Video Killed the Radio Star

As videos have faded for rock stars on MTV, video has thrived just about everywhere on the web. 

If you not are not currently using video on your site.  You may want to consider adding it.  Why you say? 

• Video adds a dimension to your website, an easy way to explain anything with more than words.  Here a few things you could add to your site depending on your industry:
  • tutorials
  • product demos
  • product introductions
• an easy way to give perspective
  • walk thrus for gyms, homes, appliances, tools, etc.
  • events - show what they were like for future event participators

Its gotten so much easier to make a video with phones having HD video and handheld video cameras, along with easy to use editing software.   The quality on these devices is very good too.  Not everything needs to be filmed by a professional cameraman.

I have gone online over the past few months to learn how to do all sorts of things using videos:

• teach my daughter to ice skate
• put in a new toilet
• teach my puppy to walk on a leash
• how to install a sump pump

I watched amaterrs do great introductions to:

• phones
• readers
• parks
• new washing machines

Ok not all these things are useful for businesses but take a few minutes or grab a team of people and think of short videos that you could do that could help your business promote itself.  If the dog walking video had been a local person, I may have signed up for obedience lessons.  If a local plumber had made the video I may have called them instead of putting in my own toilet.

Here is a blog we wrote years ago on the subject.  If anything its even more valid today.

The more video you shoot the better you will get.  Don't get discouraged, my first video was awful, but people say they still find it useful.  If you keep your videos short just do a second or third take to get it right.  My first video took 10 takes.  

Note: If you want to edit your video Windows Movie Maker (included with windows) and iMovie (included on Apple computers) should give you the functionality you need.  You can also cut down your videos with the new YouTube editor.

Continue reading about video for websites:

• Check Out This Video
• You have the childcare center, you have the website now add some video to the mix
• Got Members, Do Videos, No Problem
• You have the gym, you have the website, add video to the mix