Which do you like best-video or no video sales pages?

79 replies
I just finished changing up this sales page.

If you were interested in this product...

Which would compel you to buy...

the sales page with video...
Article Writing Fast and Easy - Step by Step Videos Show You

or without the video...
Article Writing - Fast and Easy - Conquer The Internet and Create Success

I'd like your honest opinion on what you would change or if you think it's on target.

I'd also be willing to give away some review copies to some WF if they were serious about reviewing it for me.

Let me know you thoughts!

Thanks Greatly,
Burt
#article marketing #bestvideo #no video sales page #pages #sales #video #video sales page
  • Profile picture of the author ShawnPeter
    Hi Burt,

    I would go with the Salespage with Video. Videos sell. Many don't have the time to read through all the details.But, it shouldn't be too long. Also, it'll be good if you were in the vid - even for a while. It makes it personal.

    Cheers!
    Shawn

    Just my 2 cents.
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    • Profile picture of the author OnlineInf0
      [QUOTE=ShawnPeter;3088002]Hi Burt,

      I would go with the Salespage with Video. Videos sell.
      Cheers!
      Shawn

      I agree Shawn, thanks for your input!

      Eagle: And something else to consider would be offering an option to read the text of the video for those people who would rather read than listen to a video or audio recording.

      I actually had or have a sales page with both...
      Article Writing Fast and Easy - Step by Step Videos Show You

      but the feed back I recieved from some WF...have either sales or video...

      Still debating wheather to have the video auto play or not.

      Thanks for the input!

      Blessings,
      Burt
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      • Profile picture of the author Trailblazer2
        I found the video page more interesting and appealing so that's my vote! Good luck with it!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ralph Moore
    This is strictly my personal opinion, but if I find that I have arrived at a sales page where a video starts automatically, I just leave.

    I would highly recommend that you allow the visitor to start the video when he / she is ready for a whole host of reasons.

    And something else to consider would be offering an option to read the text of the video for those people who would rather read than listen to a video or audio recording.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Tan
    Hi Burt,

    I like the last one with both video and text. However I feel that the
    video should be above the text not below it.

    Just my 2 cents
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Burt, you asked for opinions based on the assumption that I'm a consumer interested in the product. So here are my purely personal opinions...

      I don't like the first one, with just the video. One, I'm in the camp that doesn't like autoplay videos - especially ones that rely on a strident noise to get my attention. Two, you're pitching a product about how to write, yet you use a video for the squeeze. There's a disconnect for me. something in my head is saying "if he's good enough to teach me how to write for all this money, why doesn't he walk the walk?"

      The second one is better, although I think there's too much white space. You could tighten things up, and get everything above the fold.

      As for the third option, the one with both, we still have the problem with the autoplay. Since you really aren't doing anything in the video besides flashing a few stock images, it doesn't need to be that big. Again, in your place, I would tighten up the design so I could get the important stuff into one screen. On my 17" monitor, the video is off-screen, so the sudden loud music is startling. I'd be more likely to bail out with the back button than scroll down to see what it was.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel_Johnson
    I think that a video page is far more better than a text-page. People like me are far too lazy for reading all information .

    @Burt

    For my part, I don't like auto play videos because I don't have the free decision to watch the video or not. I'm gonna watch the video but I don't want to be "forced". I always leave pages with autoplay video.

    Regards.

    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author julesw
    I'm biased because I teach Video but Video works for me in combination with some short text.

    Video really taps into the senses and helps you get to know the person offering the product.

    jules
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
    Hi Burt,

    I would suggest the text layout but put the video at the top.

    I am glad to see you have left the video controls available for the visitor, as there is little I hate more than not knowing how long a video will last.

    I don't think that auto-play is a problem, just as long as you allow people the option to stop it if they wish; which you have done.

    Cheers,
    Colin Palfrey
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  • Profile picture of the author julesw
    One suggestion would be to put some moves on the images, so slow zooms ins, pan them across, basically jazz them up a bit.

    Also use big text on a plain background to visually narrate some of the key points which brings it back to the topic of articles and words.

    j
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  • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
    Read John's comments about a dozen times. They are really good.

    I like video on sales pages, but dislike video alone.

    I like video which gets to the point, talks to me directly, and does not throw noise and distractions at me. I'm a BIG talking head fan, reinforced with graphics to prove points.

    You definitely need to tighten up the text page and get the opt-in form above the fold.

    Last point....Create 3 pages. One only text, one only video, one with both, and test....our opinions are worthless.
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  • Profile picture of the author piercedthru
    Burt, I would do both. I can only get dial-up access and you know how video really suck's using it. You might be suprised how many people only have dial-up and rely on the written word.Besides, in my opinion you are leavng money on the table by not incorporating both
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Neither of these are sales pages - they are optin pages. They should be kept simple and plain for best effect.
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    • Profile picture of the author wtatlas
      Hello Burt,

      Personally I don't have any particular preference for video or non-video; it depends on the topic and the presentation for me. Therefore I think that the comment "video sells" made a couple of times in previous posts, can be a bit of a sweeping generalisation.

      Having said that I find that the video version held my attention much more than the text-only one. There is too much of a gap between the bullet points on the text version and I found the yellow highlighting distracting.

      In my opinion the video version would be improved if there was more text to accompany the spoken word. A bit of a contradiction, I know, but as someone who has a slight hearing problem I like to read and listen at the same time.

      Hope these comments are of some help - sounds like a great product.

      George
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  • Profile picture of the author myrnasy
    I'd love to have videos on sales page. They create more emphasis on the product and give the product better appeal to people. Some also aren't inclined to reading. Viewing a product video would easily catch the audience's eyes and have easy understanding of the product. Hope this counts.
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  • Hi Burt,
    I personally like having both the videos and the pdf. I think the videos should be first and the pdf right below it. I think the key is to not make the videos or the pdf's too long. People's attention spans are not very long. Great job!
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    • Profile picture of the author ronc0011
      I have two words for you "T" "V". That should tell you everything you need to know about how engaging video is. Just remember don't start the video with anything that is going to annoy the visitor. You want to engage them not frighten or startle them. I also think for the purposes of a squeeze page or sales page autostart is good, just leave the controls on the player so they can stop it if they need to. Make sure your volume levels are moderate when you create the video. Some people are at work when they visit your page.


