43 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
43 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Do You Trust People Who Do Videos More Than Those Who Don't?

by Brad Spencer
37 replies
Hey Warriors,

I wanted to know what people think of this. I'm in the process of rebranding and improving my business for 2011 to involve shooting more talking head, screen capture videos as well as audio.

While I write articles professionally (note all the stuff in the sig file ) I've had a lot of luck recently by rekindling a deeper relationship with my list.

My sales are up, people are commenting and conversing with me more, and I think it's due to the fact I'm shooting videos (sold 2 of Kim Roach's Traffic Dashboard products with the world's worst video...lol it was bad...but it was my first).

So...anyways...what do you guys think? Do you trust someone who you can see on video more than one you can't?

Thanks,

Brad
#people #trust #videos
  • Profile picture of the author danayala
    I definitely think so. With video, you are able to put a face to the content.
    When you make videos, people are able to connect with you more. I think that creates more trust.
    Signature
    It took me a lot of time and money to finally make my first commissions. What did I learn that made it happen?
    I'll show you here for FREE!

    P.S. Check out my awesome blog here!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055421].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Not sure if they do to be honest. Depends who you are and what your rep is.

      I'd be inclined to trust a site that has video testimonials from real customers... but that's just me.

      You can put out as many vids as you like, but if I have no 3rd party proof that your stuff works, then I'd still be skeptical.
      Signature
      Internet Marketing: 20% Internet - 80% Marketing!
      You Won't See The Light Until You Open Your Eyes.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055436].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
      It really depends on the video. I think video marketing is a really good idea. ther are some videos that are so overproduced that i wonder where the money is coming from to make the video as slick as it is. And then I definitely do not trust those people who make that kind of video.
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055439].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sal64
        Originally Posted by JMichaelZ View Post

        It really depends on the video. I think video marketing is a really good idea. ther are some videos that are so overproduced that i wonder where the money is coming from to make the video as slick as it is. And then I definitely do not trust those people who make that kind of video.
        Yes, but I have seen videos from people trying to sell me on their life as a success... and video was done in their garage.

        I guess it depends on your market. Personally, I think tutprial videos or 1 to 2 minute videos are needed for video marketing, but I cannot stand those long assed sales videos.
        Signature
        Internet Marketing: 20% Internet - 80% Marketing!
        You Won't See The Light Until You Open Your Eyes.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055839].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Bill_Z
    I personally don't. I trust people who don't BS me, whether its on cam or not. But I would have to say, be careful with being on camera because I've seen some people who are not at all comfortable on camera and come across really poorly, and I'm sure it affects their business negatively.

    If you are comfortable on camera, I would say go for it. At least test it, and see if you get more feedback from your subs and readers from your on cam stuff.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055441].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    I am a reader, so I get annoyed with people who don't offer a printed product.

    I find it hard to sit through a video without getting distracted, so I seldom finish watching the product.

    Whereas, if I had a printed version to work with, I find it much easier to stay on task, so that I can consume my purchase.
    Signature
    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055449].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

    Do you trust someone who you can see on video more than one you can't?
    Yes.

    It's much harder to be dishonest on video than it is to be dishonest in text.

    It can still be done... just not as easily. So if I can see you on video and you seem honest, that carries a lot more weight than if you seem to have typed something honest.
    Signature
    "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055458].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by John McEachern View Post

      You're one of those people who runs around this world with something like a 180 IQ, aren't you?
      No, I keep my IQ in a safe deposit box, so I don't trip and drop it or something.
      Signature
      "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055573].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
      Do what Hollywood does - a test screening with a questionnaire (but not to your list ).

      There are a lot of videos out there that, in my opinion, do the marketer concerned no favours at all.

      Recent ones I've seen

      • shifty-eyed and constantly looking down at the script
      • slurred speech and seemingly high on drugs
      • boring voice reading exactly what's written on PowerPoint slides

      I was going to add "slimy lounge lizard standing in front of a Ferrari" but sometimes I get the feeling that's what a lot of people aspire to be so, in fact, that one could be a smart marketing tactic. :confused:


      Martin
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055606].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    Brad,

    It doesn't affect my trust level at all. I rarely bother to even watch sales videos, though. Most of them waste far too much time for me to screw around with them. When I'm considering a purchase, I'm in decision mode. Stories are for entertainment mode. I am not, however, typical in this regard.

    They work very well for a lot of people, products and markets. You're much better off in the long run paying attention to the bulk of your market first. Then, maybe, create some text copy for edge cases like me.

    Most importantly, test it. Don't listen to the other folks like me who hate sales videos. They may not be representative of your market.


