Video content seems to be everywhere these days, and for good reason. Visual content works for inbound marketing; it captivates audiences, incites engagement, and lets creators communicate information more efficiently. You’d need to look no further than visual-based social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for proof of this. However, you may face hardships employing video for your website, in terms of both embedding it and using it effectively. Thus, here we’ll cover 6 ways to integrate video on your website and 6 ways to use it effectively.
If you’re interested in either, read on!
6 ways to embed video into your website
First, let’s begin with embedding. That’s the very first step, right? Fortunately, many embedding options now exist, and most of them are distinctly mobile-friendly.
1. YouTube
Among the most famous and easy ways to embed video is through YouTube’s embed option. The process is as simple as it gets:
- Upload your video to YouTube
- Once it’s live, click on share and select “embed”
- Copy the embed code and paste it onto your website
YouTube itself also provides embedding customization options, like hiding controls and player
size. This method does rely on third-party hosting, but YouTube is arguably among the most
reliant video hosters.
2. Facebook
Similarly, Facebook offers video embedding. It didn’t use to be the case, so users had to look for
workarounds, but now Facebook offers an equally simple embed option.
- Upload your video to Facebook or choose a public Facebook video
- Click and select “embed”
- Copy the embed code and paste it onto your website
Notably, this kind of embedding can also coincide with social media marketing strategies.
3. Vimeo
Vimeo is another notable option. Much like the others, it offers a very simple way to integrate
video on your website.
- Upload your video to Vimeo
- Click on the player’s share button and select “embed”
- Copy the embedded code and paste it onto your website
You may be noticing a theme by now, but that’s only because embedding has indeed become so
much simpler.
4. WordPress
WordPress is just a touch more complicated, but just barely so.
- Open the post or page where you want to insert a video in the console
- Select “add media” and upload your video
- Select “embed media player” in attachment display settings and insert it
As the most popular CMS today, WordPress could only offer such reliable options itself. Of
course, after you’re finished, you should continue to work on the optimization and beat the
competitors.
5. HTML5
HTML5 is , of course, a more advanced way to embed videos. Mozilla helpfully offers a code
sample:
<video controls width=”250″>
<source src=”/media/cc0-videos/flower.webm”
type=”video/webm”>
<source src=”/media/cc0-videos/flower.mp4″
type=”video/mp4″>
Sorry, your browser doesn’t support embedded videos.
</video>
You’ll thus need to tamper with your website’s HTML <video> element to embed video in this
way.
However, it does offer a wealth of customization options.
6. Video LightBox
Finally, Video Lightbox is one of many programs that allow video embeds. It offers clear, step-
by-step on-screen instructions on how to do so:
- Add a video URL or upload a video file
- Customize it
- Publish it
Should using programs not appeal to you, there are also multiple WordPress plugins that offer similar functions.
Now, having embedded your video, let’s explore ways to integrate video on your website. From title tags to video, your website needs to offer impeccable UX – and that’s what these methods aim to do.
6 ways to integrate video on your website:
1. Video headers and backgrounds
Above the fold by definition, these are the first things your visitors see. Thus, you may use video headers to grab their attention and entice them to stay on your website.
Of course, what material you choose to display is entirely up to you. It may be an abstract,
atmospheric video, an introductory or promo video, or anything in-between.
2. Landing page promo videos
Similarly, landing pages lend themselves perfectly to promo videos. The concept of both is to
guarantee conversions, after all.
For landing pages, you may consider using promo videos as mini-trailers for your pages’
products or services. Personalized video can also work, but not for general use; viewers need to provide their details. You may still consider it for targeted viewers on email lists, of course.
3. Customer story videos
Customer story videos are also an excellent way to foster trust. These can drive conversions,
much like customer reviews and written testimonials.
You may consider case studies for this type of content, as they combine real-life testimonials
with the visual element. You may feature these in product or service pages, but ideally in their
own review-type section.
4. Support portal videos
Next, video content can enhance customer support by enabling video-based knowledge centers. No matter your industry, size, service, or product, support portal videos are a very useful resource to provide. Most notably, such self-help videos can decongest your support request queue, letting your teams streamline their workflow. You can typically feature such videos in dedicated knowledge bases and support or contact portals on your website.
5. How-to and instructional videos
Speaking of, how-to and instructional videos are also very effective. These can be blog videos,
support portal videos, and even marketing content.
You may incorporate such videos into social media posts as lead magnets, send them as free
content for customer retention, and more. On your website, such videos can fit well into landing pages and informational posts and guides.
6. Careers pages videos
Finally, with leads, conversions, and support covered, you may also use video to augment your hiring process. What better way to do so than add video to your careers pages?
The basics of attracting qualified candidates don’t differ too much from those of attracting leads. Consider culture-type videos that showcase your company, your staff, your business mission, and your vision to entice applicants.
Conclusion
To summarize, there are multiple ways to integrate video on your website, as well as ways to do so creatively. Video content can help drive conversions and sales, and thus let your business flourish.
Hopefully, the tips above will serve as a solid first step for your efforts!
***
Photos used
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/face-woman-female-lifestyle-1103708/
https://pixabay.com/vectors/youtube-video-media-movie-film-5000699/
https://pixabay.com/photos/cms-wordpress-265126/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/multi-cultural-people-3184426/