      Bottom line is you can't please all of the people all of the time. But video starts delivering your message immediately with no effort or action required from the visitor.
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  • Profile picture of the author TurnKey Internet
    Autoplay videos are the worst! That said, having an option for video is never going to steer you wrong.
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  • Profile picture of the author defaultuser
    I am all about the video sales page personally. I have tested time and again, and even with just a plain video and an email opt-in my squeeze pages convert at 30%
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    • Profile picture of the author morninjoi
      I really like the layout of the non video page, it is veryclear and easy to flow with.
      However, the video page will entice you to look inside, but a downside will be for people with slow computers and internet connection.
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    • Profile picture of the author morninjoi
      I really like the layout of the non video page, it is very clear and easy to flow with.
      However, the video page will entice you to look inside, but a downside will be for people with slow computers and internet connection.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    I don't like the look of the text site at all. Needs serious work.
    That said, I like the look of the video site but the voice over on
    the video needs to be re-done. That's not a personal criticism.
    Many people just don't have the experience required to do good
    voice over work. The tone is far too melodramatic.

    Tsnyder
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    • Profile picture of the author harrydog
      Here is my take on both of your pages. This is a bit blunt but it is meant in the right way to help you make your site better.

      Having looked at both sites there is a common problem.
      The layout of each site is very poor.

      On your text based one the opt in box is below the fold so I have to scroll down to see it. Also the layout is very poor and there are yellow dashes between your bullet points. I personally dont like the background image - I know you are trying to portray a newspaper but i just find it very distracting as the header and the background just merge into one.
      Your heading does not convey any benefits "Article writing fast and Easy" is more of a feature than a benefit. Something more along the lines of " I will take you by the hand and show you step by step how to create articles in less than 10 minutes" (this is not very good as its just off the top of my head) but your headline should give your main benefit straight away.
      Overall the page looks amateurish.

      On your Video page again your headline is very poor also the text on your sub headline is in different font sizes. On your opt in box there is no distinct call to action to make people actually sign up.
      Again I don't like the overall design as it looks a bit amateurish
      With regards to the Video itself. the intro graphics are a bit blurred and to be honest does nothing for the actual content you are trying to get across. The first 30 seconds have nothing to do with the actual subject matter.
      I also concur with most posters that I personally hate Videos that start automatically. Also Videos that have loud noises and high tempo music put me off.

      Sorry to be so critical but hopefully this review will help you improve on your pages.

      many thanks
      mark
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  • Profile picture of the author PatriciaJ
    If I am buying software then a video showing what the software does is a must for me. For ebooks I would rather just read a sales page.

    But I rarely buy ebooks as opposed to software.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Rodman
    Banned
    I like a combination of text, images, and video. But I don't tune into video to see some guy talking into the camera. I only look at them if it's for something useful...like showcasing a tour of the membership site.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    I've found that what's been working best are hybrid pages where an emotionally compelling video sits above a more logically fulfilling sales letter below. It delivers the most effective type of persuasion in its most effective format of consumption.

    What I mean is that the part of the brain that parses video is more directly connected to the emotional centers because video information needs no translation. Written information is processed by the part of the brain that is more advanced and logical, because text needs to be "translated" in the brain.

    The emotional high of the video leaves people grasping at logical justification for that state of arousal, and the copy delivers it. Now, I haven't been able to actually test it, but I also think that more logical people prefer text, they'll skip the video and read what is essentially a hype-free sales letter. Which they like.

    Emotionally motivated people will watch the video and want to buy immediately, and they aren't forced to slog through a letter with WAY more info than they needed to make a decision.

    Anyway, not quite what you were asking, but I hope it helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author SandyDuPlessis
      Although I am aware that videos are supposed to be the next best thing to sliced bread when selling on the net, I dislike videos intensely (If I can avoid it, I don't even watch TV or go to the movies). Having said that, I am also not above using the medium even if I don't happen to enjoy it.

      Most of the time if confronted with video sales, I will delete an auto-start. If it is not an auto start, I will look at the timer. More than 5 minutes and once again I will shut down the page.

      When it comes to a straight sales page, I honestly don't care how many thousands of dollars you have paid to have it created. Tell me what I am going to get in as few words as possible and tell me how much I am going to pay for it. That is the bottom line.

      I appreciated the fact that your video page was short and sweet and I didn't care that your written sales page was not particularly "pretty". With both, I did feel compelled to buy. On the other hand it might be interesting to put the two together - I suspect you are likely to get more conversions.

      Something that must be asked is who are you marketing to? If it is to the baby boomer generation then a written sales page with the addition of video is very likely to go down well. But if you are marketing to todays youth then go video all the way.

      Obviously this is just my personal opinion.

      Sandy
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  • Profile picture of the author iceman365
    I really like the video and sales page together because I understand that some don't like to read and entire sales page providing them with a video gives you 2 opportunities to capture their attention...
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  • Profile picture of the author Gradimir S
    Hi,

    I'd suggest you to go with video but don't use autoplay, when I see autoplay on a long sales page I just close window.
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  • Profile picture of the author No More Newbies
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    • Profile picture of the author Devid Farah
      Video is good but I do wish that videos would not auto start, people that do this with videos fail to take into account that you could well be sat in an open plan office, and when a video starts up from your PC that clearly has nothing to do with your day job then this can get you funny looks or in trouble with your boss.

      Video is good for sales, but auto starting videos are not so good
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by Devid Farah View Post

        Video is good for sales, but auto starting videos are not so good
        Well there IS a reason why some of the biggest marketers continue to use autoplay videos. Because they work. Yes, they may piss a few people off but if making money is your game, then let the sales figures be the judge.
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        • Profile picture of the author Devid Farah
          Originally Posted by WillR View Post


          Well there IS a reason why some of the biggest marketers continue to use autoplay videos. Because they work. Yes, they may piss a few people off but if making money is your game, then let the sales figures be the judge.
          I can see how you could look at it from solely a sales point of view, but you could also look at from a customer service point of view.

          If someone is sent a link taking them to a video that autoplays and they open it up at work unaware that it going to autoplay, there is more than a high chance that they will hit the back button very fast and delete the email without having ever seen the video "offering".

          You have to take into account that a large number of people that you are selling to have a day job and therefore there is a high chance that they will check their email at work (Hence the above scenario).

          Whilst sales are important I'd rather someone be happy and stay on my list rather than unsubscribe due them being pissed off.
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          • Profile picture of the author VeitSchenk
            Burt,

            it really doesn't matter what we here think or you think. Ultimately it's down to what the market thinks.
            So, plonk them both (or 3 if you want to test auto-play vs not auto-play) in Google Website Optimizer and let the wallets decide.

            Cheers

            Veit
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            • Profile picture of the author Truckster
              Autoplay videos with no controls wind me right up, especially when the presenter continually says "The method I'm about to share....." and then takes 20 minutes to make the pitch gets right up my nose.

