Videos are an increasingly important component of website design and are an invaluable tool for website owners looking to engage visitors. Videos can help create a more visually appealing website, as well as engaging website visitors and providing them with additional information that might not be available from text alone.
In this blog I will discuss why videos are important to a website design, as well as provide tips on how to use videos effectively.
Why use video?
Videos can be used to convey a message or theme more effectively than text, as it allows website visitors to both see and hear the information you’re trying to share. Videos are also more accessible for website users who may not have access to longer reads; videos can provide website content in an easily digestible format. Additionally, website videos can help website owners create a memorable website experience for visitors.
Tips when using videos:
Have the necessary equipment to record good quality videos
If you have access to a high quality camera and microphone, this will ensure that your videos are of a high standard. However, most phones and laptops are able to record videos that are of sufficient quality for website use (plus its a more affordable option).
A good quality video can is invaluable as most people are unlikel to watch a video with poor audio or visuals.
Make sure your video content is interesting/engaging and meaningful
Whilst website videos should be visually appealing, they also need to provide website visitors with meaningful content. Videos which are interesting and engaging will help website owners create a website that is memorable and helpful which will ultimately help drive more website traffic to your site.
I always say to think from your audiences perspective. Would you watch a video that is not helpful or entertaining?
Use a video hosting platform to house your videos
Rather than uploading your videos directly to your website, it is best practice to use an external video hosting platform such as YouTube or Vimeo. This prevents website slowdown as videos can take up a lot of website memory. It also helps to promote website security as videos do not need to be stored on the website’s server.
Embed the videos in your website rather that upload (why)
Tying into my point above, rather than upload videos directly to your website, you should rather embed the videos from a video hosting platform instead. This helps website load times as website visitors don’t need to wait for the video to load before watching it. It also means you don’t have to worry about website memory issues and website security threats.
Market your site
Once you’ve added videos to your website, it is important to market these videos. This can be done through website SEO and website advertising, as well as social media promotion. By marketing your website videos, you will help drive more website visitors to your website and increase views on the video itself.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has provided you with helpful advice on why and how to use videos on your website. Videos can create a more visually appealing website as well as providing website visitors with engaging content. By following the tips mentioned above, you should be able to successfully use videos on their website without experiencing website slowdown or security threats.