[fisicx]

You might like to read this long but very good thread: http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=133000

People do scroll down but only if have a need to do so. If there is nothing above the fold that keeps their interest they will leave. This is why utilising the classic F is so important. If you put the categories down the left and have the flippy thing on the homepage you may well see a improvment.

 

[Andrew P]

Hi,

How do you find companys feelings on theses video for web presenters. We have a greenscreen studio and are looking to do the same. (lighting looks spot on btw)

rgds

Andy