              Short and sweet is best.
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              • Profile picture of the author WillR
                Originally Posted by Truckster View Post

                Autoplay videos with no controls wind me right up, especially when the presenter continually says "The method I'm about to share....." and then takes 20 minutes to make the pitch gets right up my nose.

                Short and sweet is best.
                What a lot of you guys are forgetting is that you are more than likely an Internet Marketer and you are being exposed to these things day in and day out. Ordinary people are NOT.

                It's the same way people in this forum always say exit pops are no longer effective or long sales pages don't work. You are only saying this because they don't work with YOU anymore. And that's only because you are seeing hundreds of these things a month. It's only natural you have grown tired of them.

                But many of these techniques and tools are still going to be effective in markets outside the Internet Marketing arena - don't just discount things because of what people on this forum say. These are not ordinary people. You need to test these things with your own market and let the results speak for themselves.
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                • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
                  Banned
                  Neither is a "sales page".

                  It's so easy for us, as marketers, with fast internet connections and high-specification computers, to overlook the fact that the world is full of people who can't/won't watch videos, dislike them, hate autoplay video in particular, and so on.

                  In this instance, if you'll excuse the observation, I particularly dislike the "tone of voice" of the voice-over on the video. I think this "shock horror, high drama" presentation is completely inappropriate to the subject-matter. It's almost as if the person reading the script has been told "Highest drama you can possibly manage: get every possible nuance and emphasis out of every syllable". It just doesn't work, and my own belief is that that will translate very directly into lost business. Only testing can give you your answer, but for myself, I'll be extremely surprised if the video's a triumph.

                  That said, the "text version" clearly needs serious work, as Terry rightly observes above. For a start, it's far too wide and almost entirely lacks "layout".
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  • Profile picture of the author copylicious
    Videos convince the visitor more to sign up I believe.
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  • Profile picture of the author KevinTorrence
    Although it's hard to give good feedback based on just "imagining" I'm interested in the product (real site visitors will show you more than 100s of Warrior opinions)

    I tend to like a combo of both video (at the top of the page) and text so I get a good overall idea of what I'm about to opt in for or buy.

    But I do have to say... looking at your pages, the layouts, colors, extra large white space, fonts, & video voice ... I think it all needs a bit more work to tighten it up.

    I like videos that come across friendly & hit all the hot buttons. I like text that's has a nice layout, is easy to read, & again, hits my hotbuttons. That's what would get me to sign up.

    Although the content should be what really persuades someone to do what you want on a webpage ... I have to admit that layout is a big factor in the back of my mind. Makes me go "Ah... this guys looks like he knows what he's doing... lemme see what he's got..."
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  • Profile picture of the author butch04
    I like both video with text.

    People can watch the video but also read some text. The text will give the jumpy people the main facts right away while the video will work for the people who take the time to view it. Videos are proven to help increase conversions. So video/text in my book is win win.
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  • Profile picture of the author sylviad
    Personal preference:

    video (that loads fast - I hate the big files that keep stalling while they buffer)
    AND
    text below the video - allows me to go back and review certain portions, like actual product contents and benefits or bonuses, usage rights, etc. Videos (if they even allow it) are difficult to rewind to a specific spot.

    Some videos I've seen don't even tell you the price. They tell you to click the link to buy. Until you get to the order page (usually ClickBank or PayPal), you have no idea what you're paying. At that point, you might decide it's not worth the money and don't buy.

    Just a few things that have turned me off in the past.

    In the end, it depends on how well your video is done, if it is easy to remember, if it provides all the necessary information, and who is looking at it. Some people really like videos and don't need anything else. Other people, like me, prefer the written word.

    Rather than turning off 1/2 the people who visit your site, I'd say go with both video and text.

    Sylvia
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  • Profile picture of the author paul wolfe
    I like video - if they're well done.

    I hate crappy videos - and will stop them and read the text if the videos are poor. If there is no text, no pause or stop button I will almost always press the 'Back' button.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
    If you do a video on the sales page, make sure the text of the sales page has sufficient information for the visitor to make a buying decision.

    For me, odds are great that, if I have to watch a video to get that information, I am not going to watch it and I am not going to buy.

    If the text convinces me this might be a good buy, then I might watch the video for additional information before making the buying decision.

    But, if the sale depends on me watching the video, the sale isn't going to happen.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    The worst kind of sales videos are the ones where the script is in the slides, and they're literally reading out loud to me. Here's a tip - you're driving away at least 2/3rds of your audience if you do that.

    First, you have folks like me, who can read to ourselves FASTER than you can speak. So basically I get bored waiting for you to catch up.

    Second, you have folks whose reading speed is SLOWER than you talk, and what you're saying is distracting them while they're trying to read and listen at the same time. It frustrates them.

    Which only leaves the segment of your audience who reads at the exact same speed as you not being potentially bored and/or frustrated, and even then, listening to someone read aloud isn't really very entertaining for anyone.

    Giving the exact same info in 2 channels (eyes and ears) is unnecessary. Stimulate both, but deliver information in one at a time. Show me something interesting while talking to me - use the slides to punctuate and abbreviate, not list literally every word, word-for-word.

    It's cool if you need a script, just print it and read it. I feel insulted if you're just reading your slides at me. I can read, guy. Thanks for nothing!

    Maybe that's just a pet peeve of mine? Regardless, it's LAZY video-making. If you want ME to care, YOU have to care.
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    • Profile picture of the author sylviad
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

      ....
      First, you have folks like me, who can read to ourselves FASTER than you can speak. So basically I get bored waiting for you to catch up.

      Second, you have folks whose reading speed is SLOWER than you talk, and what you're saying is distracting them while they're trying to read and listen at the same time. It frustrates them.

      ....Show me something interesting while talking to me - use the slides to punctuate and abbreviate, not list literally every word, word-for-word.

      It's cool if you need a script, just print it and read it. I feel insulted if you're just reading your slides at me. I can read, guy. Thanks for nothing!

      Maybe that's just a pet peeve of mine? Regardless, it's LAZY video-making. If you want ME to care, YOU have to care.
      No, Colin, it's not just you. I find that such videos appear unprofessional when they do that. And as you say, you hate having to wait for them to catch up to you.

      When using the script slides tactic, it's best to verbalize a deeper explanation, expand on what the script slide says.

      And I agree with your first point. If I can't turn off a video, I can't concentrate on what I'm reading. Fortunately, I have the ability to MUTE, so I do, but it's still just one more thing I have to do just to read the copy. And that's never good.

      You have to make it "easy" for people.

