Website Videos - How Important Can They Be?

By Janine Popick is the CEO and co-founder of VerticalResponse

I was looking at our website Google Analytics statistics the other day and was blown away by a statistic I uncovered. It seems that a large percentage of our website traffic in the last month came from people watching our video tutorials. Even though we have a web-based tool that is very intuitive, it's great to have that step-by-step video of how it's supposed to be used so that anyone can learn quicker than trial by fire.

I thought about it more and realized it doesn't only apply to software companies needing to record tutorials with screen shot flows. If you don't think your business lends itself to adding interactive videos on your site think again! In addition to our video tutorials, we publish other videos as well. PLUS, it's easier than EVER to take one. These days you don't need any high-powered video camera to look like a pro.

Last year the IAB reported that 50% of the US population will watch video online this year alone and they're most likely the same people that are buying your products or services.

Step 1: So, What Should You Take a Video Of?

Restaurants - You can give a 360 degree virtual tour of your place or film a video of your chef making one of your most popular dishes.

Real Estate Agents/Hotel Operators - Host a 360 degree virtual tour of the property or specific rooms.

Software Companies - Stop being afraid of the competition getting "access" to your software. If they really want it they will surely find a way to see it. For the mac check out what we use, ScreenFlow ($100). but there is also SnapzPro ($69), and iShowU ($20). In our opinion, the higher the price the higher the quality. Take a look for yourself. For PC's check out Captivate ($600)and Camtasia ($299).

Manufacturers, Designers - Take a video of your work, how something is made or a story of how a customer uses your products.

Non-Profit Organizations - Take a video of those who benefit from contributions and how it has helped them achieve!

And any business can take videos of your customers talking about your products or services!

Resource: How to take great videos - VideoMaker , Wonder How To, CNET.

Step 2: Get It Out of The Camera and Onto The Web!

The next step is to transfer the video first to your computer, then to your website or YouTube. YouTube let's you have about a 10 minute video so it's plenty.

Resource: How to transfer your video to your computer - Google, Rick Says, Expert Village.

Resource: How to transfer from your computer to YouTube - YouTube Help.

Once it's hosted on YouTube you'll need to add your keywords so you can be found when someone searches on them. Then you can link to it from your site and you don't have to host it at all!

Still scared to take a video? Try out the Flip Camera, it's about $129 and it plugs directly into your computer so you can immediately upload your video to YouTube. Still afraid? Check out Animoto it's fun! You simply upload still photos and pick a song. They put it together in minutes!

Don't forget to tell the world about your video. A best practice is to include links in your email marketing campaigns to your video so that all of your recipients can click to view the video!

Anyone have good video stories to tell?