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Videos or Ebooks? That is the Question.

by Ryan Jericho Banned
23 replies
Ive always personally preferred learning from Ebooks. As its all laid out for you, take it how you will .In your own time.

Yet so many 'video only' Products do well. Very well actually...

Just wondering your thoughts...
Do you prefer video + audio? Just Audio? Or an Ebook/Plan?
#ebooks #question #videos
  • Profile picture of the author smonline
    I had already asked this question here before:-

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...efer-more.html

    I like ebook, simply because it is easier to scan through. We all are time deficient, so we need to have a quick look at important points.

    Videos are entertaining in some cases, when i am tired and simply cannot affort to read, and instead like to watch.
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  • Profile picture of the author LOUDOU
    I am one of those people who find it hard to retain information from reading so videos are so so valuable to me...
    I really have to see motion and hear audio to be able to retain anything slightly technical

    Everyone differs though, but for me videos are the way
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    • Profile picture of the author Ryan Jericho
      Banned
      Originally Posted by LOUDOU View Post

      I am one of those people who find it hard to retain information from reading so videos are so so valuable to me...
      I really have to see motion and hear audio to be able to retain anything slightly technical

      Everyone differs though, but for me videos are the way
      Do you feel you Relate more to the Person selling/describing it that way?
      Rather than just text on a page? Very interesting to know.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Jericho
    Banned
    Originally Posted by smonline View Post

    I had already asked this question here before:-

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...efer-more.html

    I like ebook, simply because it is easier to scan through. We all are time deficient, so we need to have a quick look at important points.

    Videos are entertaining in some cases, when i am tired and simply cannot affort to read, and instead like to watch.

    Indeed. But still, Something from 2010 is not relevant to this now. Things have changed considerably. I am sure there are other threads alike also. But after a search, I couldnt find anything Recent.

    I also disagree with what you said...Most people Read when they are going to bed, Not watch videos. . . Thus Ebooks and whatnot come into play, as they print them off.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeRogers
    It depends... If you are trying to teach something that your audience feels they need more technical explanation on than can be given in the video, then both would be warranted. Also, I must admit that I am a big fan of "Quick Start Guides" and "Cheat Sheets".
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  • Profile picture of the author rohit36
    I like Over the shoulder videos as I can see that person going through the whole process, + Some thing ebooks are easy to understand (also better). So its both for me...

    All the product creators should create their products in multiple formate if possible, Coz different people like to learn differently.
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    • Profile picture of the author TheEye
      I prefer to read a PDF but sometimes find them incomplete.

      Over the shoulder videos are generally more complete as you see all the steps the person goes through.

      Audios are good as I find I have to concentrate more.

      My preference depends on what I am trying to learn.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        I prefer that the product creator spend some time thinking about it, and provide each piece of information in the format best suited for that information.

        For instance, background and history could be any of the formats you mentioned and might be best in multiple formats so the buyer can use their choice.

        Interviews are foten best as audios, unless you take the time to edit and format the transcript. I really dislike being forced to read raw transcripts.

        Some processes are best taught using a two minute video rather than a 20+ page pdf.

        Make sense?
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        • Profile picture of the author Ryan Jericho
          Banned
          Originally Posted by rohit36 View Post

          I like Over the shoulder videos as I can see that person going through the whole process, + Some thing ebooks are easy to understand (also better). So its both for me...

          All the product creators should create their products in multiple formate if possible, Coz different people like to learn differently.
          Originally Posted by TheEye View Post

          I prefer to read a PDF but sometimes find them incomplete.

          Over the shoulder videos are generally more complete as you see all the steps the person goes through.

          Audios are good as I find I have to concentrate more.

          My preference depends on what I am trying to learn.
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          I prefer that the product creator spend some time thinking about it, and provide each piece of information in the format best suited for that information.

          For instance, background and history could be any of the formats you mentioned and might be best in multiple formats so the buyer can use their choice.

          Interviews are foten best as audios, unless you take the time to edit and format the transcript. I really dislike being forced to read raw transcripts.

          Some processes are best taught using a two minute video rather than a 20+ page pdf.

          Make sense?
          I couldnt agree More actually guys. Thanks for the Replies, Much Appreciated.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I'm an ebook reader guy. As long as the ebook has pictures and screenshots of where to go and how to do something... i'm good.
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  • Profile picture of the author SuperKristen
    It depends, sometime I prefer video and sometime I like to watch videos. SO a Combo of All of them
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  • Profile picture of the author Vector Graphics
    Video products are perceived as higher value so product creators can charge more. Or you could release video, audio and an ebook and charge an even higher rate.

    It really doesn't matter what you prefer to learn from, if your goal is to make money then you should really think about video products!
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  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    The answer is to eventually do both - John's response is spot-on, I have found that my customers want both - ebook for background, step-by-step instruction (for those who prefer to read and reference) as well as worksheets (I find these great for reinforcement of information). Video is certainly useful for demonstration, connecting with your audience, FAQ follow-ups and for communicating near real-time updates so you aren't constantly coming up with new ebooks.