      Sylvia
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    • Profile picture of the author aaronjames
      I prefer video with some text too. That way if the video is loading slow the visitor has some information they can go to immediately.
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    • Profile picture of the author paul wolfe
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

      The worst kind of sales videos are the ones where the script is in the slides, and they're literally reading out loud to me. Here's a tip - you're driving away at least 2/3rds of your audience if you do that.

      First, you have folks like me, who can read to ourselves FASTER than you can speak. So basically I get bored waiting for you to catch up.

      Second, you have folks whose reading speed is SLOWER than you talk, and what you're saying is distracting them while they're trying to read and listen at the same time. It frustrates them.

      Which only leaves the segment of your audience who reads at the exact same speed as you not being potentially bored and/or frustrated, and even then, listening to someone read aloud isn't really very entertaining for anyone.

      Giving the exact same info in 2 channels (eyes and ears) is unnecessary. Stimulate both, but deliver information in one at a time. Show me something interesting while talking to me - use the slides to punctuate and abbreviate, not list literally every word, word-for-word.

      It's cool if you need a script, just print it and read it. I feel insulted if you're just reading your slides at me. I can read, guy. Thanks for nothing!

      Maybe that's just a pet peeve of mine? Regardless, it's LAZY video-making. If you want ME to care, YOU have to care.

      It's not just lazy video making - it's bad video making.

      If you're going to use video you need to add visual interest to your video. If you don't know where to start try reading BEYOND BULLET POINTS and/or RESONATE. Both are cheaply available from Amazon - and if you implement the material your videos will be substantially more effective.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

        The worst kind of sales videos are the ones where the script is in the slides, and they're literally reading out loud to me. Here's a tip - you're driving away at least 2/3rds of your audience if you do that.

        First, you have folks like me, who can read to ourselves FASTER than you can speak. So basically I get bored waiting for you to catch up.

        Second, you have folks whose reading speed is SLOWER than you talk, and what you're saying is distracting them while they're trying to read and listen at the same time. It frustrates them.

        Which only leaves the segment of your audience who reads at the exact same speed as you not being potentially bored and/or frustrated, and even then, listening to someone read aloud isn't really very entertaining for anyone.

        Giving the exact same info in 2 channels (eyes and ears) is unnecessary. Stimulate both, but deliver information in one at a time. Show me something interesting while talking to me - use the slides to punctuate and abbreviate, not list literally every word, word-for-word.

        It's cool if you need a script, just print it and read it. I feel insulted if you're just reading your slides at me. I can read, guy. Thanks for nothing!

        Maybe that's just a pet peeve of mine? Regardless, it's LAZY video-making. If you want ME to care, YOU have to care.
        I would extend this to the "video articles" that are nothing but a slow scroll or PowerPoint of an article while the poster reads it onto a sound track. Bo-ring...

        Nine times out of ten (or more) the source article is the same crap clogging the article directories, and done for the same reason - someone told the video maker that Google loves videos, and it's a good way to get backlinks, viewer be damned...
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

      The worst kind of sales videos are the ones where the script is in the slides, and they're literally reading out loud to me. Here's a tip - you're driving away at least 2/3rds of your audience if you do that.
      Just wondering where you get these statistics from? Have you actually tested this? Can we see the two different videos you tested? My sneaky suspicion is that you have tested nothing and your comments are nothing more than side-line commentary.

      Until you have tested both and have proof to back it up then all this is just speculation. I have tested both types of videos and I will tell you right now that those types of videos DO work and they work well. You will also find some of the most fanatical testers in IM such as Ryan Deiss/Perry Belcher also use these videos. In fact he was one of the first to ever use these videos. Why? Because they tested a whole lot of different videos in a whole range of different markets and they found these videos gave the best results.

      Once again, it does NOT matter what YOU think. What YOU think is not going to sell my products. I only care about what the results say and that's all you should care about too. To say these videos are crap and do not work when you have done nothing to test and validate your observations just shows a lack of marketing experience.

      Sorry, but it's true...
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      • Profile picture of the author Morganb50
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        • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          My sneaky suspicion is that you have tested nothing and your comments are nothing more than side-line commentary.
          Here are the projects I've worked on as a professional copywriter and launch marketer since 2007:

          1. StomperNet with Andy Jenkins
          2. Dominiche with Ed Dale
          3. S.M.A.R.T.S. with Don Crowther
          4. FormulaFive with Paul Lemberg
          5. Stomping the Search Engines 2.0 with Dan Thies, Leslie Rohde, Jerry West and others
          6. The Net Effect - pretty much the whole StomperNet Faculty at the time

          These ones are all from this year:

          7. The Video Boss with Andy Jenkins
          8. Dominating Google with Mark Dulisse
          9. Shoemoney System
          10. Kajabi with Andy Jenkins
          11. Link Liberation 2.0 with Dan Thies and Leslie Rohde
          12. Video Conversion Formula with Maria Andros

          Those are just the ones I'm not under NDA for. All those products were marketed with exclusively with video. With the exception of 3, they all sold for $2000+ and the majority of those launches did 7 figures in sales, some did 8.

          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          Once again, it does NOT matter what YOU think. What YOU think is not going to sell my products. I only care about what the results say and that's all you should care about too. To say these videos are crap and do not work when you have done nothing to test and validate your observations just shows a lack of marketing experience.
          You know what shows a lack of professional experience? Talking down someone you don't know.

          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          Sorry, but it's true...
          It's very, very true. Good to know you. I'll be sure to remember your name.
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          • Profile picture of the author WillR
            Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

            Here are the projects I've worked on as a professional copywriter and launch marketer since 2007:
            I am not bashing your expertise. I am simply saying that unless you have tested both versions you can't say one is better than another or one type does not work. It's great that you worked on all those launches but I would be interested to know did you test various version of videos in any of those launches or did you just stick with one type? If you just stuck with one type of video because you think it works best then my observations were probably not far off.

            A lot of those projects you mentioned were by well known marketers whom could have had a video of them sitting on the toilet giving their sales presentation and they still would have moved a whole lot of gear. Reputation plays a big part...

            Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

            You know what shows a lack of professional experience? Talking down someone you don't know.
            If standing up and saying something other than what everyone else is saying in a thread means I am talking you down, then so be it. I would much rather think for myself and test things myself than listen to what others all assume is the right way to do things and just follow along like a sheep. We are not all here to agree. If we were then it would not be called a forum. I'm entitled to my opinion just as you are - but there is no need to take it as a personal attack on you.

            Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

            It's very, very true. Good to know you. I'll be sure to remember your name.
            I don't even know what to make of that? Should I be scared?
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            • Profile picture of the author sal64
              In my humble opinion...

