Tips for Creating an Online Store

Posts Tagged ‘YouTube’

Your video assignment

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Video is everywhere on the web because sites like YouTube make it so easy for people to do. If you go to a site and you see a video, do you click on it?  Would you be more likely to read about something on a site or watch a video that explains it to you?  I think in general, we are all getting lazier and lazier about the whole “reading” thing. Why read when you can have content spoon-fed to you with video?  I’m a cynic, it’s true.

That said, I think video can be effective in small, high-quality doses. Putting a video of yourself and your products on your site is an effective way to create a connection with your customers. All you need to make your own video is a webcam. They are built-in to most new laptops, and they also are pretty cheap to get as an add-on.  (Another great use for a webcam is free video chatting on Skype.)

Making a video is simple. You just start your video software, turn on the webcam, and hit record. Spontaneous unpolished video is totally acceptable, and has a nice friendly feeling to it. Don’t be modest, point the camera and talk. Then get yourself on the web. Rishi wrote up a post a while back about how to upload your video to YouTube.

Here’s your first video assignment: In 30 seconds, tell us how Flying Cart is working out for your business. Upload your video to YouTube, send us the link, and we’ll feature your video and your store on our site. In your video, make sure you say your name, your store name, and the web address of your store.

Ask FC: How do I Add a Video?

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Q: How do I add a YouTube Video to my Welcome Page?

A: First of all.  I love videos!  I really think they bring a store alive.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in and Upload a video to YouTube (you can use your Google Account to sign in)

NOTE: Skip step #1 if the video you want to use already exists on YouTube.  Feel free to check out other video sharing sites (like 5min, MetaCafe, Blip.tv, and Vimeo) for great video content.

2. Go to the video you just upload and copy the code next to “embed”

YouTube embed code

3. In your Flying Cart headquarters navigate to Store -> Homepage

4. Scroll down the click on the HTML button in the “Welcome Text” section

HTML Button

5. Paste the embed code you copied in step #3 and click on the “update”

HTML Source Editor

6. Click the “Update Homepage” button

7. Enjoy a video on your site

Burning QuestionHave a burning question for us?  Ask Us!

Expert in your product? Show it on Squidoo, Google Knol, 5min, and YouTube

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

People will buy from you if they can trust you.  They will purchase from you if they think you are the absolute best person to buy from.  If you are an expert in your product show it!

Here are some great ways to show off how much you know about your field:

1) Create a page on Squidoo.  (For example: Talk about reasons on buying organic cotton)

2) Create a page on Google Knol. (For example: If you sell Hair Loss Lotion, talk about Common Causes of it)

3) Make a video on 5min. (For example: Show a video of you making the painting you are selling)

4) Make a video on YouTube. (For example: Talk about how to detect a replica handbag)

Tell me about what you tried out in the comment section.  Would love to see all the experts we have on Flying Cart.