Video for the web

Video for the web

If a picture tells a thousand words, a video must tell millions. More and more businesses are recognising the value of having video on their websites. From online tutorials to education videos, they can be one of the most effective ways to inform visitors on what you have to offer.

Many people find it quicker and easier to learn through video rather than reading screeds of text. Some companies introduce their employees on their site through video, giving the viewer a feeling of inclusion. Some have frequent video updates about new developments. Some companies post straight ads, some post tutorials on products or services, and some use animated graphics.

Here are some video-for-the-web tips:

  1. Make sure it is good quality. A bad web video will be a put off to a client. If the content is amateur, or your camera poor quality, the viewer will spot it. You are meant to be trying to sell your company or product as a professional, well built package. This will not happen with a shoddy video.
  2. Does it compliment your text? While video is an important tool, some clients may prefer to stick with the associated text, or may want more information than your video can easily supply. Make sure your text and video compliment each other.
  3. If you plan to do it yourself, don’t skimp. Modern video equipment ranges in cost, but if you buy a good middle-of-the-range camera, it can pay for itself in many ways. If you want to film your own, the basic tools are a digital video (DV) camera, a microphone, a tripod, a computer with enough grunt to edit video, and video editing software.
  4. Prepare your shoot: Think of your video as having the importance of a Hollywood blockbuster - all elements have to be right, including the set. If you have a location to show off, why don’t you plan a shoot where the camera will be following you around your location? There are hundreds of places you could use as your backdrop - just think of what you want it to say about your company. Before you start filming, think about these things:
    1. Turn off all cell phones, and try and avoid background noise like traffic.
    2. Good lighting is essential, whether it is natural or artificial.
    3. Prepare the person you are filming. Make sure lines are known, but let them know there is time for retakes if needed.
    4. Set a good vibe on set, and make sure everyone is prepared for what they need to do.
  5. Use a professional videographer. If you can swing it, splash out the extra money for a professional videographer. The rates vary, but the difference between doing it yourself or having someone trained in video can be the make or break for your website’s level of professionalism.
  6. Avoid slow-moving video. Videos that take forever to load or stop and start can be killers, and can turn people off your site. That is where a good web developer will be able to help to upload video onto your website so it can either be fully downloaded or streamed for people to watch.
  7. The finished product: Is it the right length? Is it good quality? Does it get the point across and say what you needed it to say? If yes to all of the above, you are done and dusted my friend.
  8. Get it on the web. You will probably want to post your files in Flash (the same as YouTube). Most video editing software allows you to export your video in this format. Remember, the better the quality of the export, the bigger the file size will be.

The uses for video on the web are boundless, and can boost the accessibility of information to your visitors. Video on the web can be money / effort well spent.