              If these are in fact squeeze pages, then the video you have is bad.

              The sole purpose of a squeeze page is to capture their email... period!

              So have a video by all means, but make short and to the point.

              Restate the benefits of what they will get and tell them to enter their details.

              And that's pretty much it.

              Save long videos for sales pages.
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            • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              I am not bashing your expertise.
              Oh, okay. I thought you said it sounded like my opinion was just commentary from the sidelines. And then after that, you said my comments showed a lack of marketing experience. I'm not really sure how else you could have meant for me to take it.

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              I am simply saying that unless you have tested both versions you can't say one is better than another or one type does not work.
              Do you see a whole lot of commercials on TV where people read a script out loud to you off of a screen? I wonder why that might be. If you have an example of a marketing video of the type we're disagreeing about that has sold tens of millions of dollars in products, maybe I'll think of testing one. Until then, there's no sane reason to test something that's obviously better against something that's obviously worse.

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              It's great that you worked on all those launches but I would be interested to know did you test various version of videos in any of those launches or did you just stick with one type? If you just stuck with one type of video because you think it works best then my observations were probably not far off.
              If you pioneer a type of video marketing launch methodology that makes tens of millions of dollars only doing a few launches a year, you kind of just want to stick with it.

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              A lot of those projects you mentioned were by well known marketers whom could have had a video of them sitting on the toilet giving their sales presentation and they still would have moved a whole lot of gear. Reputation plays a big part...
              Consider that it's the videos that these people create that gives them the reputation they have. If they simply read words off of a screen instead of producing quality videos, they wouldn't have the reputation in the first place.

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              If standing up and saying something other than what everyone else is saying in a thread means I am talking you down, then so be it.
              Hey look, you can backpedal now and play the wounded party, but in your comment, you could have simply disagreed and stated your opinion. Instead, you chose to put your foot in your mouth and question my experience and the value of my opinions on what works and doesn't work in video marketing.

              There was no need to go there to make your point, but you did, so own it. Don't pretend I'm taking undue offense. I am offended, because it was clearly your intent to do so. If it wasn't, you have an alarming lack of tact.

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              I would much rather think for myself and test things myself than listen to what others all assume is the right way to do things and just follow along like a sheep.
              How is TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in sales, over MULTIPLE launches, YEAR after YEAR... How is that "assuming" something works? That sounds like a proven result to me. How much better does it have to work for me to not be "assuming" that it works?

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              We are not all here to agree. If we were then it would not be called a forum. I'm entitled to my opinion just as you are - but there is no need to take it as a personal attack on you.
              I didn't take your opinion as a personal attack. I took the personal attack that you included with your opinion as a personal attack. You have a differing opinion, share it. You want to ask how I might have arrived at my own opinion? Ask.

              Who did you think you were talking to? You clearly were trying to make me look like some kind of fool with the way you phrased your comment.

              If you want to instead make statements about your SUSPICIONS of my level of EXPERIENCE? Well, I'm going to respond, and I'm going to call you a fool. What did you think I would do? This is my chosen profession, and I make my living as an expert at what I do. I take it very seriously. I've earned my opinion, wouldn't you say?

              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              I don't even know what to make of that? Should I be scared?
              I see you like to do voiceover work in this industry. I imagine you get hired by product creators to help promote their stuff, right? Guys like me are the people they hire to write the words that you would say. Guys like me are the people who would direct you on how to say it, and pick the slides that go behind it, and pick the music that goes under it.

              It's a small industry. My advice to you is to not be a dick to strangers when it's very possible that they could be in a position to do you a favor or not at some point.

              It's good to have an opinion. It's good to be a skeptic. It's NOT good to try and piss on someone's shoes to express yourself. These happen to be a pair of shoes that have done some walking around this particular block.
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              • Profile picture of the author WillR
                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                Until then, there's no sane reason to test something that's obviously better against something that's obviously worse.
                You are saying that there is no sane reason to test one version against another because one is already producing results. That's not how you get the best results in marketing. Marketing is about continuous testing and tweaking - to arrive at one solution and remain there just because "it works" will never give you the best possible outcome. Whose to say you could not have done more money with those launches if a different approach was taken? And I'm not just referring to those scripted videos I am referring to anything. If you decide to settle with something that's fine, it's your choice, but it's not how real marketing is done.

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                Do you see a whole lot of commercials on TV where people read a script out loud to you off of a screen? I wonder why that might be.
                If you are looking to tv for ideas on how to best promote things on the Internet then there is a problem in itself. Two totally different forms of media and not even worth mentioning in the same sentence.

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                If you pioneer a type of video marketing launch methodology that makes tens of millions of dollars only doing a few launches a year, you kind of just want to stick with it.
                As I said above, that's great and if that's what you choose to do then fine. But as I stated in my original reply, if you haven't tested another way of doing things, which you clearly haven't by self-admission, then don't slag it off and say it doesn't work - that helps no one.

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                Consider that it's the videos that these people create that gives them the reputation they have. If they simply read words off of a screen instead of producing quality videos, they wouldn't have the reputation in the first place.
                These guys have been in the game for a lot longer than video. They have built up their reputations through many live-events, and a whole range of marketing techniques over the last 10+ years - to say their reputation is simply due to a few launches of late is not true AT ALL.

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                Hey look, you can backpedal now and play the wounded party, but in your comment, you could have simply disagreed and stated your opinion. Instead, you chose to put your foot in your mouth and question my experience and the value of my opinions on what works and doesn't work in video marketing.
                I am not back peddling and I did not stick my foot in my mouth. I gave my opinion and I stick by it. Yes, I did question your experience and that was based on the response you gave. I still question your marketing experience because you continue to say that testing is not important if you are already getting results. I do not agree with that at all. You may be a great copywriter and have worked with some of the so called top 'gurus' but that does NOT mean you are an expert marketer. They are two very different things.

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                How is TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in sales, over MULTIPLE launches, YEAR after YEAR... How is that "assuming" something works? That sounds like a proven result to me. How much better does it have to work for me to not be "assuming" that it works?
                Yes, no one is disagreeing with you on this point. But it is not to say it could not have worked better. And unless you have tested other ways of doing things then you cannot just assume your way is the best way. If everyone did this then we would all still be marketing like we were 20 years ago.

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                Who did you think you were talking to? You clearly were trying to make me look like some kind of fool with the way you phrased your comment.