    Paul
    Signature
    .
    Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055465].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
      Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

      Brad,

      It doesn't affect my trust level at all. I rarely bother to even watch sales videos, though. Most of them waste far too much time for me to screw around with them. When I'm considering a purchase, I'm in decision mode. Stories are for entertainment mode. I am not, however, typical in this regard.

      They work very well for a lot of people, products and markets. You're much better off in the long run paying attention to the bulk of your market first. Then, maybe, create some text copy for edge cases like me.

      Most importantly, test it. Don't listen to the other folks like me who hate sales videos. They may not be representative of your market.


      Paul
      Just noticing this same idea popped up a few times in this thread...I am just referring to making video blog posts.

      Talking head videos...I should've probably been more clear in my OP. I think people took what I said to me all videos in general and that wasn't my intention.

      Sorry about that.

      I personally don't watch 99% of sales videos either b/c I get bored. I skim sales letters, look at the price and then make a decision...longer the letter the less likely I am to buy though...but like you and others have said...test test test...

      What people SAY and what people SPEND ON are most of the time totally different (I have experienced this in my deli as well as online so I believe it 100%)

      Cheers,

      Brad

      PS- Thanks to everyone who posted...I got some overall interesting view points even though it kind of went a different direction later on in this thread.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058957].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
        Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

        Just noticing this same idea popped up a few times in this thread...I am just referring to making video blog posts.
        My answer stands: yes, I trust you more if I see you on video.

        Whether I'll keep coming to your blog is a different story. I can read a lot faster than you can talk, as can most human beings, so your video blog is a lot more time out of my day than it would be if you just wrote down what you were going to say. Two to three times as much, usually. Which means your content has to be more than two to three times as good for it to be worth watching your video, as opposed to visiting someone else's blog and reading their text posts.

        But I'll trust you more.
        Signature
        "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059072].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Ken Leatherman
          Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

          My answer stands: yes, I trust you more if I see you on video.

          Whether I'll keep coming to your blog is a different story. I can read a lot faster than you can talk, as can most human beings, so your video blog is a lot more time out of my day than it would be if you just wrote down what you were going to say. Two to three times as much, usually. Which means your content has to be more than two to three times as good for it to be worth watching your video, as opposed to visiting someone else's blog and reading their text posts.

          But I'll trust you more.
          Brad I don't use videos because my teeth keep popping out.

          Thanks CD even if my teeth pop out its good to know you will trust me

          Ken


          The Old Geezer
          Signature
          Ghost Writing Services Coming Soon


          So Check Out My WSO
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059121].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
            Originally Posted by Ken Leatherman View Post

            CD will you trust me anyway if my teeth fall out during the video.
            That sort of depends. It would be funny the first couple of times, but then the joke wears thin. I'd actually prefer if you made a habit of taking your teeth out at the beginning of every video; that would become a "human" factor, and generate a certain level of comfort.

            "Yeah, that's Ken all right - here come the teeth."

            It would be interesting to see you go through the learning process of "how to talk through a whole video without my teeth falling out." If you started working on that, and superimposed a flashing timer at the moment your teeth fall out so we could track your progress, it would actually be something of a USP.

            "Here's my new video. It's a little over 5:32, and I managed to keep my teeth in through most of it."

            And boom, everyone's running to your site to see just how far you made it past 2:46.

            Traffic is traffic, and I'm sure you could use NLP to make your teeth falling out part of your pitch process.

            EDIT: Busted! You changed your post, but I caught you.
            Signature
            "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059158].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Ken Leatherman
              Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

              That sort of depends. It would be funny the first couple of times, but then the joke wears thin. I'd actually prefer if you made a habit of taking your teeth out at the beginning of every video; that would become a "human" factor, and generate a certain level of comfort.

              "Yeah, that's Ken all right - here come the teeth."

              It would be interesting to see you go through the learning process of "how to talk through a whole video without my teeth falling out." If you started working on that, and superimposed a flashing timer at the moment your teeth fall out so we could track your progress, it would actually be something of a USP.

              "Here's my new video. It's a little over 5:32, and I managed to keep my teeth in through most of it."

              And boom, everyone's running to your site to see just how far you made it past 2:46.

              Traffic is traffic, and I'm sure you could use NLP to make your teeth falling out part of your pitch process.

              EDIT: Busted! You changed your post, but I caught you.
              CD that was hilarious. I loved it.

              Great marketing plan and USP.

