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A welcome video is a great way to add a personal touch to your website, enhance your brand, and make a great first impression.
But figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to create a professional welcome video for your website. We’ll cover:
- What to say in your welcome video.
- The technical requirements for creating your welcome video.
- How to get your welcome video onto your website.
Let’s dive in!
Why add a welcome video to your website?
Imagine walking into a store and being greeted by a warm smile and a friendly hello.
That small gesture makes you feel welcome and sets the store apart from competitors.
Your website works the same way. A welcome video serves as a digital handshake, helping visitors connect with the person behind the business and creating a lasting impression.
What to say in your welcome video
An effective welcome video includes 3 key elements:
1. Introduce Yourself and Your Business
Start by briefly introducing yourself in a natural, friendly tone. No need to be stiff or salesy. Just talk like you would in real life.
For example:
“Hi, I’m Tom Smith, the owner of Acme Consulting. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Pretty simple, right?
2. State the Purpose of the Video
Explain what you do and how your services help your visitors solve a problem or achieve a goal. Be concise, but specific.
Here’s an example:
“At Acme Consulting, we specialize in business growth strategies to help you increase revenue and streamline operations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, we’re here to guide you toward success.”
You can expand this section if needed, but stay focused and avoid rambling.
3. Encourage the Next Step
Wrap up with a friendly call to action. Invite visitors to explore your website, schedule a consultation, or download a resource. End by thanking them for stopping by and expressing enthusiasm about connecting.
For example:
“Thanks for visiting our site! We look forward to speaking with you soon.”
That's all there is to it!
How to record a welcome video
Feeling nervous about being on camera? That’s normal!
Here are a few tips to make the process easier:
- Smile and Breathe: Relax and be patient with yourself. Mistakes are part of the process, and you can edit them out later.
- Be Authentic: A genuine, slightly unpolished video resonates better with viewers than a flashy but insincere one.
- Use Humor (if it suits you): If humor comes naturally to you, feel free to sprinkle it in—but don’t force it.
Technical requirements for your welcome video
You don’t need expensive equipment to create a professional video. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Equipment
- Smartphone: The video quality of most modern smartphones is more than sufficient.
- Tripod: Use a basic tripod for stability.
- External Microphone: Invest in a wired or wireless lavalier microphone to improve audio quality.
2. Lighting
Natural light works great. Face the light source directly, whether it’s sunlight or a ring light, to avoid shadows or silhouettes.
3. Background
Choose a clean, distraction-free backdrop that reflects your brand. For example:
- Consultants: A tidy office setup.
- Fitness professionals: A workout space.
- Outdoor businesses: A scenic outdoor setting.
4. Editing Software
You’ll need software to polish your video. Some popular options include:
- iMovie (Mac)
- Camtasia (my personal favorite)
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Online tools like Descript or Canva
Pick software that’s easy for you to use and helps you edit efficiently.
Tips for recording
- Keep It Short: Aim for 60–90 seconds, and definitely no more than 3 minutes.
- Use a Script: Write out your script word-for-word and rehearse it. Print it out in a large font and tape it on a wall near your camera, so you can easily read it without looking obvious.
- Aspect Ratio: Horizontal (16:9) is still the standard, but vertical videos are fine too, depending on your audience.
Where to host and place your welcome video
Hosting your video
You’ll need a video hosting platform to play your video on your website. Here are your options:
- YouTube: Free, but it includes branding and recommended videos when your video gets done playing, which you might not want.
- Vimeo: A paid option with a cleaner, distraction-free experience.
Once uploaded, these platforms provide you with an embed code to add the video to your site.
Where to place your video
- Hero section of your homepage: This is the most visible and impactful spot.
- Below the hero section: If the design doesn’t allow for a video in the hero section, placing it just below works well too.
- About Us page: Many visitors check this page to learn more about your business, so it’s another great location.
Conclusion
Creating a welcome video for your website doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.
Focus on being authentic, keep your message clear and concise, and use simple equipment to get the job done.
A well-placed, professional welcome video can help you connect with your visitors, build trust, and set your business apart from the competition. So grab your smartphone, hit record, and start creating a video that makes a lasting impression!