                If you want to instead make statements about your SUSPICIONS of my level of EXPERIENCE? Well, I'm going to respond, and I'm going to call you a fool.
                I had no idea who I was talking to and I still don't - and that is no reason for me to hold back my opinions and just nod along with everything you are saying. People are here to learn and to learn the most efficient ways of marketing. One of that happens to be split testing. If you are feeding people information I feel is wrong then I will call you out and I have every right to do so - it's a forum after all. I'm not here to make friends nor enemies. I am not going to sugar-coat what I have to say, there is no point.

                You somehow felt the need though to 'name-drop' to try and prove your point. That doesn't impress me or make your word anymore valuable than the next person. Just remember that for the future...

                Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

                I see you like to do voiceover work in this industry. I imagine you get hired by product creators to help promote their stuff, right? Guys like me are the people they hire to write the words that you would say. Guys like me are the people who would direct you on how to say it, and pick the slides that go behind it, and pick the music that goes under it.

                It's a small industry. My advice to you is to not be a dick to strangers when it's very possible that they could be in a position to do you a favor or not at some point.
                Yes, I know what a copy writer is, thank you. As I already stated, I am not here to find favors from people and if people do not want to hire me because I like to share my thoughts and tell it how it is, then so be it - I wouldn't want to work for those people anyway. Thanks for the 'tip' though...
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                • Profile picture of the author paul wolfe
                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post


                  If you are looking to tv for ideas on how to best promote things on the Internet then there is a problem in itself. Two totally different forms of media and not even worth mentioning in the same sentence.
                  I'm not sure I'd agree with that.

                  Online Video is still in its relative infancy - and just as internet copywriters are heavily influenced by old style direct marketing copywriters (think Gene Schwartz, Ralph Ginsburg as examples) so I think people who use online video will come to be influenced by some of the work that goes on in TV.

                  Some of the best TV ads are 30 second masterpieces in visual storytelling - you don't get ANY visual storytelling from a bunch of powerpoint slides.

                  With regard to whether Text Slides are more effective than a presentation/video which uses a more dynamic and visual approach I have no metric to prove that one converts better than another. All I can tell you is that my own consumption of online videos is to hit the back button within about 15 seconds if the video consists of powerpoint slides read alound. Or stop the video and go read the text.

                  I would love to see it split tested though and actually see the results.


                  Paul
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                • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  You are saying that there is no sane reason to test one version against another because one is already producing results.
                  I don't have to test things that are obviously of lower quality. I also won't test a black screen with no words and only voicover, or only text with no voiceover, etc. If you want to test, test something that makes sense to test.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  That's not how you get the best results in marketing. Marketing is about continuous testing and tweaking - to arrive at one solution and remain there just because "it works" will never give you the best possible outcome.
                  Show me outcomes that have been better in IM than the launches I've worked on. If what we've done is not the best results in marketing within this industry, please show me someone who has done better in ANY fashion whether or not they are split testing the kind of video you're arguing with me about.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  Whose to say you could not have done more money with those launches if a different approach was taken?
                  It's possible - but I will bet my entire career that those results would not have been improved by using the kind of video we're talking about.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  And I'm not just referring to those scripted videos I am referring to anything.
                  That's changing the subject. If you want to talk about testing in general, this is fine. But you started the conversation by saying my experienced opinion on this type of video was BS and that I was BS for having it. If you want to talk about testing as a marketing technique, we'd agree probably over everything except what's worthwhile to test. I don't feel the need to take a Porsche and say "You know what? Let's try SQUARE wheels. Might work better. We won't know until we test!"

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  If you decide to settle with something that's fine, it's your choice, but it's not how real marketing is done.
                  So now I do FAKE marketing? Are you still not trying to insult me, or?

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  If you are looking to tv for ideas on how to best promote things on the Internet then there is a problem in itself. Two totally different forms of media and not even worth mentioning in the same sentence.
                  This is a ridiculous statement that I don't even know how to begin to address. First, the very idea of slit testing comes from printed direct mail promotion. If you couldn't take lessons learned from other media into a new one, we wouldn't even be having this incredibly stupid argument.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  As I said above, that's great and if that's what you choose to do then fine. But as I stated in my original reply, if you haven't tested another way of doing things, which you clearly haven't by self-admission, then don't slag it off and say it doesn't work - that helps no one.
                  How come you're entitled to your opinion in which you can openly insult other people (and still not apologize for what was an entirely unnecessary dig on me and my reputation)... but I can't state mine?

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  These guys have been in the game for a lot longer than video. They have built up their reputations through many live-events, and a whole range of marketing techniques over the last 10+ years - to say their reputation is simply due to a few launches of late is not true AT ALL.
                  Do you know the people I mentioned? I do. We've spent countless hours discussing their businesses. Yes, many of them have had very long careers. And using video marketing the way I do it, the way we've done it together, they've made more money in days than they've made their entire previous careers. In post-sale surveys, typically 70% of the customers in these launches have never previously heard of the "Face" of the launch before buying. The launches are what MAKES them famous. Believe it or don't. I engineer micro-celebrity for clients for a living. So, maybe, just maybe, I know WTF I'm talking about.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  I am not back peddling and I did not stick my foot in my mouth. I gave my opinion and I stick by it. Yes, I did question your experience and that was based on the response you gave.
                  Yeah, and you were wrong about me and my experience, so an apology would be nice.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  I still question your marketing experience because you continue to say that testing is not important if you are already getting results.
                  No, I said testing stupid ideas when you're an industry leader is stupid. Testing is vitally important to marketing in all kinds of ways, but not in the way you're saying.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  I do not agree with that at all. You may be a great copywriter and have worked with some of the so called top 'gurus' but that does NOT mean you are an expert marketer. They are two very different things.
                  How do you think I came to even work with these people in the first place? You think they're doing me a favor? You don't think they'd bet 100s of 1000s of dollars and their reputation to have me create their messaging on me if I wasn't an expert? Not only do they hire me again and again, they refer me to new clients. Maybe they ARE two different things, but I have both.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  Yes, no one is disagreeing with you on this point. But it is not to say it could not have worked better. And unless you have tested other ways of doing things then you cannot just assume your way is the best way.
                  When I think of things we can try that might work better, we do test them. And if they work, we use them again. We DON'T test things that could not POSSIBLY perform better, because that's insane.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  If everyone did this then we would all still be marketing like we were 20 years ago.
                  So are you trying to say the cutting edge of internet video launches that I work on vs. blind spit testing without common sense - and between those I'M the one whose methods are outdated?

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  I had no idea who I was talking to and I still don't - and that is no reason for me to hold back my opinions and just nod along with everything you are saying.
                  Neither is it a reason to insult a stranger's experience or integrity.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  People are here to learn and to learn the most efficient ways of marketing.
                  Some are probably here to learn the most profitable. I've worked on several record breaking launches. What would you rather have - the choice of split testing something that has a 50% chance of failing, or taking the advice of someone who has done this over and over, earning the biggest sales numbers on record?

