5 Reasons Not to Put a Video in Your Website Hero Section
When designing a website, the hero section is often treated like the crown jewel of the homepage. It’s the first thing website visitors see when they land on a page, so it captures their attention and invites them into a journey.
Traditionally, websites have had static hero images, bold headlines, and a call to action in this prime real estate. But lately, trends are moving towards using videos in the hero section. They look engaging, and you might be tempted to put one on your site, too.
While this might seem like an exciting way to engage users, I actually don’t recommend putting a video in your hero section.
1. Hero Videos Contribute to Slower Load Times
One of the most significant drawbacks of using video in the hero section is the impact on page load speed.
Videos are large files that require significant bandwidth to load, especially if they’re high-quality and full-screen. When visitors land on your site, they want a smooth and fast experience. A video can cause the entire page to load slowly, leading to frustration and even higher bounce rates.
Plus, a hero video can negatively impact your SEO efforts. Google has made it clear that page speed is a critical ranking factor, meaning a slow-loading page can harm your SEO performance and see your website or landing page slipping down the search rankings.
2. Hero Videos Create an Unnecessary Distraction
The hero section is meant to provide a clear, focused message to your target audience. But when you use a hero video, you risk distracting them with movement, sound, or complex visuals.
At first glance, that sounds like a good thing. Your hero video is drawing the user’s attention, right? But in reality, a video can actually make it harder for them to focus on your key message.
When visitors arrive on your site, they want immediate clarity and information, and a video creates distraction. They’ll either scroll past quickly or leave your site entirely, causing them to miss your value proposition, ignore your services, and steer clear of your website in the future.
3. Autoplay Isn’t for Everyone
Another issue with using video in the hero section is using autoplay. Many websites set the video to automatically start playing when a user lands on the page, which can be jarring or intrusive.
Some visitors might be in a quiet environment and find the sudden noise disruptive, especially if they’re using their mobile devices. Even if the video doesn’t have sound, the movement can still be overwhelming for users who just want to read or browse.
Letting your visitors choose whether they watch the hero video gives them more control over their experience on your website and creates a more positive impression.
4. Hero Videos Cause Mobile Optimization Challenges
With many people browsing websites on mobile devices, it’s essential to consider how your site functions on smaller screens.
Video files, especially large ones, can be even more problematic on mobile due to limited bandwidth and slower processing speeds. In some cases, videos may fail to load correctly, or they may take up too much of the screen space, detracting from the rest of your content.
Plus, users with limited data plans may choose to leave your site entirely rather than watch a large video.
5. You Might Raise Accessibility Concerns
Accessibility should always be a priority in your web design. Video content poses particular challenges for users with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or those with low vision.
Also, movement on screen is a concern for people who struggle with dizziness, nausea, and seizure disorders. By relying on a video in your hero section, you risk excluding a portion of your audience who may not be able to fully engage with your content.
So, What’s the Alternative to Hero Videos?
Rather than using video in the hero section, consider simpler alternatives that can be just as engaging.
Start with a High-Quality Hero Image
High-quality images can convey your message effectively without the drawbacks of a video. If the budget allows, work with a professional photographer to create your striking visuals – they’re often more affordable than you might think, and they’ll give you hundreds of images you can use throughout your website.
If you can’t afford professional photography, invest in some extra high-quality stock images. Be picky, and only choose images that reflect your brand personality. Look for stock image packages that include lots of photos – you can use the other images throughout your digital marketing so that your designs look cohesive and polished.
If possible, find images that don’t look too much like stock photography – users identify those pretty quickly, so it’s best to pay a little extra money to make a far better impression on your customers.
Pair It with a Strong Headline and Call to Action Button
Static visuals – paired with a strong headline and call-to-action – can capture attention and encourage users to take the next step. Choose action words for your headline and describe the way a user will feel after they’ve purchased your product or service.
If you do want to incorporate a short video, consider embedding it further down the page where users can opt-in to watch it at their own pace. Incorporate white space around your video so when users watch it, it’s not competing with other elements for their attention.
Let’s Fix Your Hero Section Design
Videos can be a powerful tool for storytelling, but they usually aren’t the best choice for the hero section of your website.
You can create a great hero section and still make a lasting impression on your visitors without using video, but it does take a bit of work. If you’re stuck trying to get your main message across in just a few words, or if you’re not sure how to find compelling images, talk to me.
I’ll design an effective hero section that’s simple, clear, and distraction-free so your visitors have a positive user experience and you enjoy a lower bounce rate and more conversions.