              Ken
              Signature
              Ghost Writing Services Coming Soon


              So Check Out My WSO
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3060858].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TCrosby
    Good: video with you actually appearing it in and speaking to the camera

    Bad/Neutral: Powerpoint and voice

    Powerpoint and voice just doesn't do it for me. It's no different than reading an article, plus the possibility of it annoying people.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055620].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adam Roy
    I never really thought about it as a 'trust' thing, but more of a 'value' thing.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055635].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RussRuffino
    Anyone have any actual METRICS on this? Sure, you might hate sales videos...but he's not selling to YOU, is he? Every time I've added video to a sales page it has increased conversions. All due respect to copywriters, but long-form sales letters don't get the response that video does, according to what I've tested.

    R

    Edit: But of course, everyone's niche/market/product is different...you really have to test.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055732].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
      Originally Posted by RussRuffino View Post

      Anyone have any actual METRICS on this? Sure, you might hate sales videos...but he's not selling to YOU, is he? Every time I've added video to a sales page it has increased conversions.
      "added video to a sales page" . . . which already had written copy?

      Are we talking here about written copy + video or video by itself?

      Of course adding graphics/videos/testimonials to copy can increase conversions. There are so many variables to test, one of which is video.

      Personally, I have a sneaking suspicion that a lot of people focus on videos because they can't write decent copy. (They can't make decent videos either but at least they can get more traffic via Youtube).


      Martin
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055790].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Duckets
        I would have to say that I do tend trust someone I can see or hear more than if its just text.

        It's a lot harder to hide insincerity with a camera in your face.

        I love video and totally think its the way to go... but for me there a few tactics that just bug bug bug.....

        The e-mail with a "You Gotta Check This Out!!!" and nothing but a link to a video...I personally like to know what the video is about before I watch it...bullet points at least

        I also hate the videos that don't let you see how much time is left...Page Closed
        C-ya...not coming back

        Don't leave us hanging--tell us what you're gonna give us--tell us what its gonna do for us--tell us how long its gonna take and get on with it!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055833].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by RussRuffino View Post

      Anyone have any actual METRICS on this? Sure, you might hate sales videos...but he's not selling to YOU, is he? Every time I've added video to a sales page it has increased conversions. All due respect to copywriters, but long-form sales letters don't get the response that video does, according to what I've tested.

      R

      Edit: But of course, everyone's niche/market/product is different...you really have to test.

      But have you tested this to the reverse?

      Have you tested something with video only, then added text to it and tracked the difference in conversions?

      I bet you would find that adding text to a video sales page would also increase sales conversions.

      Reason is simple: some people prefer video sales pages, others prefer text sales pages. And I suspect both will increase conversions, because by adding one to the other, you will be able to reach more prospects with the information in the format they want to receive it.
      Signature
      Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
      Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058267].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Marty S
        A lot of this has to do with a person's on-screen charisma, so every marketer would have to test their own delivery, just the same as TV networks produce pilots or choose a host for QVC. THAT person is really making the sale so rapport with the audience would naturally lead to trust - if that was the goal.

        It really is a personal thing.

        For instance, I would not buy anything from Frank Kern if he did NOT have video, but conversely I think John Reese would do better without video. Both marketers may be equally honest, but one comes across more honest and natural on video, IMHO.

        Now even if YOU do NOT have an honest presentation yourself, that does NOT mean you should avoid video. You could very well get just as good results by using a photo of yourself and audio only in your screencasting.
        Signature
        How to make offline videos for clients
        How to add a custom thumbnail image to your Youtube video
        How to CUT THE FAT in your YOUTUBE videos
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 82ana
    Not personally. There are exceptions however, if you have a great personality you'd do much better than average and that's why you are probably seeing the reconnect between the audience. Not just the video but your personality.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055846].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author windwhirl
    Haven't thought about it before. Maybe because trust isn't really the deciding factor if they do videos or not. Videos help convince more since peopla can relate more and get the feel of what is eng offered. You see, people are more visual and in today's generation, videos are one of the most influential thing. I remember, there was an instance when I was reading an article on how to make a jewelry organizer. It ws easy to follow but was doubtful with the outcome.. maybe it's not worth the effort -- that's what I thought but when i watched the vidoe attached to it, OLA! it looked soo nice. So there, I was so convinced! Thanks to he video.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055878].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author katherinecz
    i would say yes, it really is the comfort of being able to see a tangible product at work and a video can do that!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3055883].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    For a single video, no. Unless they do a really horrible job, I don't trust them less either.

    Like Paul, I find most sales videos a waste of time, so I don't watch enough of them to make a fair judgment.

    Video blog posts, short and entertaining, over a period of time? Sure, I'll trust you more. 99.9% of the people making videos aren't good enough to fool me over a period of time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3057843].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Franck Silvestre
    The problem with a lot of vidoe sales letter is that there is no sales letter at all. No videos. I want to be able to read a few bullet points telling the whole story.