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  One of that happens to be split testing. If you are feeding people information I feel is wrong then I will call you out and I have every right to do so - it's a forum after all.
                  You're aware that personal attacks are pretty much the only thing against the rules here, right? You have your right to your opinion. I don't feel like you have the right to insult me.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  I'm not here to make friends nor enemies. I am not going to sugar-coat what I have to say, there is no point.
                  You don't have to sugar coat it, but there's no need to wrap it in barbed wire either.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  You somehow felt the need though to 'name-drop' to try and prove your point. That doesn't impress me or make your word anymore valuable than the next person. Just remember that for the future...
                  I felt the need to illustrate why my opinion on video is the way it is. If the experience I have doesn't make my word on video marketing valuable, by all means, please experiment to find your own way.

                  Originally Posted by WillR View Post

                  Yes, I know what a copy writer is, thank you. As I already stated, I am not here to find favors from people and if people do not want to hire me because I like to share my thoughts and tell it how it is, then so be it - I wouldn't want to work for those people anyway. Thanks for the 'tip' though...
                  You're welcome.
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    • Profile picture of the author bgean
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

      The worst kind of sales videos are the ones where the script is in the slides, and they're literally reading out loud to me. Here's a tip - you're driving away at least 2/3rds of your audience if you do that.

      <snip>

      Maybe that's just a pet peeve of mine? Regardless, it's LAZY video-making. If you want ME to care, YOU have to care.
      I wonder what Lee McIntyre would think -- he's currently using the "read it off the slide" video and making a lucrative $115,000+ a month doing it.

      You can't balk at what works...

      Personally, I don't mind the "read it off the slide" video sales letter because if the material is going to be written on the page or read to me, I'd rather have it narrated in exchange for needing to read.

      But that's just me.

      ====================

      Burt,

      I like having video and text on a squeeze page. For me, the text only needs to highlight the benefits. I have enough noodle juice to put two and two together and figure out what it all means.

      Yet, this isn't the point is it? Meaning, I don't need to learn how to write articles.

      Your target market can speak volumes to you. I'd suggest doing a 3-way split test to decipher what works best:

      1. Text only
      2. Video only
      3. A combination of both

      There are a few things I would consider changing:

      I would remove the image from the back of your squeeze page, it detracts from where you really want my attention.

      I would remove the graphic from the top of the squeeze page as well. It takes up quality real estate. This is where your captivating TITLE should be. (A writer always wants to keep the audience reading, right?) Follow your title with a subtitle that drives the point home.

      I would turn off the automatic play feature. This would allow your visitors to read the Title | subtitle combo above the video and gives them ample time to decipher if the rest of the page is relevant to them.

      If there is a video playing before I'm done reading, it's annoying. If your visitors share my plight: Unable to focus on reading with noise in the background, you could lose the opportunity to get the sign up.

      And finally... she stops, pauses and adds this:

      I administered an article directory, for 9 years, that reached an Alexa ranking under #20,000 before I moved on to do bigger and better things. If you need someone who can preview your product (not only from a writer's standpoint, but from an article director's standpoint) -- send me a copy of your complete package to review.

      I'd be glad to help. Just PM at your earliest convenience.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Of course, we won't know for sure which version will convert better until actually split tested, but just from quickly looking over both versions, I feel that the video squeeze page will probably convert better.

    The "written" squeeze page doesn't really seem to convey the benefits as well as the video in this case, IMHO. In addition to that, the video is short and to the point, and I don't think it'd be a nuisance to watch like those long 20 minute sales videos many of us have come to know and detest!
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  • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
    Video is hot but with a squeeze page I think the only way to know for positive is to do a test not just on conversions but on how long people are staying and when they are clicking off the page once you got some hard data you can adjust accordingly and again test-this year that is something I need to do a lot more than last so thanks for the post it served as a reminder
    cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author rsstore10
    I like video page instead of text page. Video is more comfortable and easier for everyone and help understand quickly.
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    The video version had me hooked, while I just scanned the text version. Nice video BTW.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Watching the Colin/WillR scrap from the sidelines, I do have an observation to make...

      Will, Colin, you may be talking at cross purposes here.

      Much of Colin's opinion appears to come from his experience doing high dollar product launches. Almost by definition, those launches take place with a constrained time line. If you have to make your impact within 30 days or so, there isn't time for extensive testing. By the time you have any meaningful results and can react to them, the product is launched.

      This is a different animal than your basic squeeze page as practiced by your garden-variety IMer. These are designed from the beginning to be used for the long haul, else why combine them with long-term traffic strategies like SEO and article marketing and such?

      In that long-term context, continuous testing may make sense, although I believe that unless there is a drastic change in the market you reach a point of diminishing returns. At that point, testing new traffic sources may be a more profitable use of time.

      Just my opinion from over here in the cheap seats...
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      • Profile picture of the author paulie888
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        Watching the Colin/WillR scrap from the sidelines, I do have an observation to make...

        Will, Colin, you may be talking at cross purposes here.

        Much of Colin's opinion appears to come from his experience doing high dollar product launches. Almost by definition, those launches take place with a constrained time line. If you have to make your impact within 30 days or so, there isn't time for extensive testing. By the time you have any meaningful results and can react to them, the product is launched.

        This is a different animal than your basic squeeze page as practiced by your garden-variety IMer. These are designed from the beginning to be used for the long haul, else why combine them with long-term traffic strategies like SEO and article marketing and such?

        In that long-term context, continuous testing may make sense, although I believe that unless there is a drastic change in the market you reach a point of diminishing returns. At that point, testing new traffic sources may be a more profitable use of time.

        Just my opinion from over here in the cheap seats...
        John, I found this rapid-fire sparring pretty amusing myself. It seemed pretty clear to me from the start that they were talking about different issues (the classic apples vs. oranges type of argument), and it became increasingly heated when neither would concede their point of contention.

        With that said, I tend to think that video squeeze pages tend to produce the best results with these time-compressed big launches if the videos are fairly short and deliver clear value. As they say, a picture's worth a thousand words, and for making a short and succinct point on squeeze pages, I don't think there's anything better.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    You clearly have way too much time on your hands... continuing this argument will help no one. I'm moving on.
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      You clearly have way too much time on your hands... continuing this argument will help no one. I'm moving on.
      There's a reason I have that line in my sig, lol. Thanks for the apology though. Real big of you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Morgan
    Originally Posted by OnlineInf0 View Post

    I just finished changing up this sales page.

