There can be little doubt that most websites have considered adding video, but the reality is that in some cases people are so tired of video that they turn off the sound on their PC just in case their ears are affronted by some lout shouting his wares.
So what are the pros and cons of using video clips to enhance a website? Is it an additional opportunity to make money online? Is it a great way to increase web traffic? And will it be the ideal medium to more fully explain your home business idea?
Video when correctly used in an appropriate context can add a wealth of information that is easily and quickly absorbed by the viewer. This is particularly true when you want to explain something of a difficult or complex nature in a very short space of time.
One of the greatest things about the internet is that it has made a wealth of previously hard to obtain tools easily and cheaply available to all. This includes video editing suites.
What is not so easy to download is the ability and knowledge to be able to make a professional finished item.
If, as I have, you have watched a great many website video clips, you will begin to understand why so many website visitors are actually being turned off by video, rather than enjoying the experience.
Some home video producers seem believe that if they put on a suit, stand against a plain wall with a large potted plant in the corner, and shout out the message, you will be lulled into believing that they are an expert in their field.
There is a reason why TV and Radio companies go to great lengths to hire the best presenters rather than hire someone cheaply. If the message is polished and professional it has a great deal of impact. If it is less than polished and professional, not only does it not have enough impact, it actually detracts from the message.
I am not suggesting here that no one should produce their own videos, but I am suggesting that it is not as easy as it looks.
If you do produce your own video, before you upload it to your website, show it to some people, preferably people who will be objective rather than close family who will want to spare your feelings.
If your critics do not like your video, then your website visitors most likely won?t either.
Try to choose the right type of video for your website too. There are many more formats around now and perhaps something a little different will suite your site better.
Some website owners are now offering their visitors the choice of video or to click off the video in favour of a pop up pdf with an additional verbal explanation instead.
The point here is that although you may feel that you need to add a video to your site, make sure that you know why you want the video, what the focus of it will be and whether it will add to your website in some way or whether it may actually detract from your overall message.
If your website is a monetized site without a specific product, then some form of video theme that is regularly changed may help to entice your visitors to return to your website more frequently.
If your website has a product or products then some form of product description in the form of video may be ideal.
Just make sure that if you do add video, it is appropriate, informative, entertaining and above all professionally turned out.