    Even worst than that, with some videos, all you can do is watching it. You can play back or forward.

    Bottom line, I'm open to the two, and as Paul said, when I'm in buying mode, video or text makes no difference.

    Franck
    Signature
    Former Body Guard, Now REAL Traffic & List Building Coach
    >> HOT WSO: Six Figure Solo Sellers <<

    Winson Yeung said: "...Definitively A++ recommended WSO"
    Kevin Riley said: "Franck, glad to see you bringing out MORE and MORE GREAT stuff"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058122].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Seeing video can build trust. You can develop a 1-to-1 connection with a real person more easily.

    When I read someone's articles I know then through their words; tough to build a connection here. When I see them on video I usually connect immediately

    RB
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058167].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dave Rodman
    Banned
    If you want to use video, then you'll need to learn how to talk and drive a car at the same time. I think that's kind of a prerequisite.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058201].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    I tried to find an answer to my question in this thread... but couldn't.
    What kind of video is the OP referring to?
    Sales videos?
    Product videos?
    Branding videos?
    Or...?

    No matter what, it never occured to me to use the making or not making videos as a "trust" measurer. It's not really a criterion for me when it comes about trust.
    I do trust quite a number of people in WF although I've never seen them in a video
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3058897].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason_Lewis
    If I'm going to make a critical buying decision and I'm purchasing information - I prefer video.

    Video allows me make assessments with more ease because I have more material to work with. I can judge body language, tone, delivery, sincerity, ect., as opposed to carefully crafted words on a a sales page, and that helps weed out hype.

    Now, you might say that just because someone isn't great in front of a camera doesn't necessarily make the product a bad one. And you might be right. However, I believe that if the person has decided to create a product that I need to make a critical buying decision on and they haven't taken the time to hone their speaking skills, it makes me question what other things they've decided to forgo.

    I would prefer to buy from someone who has the knowledge to create a great product and the dedication to make sure they get the message across effectively.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059313].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    I very rarely watch videos at all. Whether it's on a blog, or a testimonial, I just don't watch them. I also avoid buying products that are delivered as a video, unless there's an accompanying pdf.

    I've got a very full lifestyle with a part time job, my online activities and homeschooling two children, so I don't spend the time watching videos. So, no, I don't trust people more because they use video. But that's just me :-)
    Signature

    Expert content written by an experienced veterinarian and published magazine and newspaper writer.
    Feel free to contact me for details.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059567].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

    So...anyways...what do you guys think? Do you trust someone who you can see on video more than one you can't?

    Thanks,

    Brad
    No ... I rarely ever watch marketing videos. If you can't write a good sales page, you've lost me. I don't like spending time viewing long, boring marketing videos.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059645].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Brad,

      Now that you've clarified what type of video you were talking about (i.e. a blog post), I'd say that the question of 'trust' wouldn't really enter my mind. Your posts would be either interesting to me or not.

      Although, if you were to make a habit of posting videos, they'd have to be very interesting to keep me returning. Like others in this thread, I prefer to read.


      Frank
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3059907].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Hexor
    Yes! I trust people that release efforts making videos. They give more efforts than those people who just doing types. And also, you can show exactly what you are advertising / what how exactly the process is done. For me, i trust the people that makes videos more than people who do not.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3060872].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author BillyBee
      I do trust video-makers more for the simple fact that anyone can put up web page with words on it. It takes more know-how to produce a video, even if it's a simple Camtasia.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3060913].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
        I have done live and video sales and teaching presentations for almost 30 years. In front of large groups, small groups and individuals. It is a difficult skill to master and it is also difficult teach someone how to appear natural in front of a camera.

        And you do have to teach them to look natural, because their "regular natural" on camera is usually pretty terrible. The people who are the best on the videos online, whether they are blog posts or sales videos or teaching videos, are presenting you with an entirely unnatural set of behaviors in the videos which are well produced.

        The guy who is doing a fish eye video from the webcam on his laptop, may or not may not be acting, there is a definite method to guerrilla video, but in all likelihood, this guy is probably not acting.

        They are acting. In many cases they are doing it well, but they are pretending to be trustworthy. In many cases, they really are great people and are very trustworthy, but that is an entirely different thing. The fact is that what you are looking at in a video (most times) is someone pretending that you can trust them to be truthful.

        It does not mean they are not being truthful, but if it is well produced, with no pauses, ahems, or like I used to tell my students, "no nose picking, no clothes picking" then the person on the video is acting.

        From my particular background, I do not trust people more when I watch them on video.
        Signature


        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3063688].message }}

Trending Topics