    If you were interested in this product...

    Which would compel you to buy...

    the sales page with video...
    Article Writing Fast and Easy - Step by Step Videos Show You

    or without the video...
    Article Writing - Fast and Easy - Conquer The Internet and Create Success

    I'd like your honest opinion on what you would change or if you think it's on target.

    I'd also be willing to give away some review copies to some WF if they were serious about reviewing it for me.

    Let me know you thoughts!

    Thanks Greatly,
    Burt
    Test both With video VS Without video, and see what gives better results.

    What we like, and What converts better are 2 different things, so test to see what gives the best conversions.

    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
    Ryan Deiss always comes up with the videos with just the plain text and voiceover and autoplay. I know he had said that he has done a lot of tests and found that these style salespage convert the highest. Again those may be his results but unless you test you never know.
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Originally Posted by yourreviewer View Post

      Ryan Deiss always comes up with the videos with just the plain text and voiceover and autoplay. I know he had said that he has done a lot of tests and found that these style salespage convert the highest. Again those may be his results but unless you test you never know.
      Armand Morin doesn't do too badly either.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by sal64 View Post

        Armand Morin doesn't do too badly either.
        One thing you'll notice though, is that the voiceover isn't simply reading the text on the slide, like a parent reading a bedtime story to a toddler. The audio carries far more information most of the time.

        As another poster commented, I can read a lot faster than anyone can talk. So if you're just reading the slides to me, I'm way ahead of you. I've read ahead and my mind is wandering, waiting for you to catch up. I've skimmed over the few words you can put on a slide, and now I'm bored.

        Bored and inattentive is not the state you want your prospects in when you finally get to the grand finale...
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        • Profile picture of the author sal64
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          One thing you'll notice though, is that the voiceover isn't simply reading the text on the slide, like a parent reading a bedtime story to a toddler. The audio carries far more information most of the time.

          As another poster commented, I can read a lot faster than anyone can talk. So if you're just reading the slides to me, I'm way ahead of you. I've read ahead and my mind is wandering, waiting for you to catch up. I've skimmed over the few words you can put on a slide, and now I'm bored.

          Bored and inattentive is not the state you want your prospects in when you finally get to the grand finale...
          I saw him create a sales video from scratch at an event. Armand is very unique that way. They don't call him the human sales letter for nothing.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikemcmillan
    First, good luck with whatever you choose!

    I'm trying to help. Both versions need work. Personally, I hate video sales pages for a number of reasons. Your video has too much drama. You come across as selling but it isn't a sales page. If I do watch a video sales page it's because the person comes across as talking to me one-on-one in a conversational tone. Your video doesn't do that.

    I vote for the text page, but honestly, it needs help--and I'm telling you that as a Warrior friend.

    1. Way too much white space.

    2. The opt-in is below the fold.

    3. There is way too much color. Two colors are plenty (and use the second color sparingly).

    4. I know you want a spiffy look to the page but spiffy doesn't convert. Words convert. I would loose the header, footer and background image. They're nice but distract. Everything needs to focus the visitor's attention to the opt-in box. That's the business part of your page but it is camouflaged in with the other stuff.

    5. I would make the container, the box your stuff is in smaller (narrower) and have just a white background outside of it.

    6. The product image of your book needs work. It's titled Write Articles. Again, I'm trying to help, but the title is very, very weak. You need a compelling title that pulls people in.

    7. Last tip. I have one question. Don't answer me--answer this to yourself.

    What is your pitch?

    In one sentence, what is your pitch? Suppose we met at a social gathering. You told me you just wrote an ebook. I asked what the title was. If you tell me the title is "Write Articles" like it says on your book cover, I will walk away. If you give me a title name that pulls me in I will ask, "What can your book do for me?"

    If it takes more than 10 seconds or two sentences to answer that question, I will walk away.

    Give the ebook, report, whatever... give it a title that pulls people in and in your headline hit them with a one sentence pitch (It could be a question) that makes them say to themselves, "Hey, I want what this guy's got and I want it now."

    Hope that helps. --Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author John Alves
    The video squeeze page is much better. When I visit the squeeze page without video, I can't stay on the page long enough to read it. The video does look a little blurry at points and could be improved. I think you could also improve it by using a picture of yourself within the video to make it more personal.
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  • Profile picture of the author YoichiSpeaks
    I think the video squeeze page would be better than the plain text.

    1) I get lazy sometimes, so anytime there is a video, I'll let it pitch to me.
    2) The text squeeze page looks "old" and unattractive

    I would put up a video page, then put testimonials or just the bold facts to reiterate what was said in the video. But the approach is going to be different for everybody.

    One effective way I found is to set up a comment box under your video and have it set up so that people will be opted in whenever they comment about your video/product. But be sure to tell the visitors they will be opted in so you don't get spam complaints. The comment provides social proof and you'll have a better chance of people actually sticking and watching your video instead of taking an instant glance at the site and leaving.
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  • Profile picture of the author mostphere
    Well, as long as your videos sales letter load fast, it is better though. I guess a live presentation is better then just powerpoint. Have both is recommended with presentation of proof or how the product work will be great.

    I just hate video sales letter that load very slow, my net speed is fast here but if the video take long to load with no alternative to the written sales page then I will close it.

    Cheers

    Leno
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  • I personally do videos myself for all my products. In fact, if you click on my signature links, you will see examples of my own sales videos.
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    • Profile picture of the author hilaryaustin
      it depends on the product. If the certain product requires videos then I will create videos. Since if a video will be provided for others to fully understand what I am emphasizing then I will proceed in creating this videos.
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    • Profile picture of the author abs007
      I honestly think it depends on what the product is -

      Videos can also put many people off - especially if they are sitting in a office and music starts to fire out of the speakers - im sure they wont think twice before hitting the back button

      I dont personally have any figures to what has worked best for me - however when i put something up on my sales page I will look to see if a video would add value - I would also keep my targeted audience in mind

      thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      I personally do videos myself for all my products. In fact, if you click on my signature links, you will see examples of my own sales videos.
      Nice websites. Who does the graphics? Very impressive.
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  • Profile picture of the author bgean
    Originally Posted by OnlineInf0 View Post

    I just finished changing up this sales page.

    <snip> <snip>

    I'd like your honest opinion on what you would change or if you think it's on target.

    I'd also be willing to give away some review copies to some WF if they were serious about reviewing it for me.
    Burt
    To add to my previous post:

    I would take out the last section of your video (showing a replicated copy of your sign up box). If you want something in there -- put an animated arrow pointing towards your sign up box.

    I don't think it's necessary to have a copy of it inside the video.
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