Video vs Ebook Products

[1960Texan]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this is a rehash of another thread, couldn't find anything in search:

Are video products becoming more popular because of consumer preference, or is it that more IMers are most comfortable posting a video rather than writing an ebook?

Will

[MJGrae]

Video more often than not boosts conversions/sales. So it would seem it's consumer preference. Convenience and all nowadays, huh? hahah

[Instructor]

Both.

For many its much easier to speak into their mic than to put it down on paper.

With video you can just map out your table of contents and then speak freely
about your subject matter without having to worry as much about having all of your i's dotted and t's crossed as when you're writing.

[1960Texan]

Originally Posted by MJGrae

Video more often than not boosts conversions/sales. So it would seem it's consumer preference. Convenience and all nowadays, huh? hahah

Thanks, I wondered about the conversion rate with video.

[Siamslim]

Do both....

Slim

[freudianslip27]

You can't beat the popularity of places like YouTube to help promote your videos. Throw up a few videos of good content that upsell the rest of your series and you can really build your sales.

Matt

[JeffLam]

I believe video still offers the consumer a 'higher percieved value' - albeit a waning one IMO - and with easy-to-use software like camtasia, Jing, even Windows Movie Maker, videos are getting easier to create.

On the other hand, I believe a solid eBook style report or info product is still very viable as not all has the patience to go through a whole video. Not to mention, if some wants to move the document around on his email or mobile to read-on-the-go, text documents (pdf) is much more convenient than a larger video file (avi, wmv).

I believe however, that doing both is a good idea. Gives more options to your users.

[TracyNeedham]

Yep, in everything I've seen it's best to do both because the appeal of video does seem to increase conversions.

But I won't buy an all-video product. In fact, I have some I've gotten from others that I may never use because who has hours upon hours to sit there and watch them all?! And having them run in the background when I'm trying to do other things just doesn't work for me.

I'd much rather have a pdf I can scan through, jot notes on (even if it's via Adobe comments) and refer back to later.

But I have a friend who won't read anything to save his life.

That's why the more types of media you can offer, the better.

Tracy

[mikeyman120]

Originally Posted by 1960Texan

Are video products becoming more popular because of consumer preference

This is what I think. For the last year every product I have launched is a video course except one. I think people love video. I know I do. It is easier to watch and learn than to read and figure out.

Mike

[AlonzoTJones]

According to Popular Online Marketing Strategies for 2009 @ Tech Crunchies – Internet Statistics and Numbers video advertising ranks 4th in most popular online advertising "tactics".
To me, Video is a lot easier to use to get a concept across to the customer in a shorter amount of time.

[Chris Pambos]

Originally Posted by 1960Texan

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this is a rehash of another thread, couldn't find anything in search:

Are video products becoming more popular because of consumer preference, or is it that more IMers are most comfortable posting a video rather than writing an ebook?

Will

Video has higher perceived value than an ebook.

For example, your product that is in the form of an ebook sells for $47.

Convert your ebook to video and you can easily charge anywhere between $97 - $297. Different media platforms have different kinds of perceived value to the general public.

If you want to take your income to the next level as an internet marketer, you need to be able to differentiate between these media platforms and what there perceived values are.

[jbsmith]

The answer is definitely both.

In any case you shouldn't be selling videos, ebooks or any other format - you should be selling a combined "system", "blueprint", "formula" which contains multiple components such as a manual, presentation, videos, resource site (membership site), teleseminars, etc...

Take a look at your target market and the desire you are trying fulfill - then ask yourself what is the best package of information I can put together to help my customer achieve the desired outcome.

Jeff

[1960Texan]

Thanks everyone for your generous advice!

[Jack Duncan]

This is a good question...

For my offers, I've found Videos to be higher converters...second only to software.

However, that being said, as soon as you release a "Video Only" product, you get emails from people wanting transcripts or an ebook version...claiming they can either understand written material better or skim faster than I can talk on video...

If you release a "Text Only" product...you get emails from people who wonder why there weren't any step-by-step videos to help them out...claiming they are visual learners...

And when you release software...they want both as well...a text manual and videos showing how to use it...

So I honestly think you will get the greatest possible conversion rate from offering both...even if they cover identical material.

My 2 cents ,
Jack Duncan

[JonMills]

Originally Posted by 1960Texan

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this is a rehash of another thread, couldn't find anything in search:

Are video products becoming more popular because of consumer preference, or is it that more IMers are most comfortable posting a video rather than writing an ebook?

Will

Video is popular but its a mixed bag

Some people hate having to sit through video
Some people like to read and print things off
Some people want to listen on audio

Now days you have to come up with a variety

[SellDGuide]

I think it depends. One may like videos and the other might want an ebook. However, when you sell videos, your target audience will buy it only if they have high speed internet connection. There are still people who use Dial-up. So, in my opinion, it depends.