Video is great. You can say a lot with video and because there's sight and sound, you can better create an emotional connection with your website visitors. We highly suggest using video on your website.
With putting videos on your website, you have a few options:
The advantage of hosting a video yourself on your website is that you don't have to deal with any YouTube logos/branding or ads on your videos. The disadvantage is that it takes more work and your host may charge you for more bandwidth if the video resides on your website (in your hosting account).
To put video on your website, you'll need to have several versions/formats of your video available so that it works on multiple devices. You'll need video conversion software to do this. You'll need to test your videos to make sure you got the settings right and it'll take some time and effort if you've never done it before.
The formats you need to provide are:
If that looks like Greek to you, then this might not be the best choice.
Here's more information about website video:
A much easier option is to create an account on YouTube or Vimeo and then use embed code to embed the video on a web page. Apple devices (iPhones, iPads) have a YouTube player app available, so YouTube works well on those devices. With Android devices, you don't have to worry about this.
Another advantage with YouTube is that you're using their bandwidth, not yours. You won't get socked with bandwidth usage charges from your website host.
Here more information on using YouTube videos on your website.
You can turn off the suggested videos with YouTube, so don't let this be a factor with your decision.
When you create a YouTube account, make sure you create it as your business. Use your business name and a generic business email account (like info@yourdomain.com) so that it's not tied down to someone's personal account and so that it's easier to get access to the YouTube account if that person leaves your company.
You do not want to use Flash-based video. Apple (iOS) devices cannot play it. Don't alienate half of your audience.
If you need help producing video, please contact Webstix. We have video people that would love to help you with your project!
