Using Videos On Your Blog
I have fallen into the habit of using You Tube videos on my website, and find that they add an extra dimension to my posts.
Up until now though I have resisted the urge to create my own videos because I have a head better suited to radio than television.
Recently though, my partners at Share2Grow and I have decided to start venturing beyond our comfort zones!
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be as simple as being as trying something new, like video, or trekking through the wilds of New Guinea like Ange!
Not liking the idea of freezing at night, baking by day and trekking across hilltops, all the while being eaten by mosquitoes, I decided to make a video!
Uploading stuff to YouTube is quite simple, and you don’t need the latest video camera to create your masterpiece.
I created the video below using a simple webcam.
The quality of the video isn’t great, but at 30 seconds it’s more of a trial than anything else!
I’ve come to the conclusion that using multimedia on my website provides a new means to connect with my visitors, though the change from writing is hard – it is what I enjoy.
My thanks go to Des Walsh for his inspiration – I saw a video that he made almost 12 months ago for the Thirty Day Challenge.
I remember seeing it and thinking, web 2.0 is great, but I couldn’t do THAT!
The rest is history. I’d love your comments though.
What do you think of video on blogs?
Will it ever take the place of writing, or will it simply enhance it?
And, what about search engine optimization with video blogs?
Hi Allan, it’s great to “see” you! 🙂
It’s harder than it looks, isn’t it. I’ve definitely gained a new appreciation for people who make videos on a regular basis.
I really enjoyed the video. You talk at a great speed to understand, something I’m horrible at. When I get nervous, I talk faster.
Looking forward to seeing the next one. 🙂
Allan, it’s great to see you! I think that people like to watch video’s and your short film there is a sample of how simple a video can be. It provides a medium we like and offers another means of communication and interaction… oh… and thanks for reminding me of what trekking Kokoda will be like!!
Hi Allan, congrats on stretching your comfort zone, it looks good on you 🙂
In response to your questions: I do believe that there is a place for video on blogs, most notably in an environment where showing is easier than telling, such as product reviews and demonstrations. Having said that, history has shown me that, as with any new technology, it will be overused initially, as was the case with banner ads and animated gif’s.
Insofar as SEO goes, for the time being, the search engines cannot “read” video, so a strong text component should accompany any video you put on your blog. Having said that, it also bears noting that Google, amongst others, is actively working on refining their ability to decode the spoken word from video, and include it into their search results. My current strategy (when I eventually get around to making my own video) is to treat my script just like I would a block of text, at least for SEO purposes.
Looking forward, I see the blog maturing as a multimedia presentation platform, including text, images, audio and video, all in their appropriate uses. We’re not there yet, but the day is coming when the blog will become a well rounded publishing platform for every medium.
Cheers, Marc
Marcs last blog post..Twitter Me This, Twitter Me That
Allan,
I just made my first video too. It was very scary. I had procrastinated and made excuses for too long.
To answer your questions, I believe there is a place for video. It is a way to really get to know the author. It was so cool to hear your accent. Now when I read your posts, I will read them in a different light.
I feel I got to know you just a little bit better.
I agree with an earlier post that it will probably be overused initially, but that will all be sorted out in time.
Keep writing, but a video now and again adds to your brand.
Carla
Carlas last blog post..Make Your First Video for Attraction Marketing Following Renegade Marketing System
Thanks for the input Carla, keep going! 🙂
G’day Marc, thanks!
Gee, that’s almost a blog post in itself.
Thanks for the input – much appreciated!
Allan
Glad you liked it Ange, I didn’t!
Looking forward to news of the trek!
Take care!
Great speed to understand Teeg?
Maybe because I’m just a slow talkin’ country boy 😀 ?
Definitely harder than it looks!
Allan