Website Design-Details on Video Testimonials

There is nothing in my opinion more compelling than a real person discussing on camera how satisfied they are with the experience of being a patient in your practice. How you overcame and relieved their fears or anxieties- or the great customer service they received – or the beautiful smile you created – these are issues that are of paramount importance to a prospective patient. Why video?

Video testimonials are more believable than audio or written comments. You can easily make up words that say you are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that is nowhere near as effective as a patient actually talking into a camera. And Google loves video! So from an SEO perspective, adding video content improves the ranking and positioning of your website.

You can really distinguish your site by the way your videos are displayed. Typically when you see a video on YouTube or on CNN or a dental website, you play the video by clicking on an arrow that is in the middle of someone’s face. Or if the arrow is below the picture, the starting frame often shows someone with their mouth open or their eyes closed. Not attractive!!

If you go to my website, notice that each of the seven videos starts with what is called a “thumbnail” photo where the person looks like they were smiling to have their picture taken. The arrow to open the video is below the photo – and very important – when you click the arrow, the video opens in its own page, and NOT on the page with the other videos. The videographer uses a technique called “blink” – a split second pause between thoughts so the video seems shorter. By the way, 90 to 120 seconds per video is the maximum I would suggest. And be sure to add a tag line for each testimonial.

Have the videos professionally produced. It is not that big of a cost consideration. While I love the concept and spontaneity of the Flip video camera – especially for Facebook  posts – I don’t think the result can compare with the high class image I want to convey.