Ad Copy VS. Video Intro.

[drewanderson]

So here is what I have been looking around at. I've seen quite a few high power capture pages with less than 200 words... in the form of a few key bullet points and then a video that really covers everything that people want to know about whatever the product or service is about.

What do you think about minimal ad copy and more information in video form?

Is it taking over or is it around 50/50? I'm interested to hear what people have experienced with this.

-Drew

[Scott Murdaugh]

They can both work well if they're properly executed.

One thing about video, it really depends on who you're targeting.

Not everyone can always watch videos. I read a lot of emails (and get a lot of marketing emails) on my Blackberry. If there's an opt in page I'm not going to take the time to watch a video, unless I'm REALLY interested, from my phone.

Similarly, a lot of people browse the web at school, work, library or wherever, and they can't watch a video for whatever reason.

Depending on the niche the people who won't watch may be negligible, but every visitor counts.

It's all in the execution though. And while video is definitely popular, it's not completely taking over.

-Scott

[ildarius]

Good point, even the default FireFox doesn't display Flash.

I'm going to be watching this thread, it's a good subject.

I've heard people had success with Audio Recording underneath the bullet points. You should try that as well.

Correct me if I'm wrong; more people can hear the audio than view videos

[MontelloMarketing]

Those videos that "really cover everything" do that by using ad copy. Just because it's not on the page, doesn't mean you don't need the persuasion.

As a matter of fact you need even better copy... AND a good working knowledge of how to do video correctly in order to maximize your chances of success.

[AndyBlackSEO]

You may run into problems with video, as in a small number of viewers may not be able to access it. Also, if people do not have sound it will pose a problem too. Why not split test and try and get some feedback... or just simply include a video as an extra to the main textual content.

[drewanderson]

I have seen Mike Dillards split test results and it is showing that video crushes text so far. Also, video on the left side of the page with a few bullet points on the right with the form fill is even better.

I am wondering IF anyone has done any split testing themselves.

We all know that it is interesting and that when doing these things it is much better to have great copy and great video skills rather than not...

Interesting point about the niche Scott. I bet demographics that focus on the older crowd (AARP) types and things like that don't do so well with video. (Maybe)

[MaskedMarketer]

Originally Posted by drewanderson

What do you think about minimal ad copy and more information in video form?

It can be great if you can produce a high quality video that capture peoples attention, interest, and can hold it.

If the video is long I usually just skip around until I find something useful.

Like the last Frank Kern video I watched with him playing with surf boards...

I like his stuff, but some of his videos are long, boring, and take forever to end. I never watch his entire video.

I guess he doesn't target people with ADD like me, lol...

[Christie Love]

I think both video and ad copy have their place. Video copy should be researched carefully before just implanting into a sales letter. For instance, you may not want to use a video to promote "How To Write A Letter In English."

[Woody C]

Video and writing should always interact with each other. A video, when done smartly within a sales page will provide and introduction (near the beginning) and/or proof of money made, efficiency of program/software, or testimonial (within the sales page).

Never "wing it" with video. Much like a sales letter it should be naturally scripted. Know what you are going to say but don't sound like a robot.

Frank Kern talks about taking the viewer/reader on a journey. If you watch his stuff, he always has a beginning, middle and end to his video's. I recommend this only if you are doing a video with a short short copy to go with it.

Otherwise make the videos short and space them out to flow with the copy writing and take the readers on a journey that way. All the way down your sales page.

[drewanderson]

Originally Posted by Christie Love

you may not want to use a video to promote "How To Write A Letter In English."

I'm launching a new product in two days that is all in video and it teaches people how to write a letter in English! damn! TOTALLY KIDDING HAHA.

Good point. I would venture a guess and say that the internet marketing crowd is much more receptive to video than niches like sweater knitting and bracelet making.

So many people are so accustomed to watching youtube videos that I wonder if you really need to make a video as good as sales copy. I am a visual learner, so I would watch an ok type of video over reading an ok sales letter any day.

