Sorry about that, my Luddite friend.

I too, am a reader, not a watcher, but times have changed. Today’s websites need video and here are the top six reasons why:

#1. Search engines love video.

For the last few years, Google has rewarded sites that include video, presumably because videos are “content-rich.” When a video is optimized to include relevant keywords, it has a 50 times better chance of appearing on the first page of Google results than any static text page. And as if to emphasize the importance of video with web users, YouTube has become the second-largest search engine on the web. That means web users are nearly as likely to search for their keywords (your website) on YouTube as Google. If you don’t have video on your website, YouTube won’t find you.

#2. Videos are more engaging than text.

Just as it’s easier to get caught up in television or a movie, than in a book, well-crafted videos pull people into the storyline. And why not? Videos combine words, images, and music to create more compelling storytelling than words and images alone. For that reason:

#3. Videos are shared more often than text.

Because they are more engaging and compelling than static text pages, videos are shared—on Facebook and other social media, as well as emailed—far more often than static web pages. Moreover, a video thumbnail— embedded on a Facebook page, for example–attracts more attention and garners more “Likes” and comments than a static text page.

#4. Videos convert visitors to customers more frequently than text.

Videos are able to imitate the bricks-and-mortar shopping experience more readily than words and still images, giving prospective customers a “you are there” experience that can overcome any hesitation a shopper may feel about purchasing online. A video can also convey your company’s brand—the look and feel you want customers to associate with your company—far more than a static website. Moreover, once a website visitor has clicked on the PLAY button, he or she is in your control. A well-produced video can provide a “one-stop shopping” experience for the user, answering his or her questions, showing the product from various angles, offering appropriate calls to action (and the links to make them a click away), and even guiding visitors to the shopping cart.

#5. Videos can be shared on multiple channels

—thus maximizing the bang for your buck. By loading videos to multiple sites—YouTube, Vimeo, Google Video, Facebook Video, and more—in addition to your own website, you reach far more prospective customers than through your website alone. Moreover, videos can be optimized to play equally well on mobile devices, televisions, and in-store monitors, further maximizing the return on your video investment.

# 6 Best of all, Alchemy On Demand can create your videos

From animated shorts and two-minute sales pieces to full-length corporate documentaries, our team of award-winning producers, directors, and writers are masters of the craft of video storytelling to meet any budget. When you’re ready to go video, contact us.

-Leslee Goodman
Alchemy On Demand