Videos are a great addition to your web site, especially if you want to explain how a product works, create a case study, or do something wild and creative. Hiring professionals is expensive but it’s entirely possible to make a powerful video yourself. I like the videos made by Lee Lefever for Common Craft who created the “…in Plain English”series. They’re very simple. The props are a whiteboard and Post Its. You can see their videos on their web site or on YouTube.
Are you inspired? Pixability, a company that helps small businesses make videos, has the following tips for making your own videos:
- Get a simple-to-use camera. The Flip camera and Kodak Zi8 are recommended. Make sure the camera allows for easy downloads.
- It’s the content, baby! What are your best customers passionate about? Tell stories that give your audience the information they are searching for.
- Shorter is better. Viewers have short attention spans, so don’t squeeze too many messages into one video. Less than two minutes is optimal for the Web.
- Hold still. Grip the video camera with both hands and keep a stable shot for at least 10 seconds.
- Lights, camera, action. Turn on all the lights when shooting, and never shoot someone whose back is to the sun. Have your subjects speak loudly, and avoid background noise.
- Deliver the right message. End with a call to action.
You can read more about Pixability and web videos in the article Claim to frame: Helping businesses polish images published in the Boston Globe on 5/25/10.
Analysis by Smart Alice Web Design, smart web design for businesses who want a unique and effective presence on the internet.
Copyright 2010, Alice Gebura, All Rights Reserved.