[MontelloMarketing]

Originally Posted by drewanderson

So many people are so accustomed to watching youtube videos that I wonder if you really need to make a video as good as sales copy. I am a visual learner, so I would watch an ok type of video over reading an ok sales letter any day.

You really do. And by "as good as" I don't mean the video quality. It's the quality of the persuasion in the video. And... it can actually be harder to write a great video. Especially when you don't want it to look rehearsed.

There are a few marketers who are naturals, but even they get a little self-indulgent from time to time. They'd do even better if they passed off their video idea to a good copywriter to write a script.

[MaskedMarketer]

Originally Posted by Christie Love

For instance, you may not want to use a video to promote "How To Write A Letter In English."

This may be true, but I would still test video (with copy of course). The main purpose I see for video is to build a better connection, rapport, and relationship with the prospect.

Its easier to be liked, to become their "friend", and have that connection, with video, which should mean more sales and one should be able to sell at even higher prices.

The first step in the sales process is to build that connection and video does it better than text alone (imo). This is assuming the person can create and deliver an effect presentation.

And I think video should be used in most contexts of selling no matter if the content is selling a home based business, personal development course, exersicing course, copy course, or a writing in english course.

Originally Posted by MontelloMarketing

There are a few marketers who are naturals

Would you mind sharing who you think is a natural? Just curious to know what the top copy guy thinks whos a top video guy

I bet they are both persuasive and charismatic.

[Scott Lundergan]

Originally Posted by drewanderson

I have seen Mike Dillards split test results and it is showing that video crushes text so far. Also, video on the left side of the page with a few bullet points on the right with the form fill is even better.

I am wondering IF anyone has done any split testing themselves.

We all know that it is interesting and that when doing these things it is much better to have great copy and great video skills rather than not...

For the last product launch video I did for a client, we went
with video only with opt-in to the right=66% opt-in rate

My highest so far for targeted product launch traffic is over 70%
which is pretty cool to see it from the inside out It was basically
video on the left with four lines of text/copy and opt-in to the right.

When it comes to integrating videos, Vin pretty much sums up
what I would say when I view these threads.

Having the right language in the script is just as important and
a text/video fusion works effectively well. Many other triggers
come into play (font, images, pacing, etc).

Also, there are ways to optimize your videos for different audiences
that deal with some of the issues above for viewing, but that is another story!

Very best,

Scott

[Mubarak Waseem]

video all the way!

We live in a society where people get their kicks from a screen, and do NOT want to read reams of text...

Video marketing can be extremly effective, IF you use it in the right way! Getting a less-than-pro video will SERIOUSLY cut your optins. Get a pro video marketer for the best results!

Mubarak

[Blaze215]

One of the things to keep in mind is that more top level marketers when promoting their products are simply giving you a video and an opt-in box now. You can see it at work in Google Cash Detective and Mass Control 2.0.

[Woody C]

Originally Posted by Blaze215

One of the things to keep in mind is that more top level marketers when promoting their products are simply giving you a video and an opt-in box now. You can see it at work in Google Cash Detective and Mass Control 2.0.

Yes, these are very effective if done correctly. Frank Kern works everything out in his videos to where they are like a sales page. Did you notice how he started with a scene on the beach, and got your attention then created interest as he walked along the beach then took you to the surfboards and gave away free info then asked you to opt-in?

A.I.D.A is what that video did. So yes, this is the way it is going, but they must be done correctly.

If you can't do a video sales presentation correctly, then it is better to stick with a traditional sales page.

[VegasCoupons]

Originally Posted by Scott Lundergan

For the last product launch video I did for a client, we went
with video only with opt-in to the right=66% opt-in rate

My highest so far for targeted product launch traffic is over 70%
which is pretty cool to see it from the inside out It was basically
video on the left with four lines of text/copy and opt-in to the right.

Scott

Do you have any test results not on optin but difference in actual sales percentage? That would be interesting...

Anyone??

[Mubarak Waseem]

hmm

No, sorry I do not. I do have sample videos, but not the rates that they acheived...