    For example, you may have a 5-step system for achieving X

    The ebook outlines the background, why your system works, what the 5-steps are and a worksheet for each of the 5-steps.

    Your accompanying video can then offer examples of how to work through each of the 5-steps, your expected results, mistakes that you may make, tools you may want to use and then offer a series of FAQ videos where you answer common questions from your customers. Further, you can offer a 1-month update video where you expand or update information in the ebook.

    All of this can significantly enhance your product offering AND make your product more useful at the same time.

    Jeff
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Just like the question "which do you prefer, apples or oranges?" the answer is largely a personal preference.

      If you include the written word, the audio and the video, your audience will be able to read, hear, and watch as they choose.

      I think it's sometimes advantageous to start with the written word and then offer the audio and/or video as an OTO or upsell afterward.

      Here are the advantages, in my mind, that come with each medium:

      ebook or pdf
      Can easily include notes, underline or highlight
      Can stop and come back later very easily
      Can move along at your own pace
      As the author, it can easily be updated and modified

      audio
      Can take it with you and listen anywhere
      Can better understand the speaker's emphasis
      Can use speech to text software or services to transcribe

      video
      Some step by step tutorials lend themselves to this format
      For the viewer, it's easy to watch
      The viewer can both watch and listen to the action
      Higher perceived value, generally although not always
      Impact of action usually trumps plain words

      In the final analysis, as the seller of the medium, I would say:
      Provide as many mediums (now and later) as you can
      Let the material you're presenting suggest the most appropriate medium
      Understand that customer preferences aren't heavily one-sided either way
      Test and track to see what is preferred by your customers in your niche

      The best to all of you,

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author JennySweets
        Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

        Just like the question "which do you prefer, apples or oranges?" the answer is largely a personal preference.

        If you include the written word, the audio and the video, your audience will be able to read, hear, and watch as they choose.

        I think it's sometimes advantageous to start with the written word and then offer the audio and/or video as an OTO or upsell afterward.


        Steve
        Now, see, that may be good for the product creators pocket, but it would turn someone like me (see my post right below yours, above) off from buying from that person again. I don't think a person should have to pay more to have the same training available on a different format, because some folks, like me, learn best going through it multiple times over multiple formats.

        Maybe most people are not like that, and the other formats would be a convenience issue - but for those of us who are multiple mode learners, it would come across poorly.
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        • Profile picture of the author Steve B
          Originally Posted by JennySweets View Post

          I don't think a person should have to pay more to have the same training available on a different format, because some folks, like me, learn best going through it multiple times over multiple formats . . . for those of us who are multiple mode learners, it would come across poorly.
          Jenny, I understand what you're saying but I personally believe that the product creator has the right to have the final say as to the format he/she offers the product in and if he/she wants to add other formats at an additional cost. I don't think product creators are obligated to provide the customer with multiple formats right out of the gate. By offering an ebook first the price can be kept in-line with customer's expectations of a lower price. Adding additional formats costs more money to produce so there is certainly justification for a higher price, in my opinion.

          Some people want just the sandwich for the lowest price. Others prefer the combo meal at an additional cost. There is justification for not offering just the combo meal at the outset.

          Steve
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          • Profile picture of the author JennySweets
            Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

            Jenny, I understand what you're saying but I personally believe that the product creator has the right to have the final say as to the format he/she offers the product in and if he/she wants to add other formats at an additional cost. I don't think product creators are obligated to provide the customer with multiple formats right out of the gate. By offering an ebook first the price can be kept in-line with customer's expectations of a lower price. Adding additional formats costs more money to produce so there is certainly justification for a higher price, in my opinion.

            Some people want just the sandwich for the lowest price. Others prefer the combo meal at an additional cost. There is justification for not offering just the combo meal at the outset.

            Steve
            Sure, the creator has the right to have the final say. And the customer has the right to not continue to buy from the creator, and to let other people know how they feel in the thread, and potentially dissuade other buyers who also feel they shouldn't be charged twice for the same thing.

            I'm not saying it would have a huge impact, I'm just saying maybe people should consider offering real VALUE if they are having an upsell, versus being lazy and offering the same thing just packaged differently. Especially considering it COULD have a negative impact. (as for the cost portion - that's bogus. The creator can do it for free- I've done it myself! and it costs a few paltry bucks on Fiverr.)

            And for you to equate my preference to learn from multiple modalities to being a fast food junkie expecting a combo meal is somewhat insulting. But I'll get over it.
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            • Profile picture of the author Steve B
              Jenny,

              I apologize if what I said was insulting to you. Please believe me, I had no intent to do that.

              "for you to equate my preference to learn from multiple modalities to being a fast food junkie expecting a combo meal is somewhat insulting"

              My only reason for making the analogy was to suggest the point that some people just prefer the basic least cost approach (ebook) while others want a more robust or multi-media platform (audio/video added).

              You are certainly entitled to your opinion here: "maybe people should consider offering real VALUE if they are having an upsell, versus being lazy and offering the same thing just packaged differently."

              I don't share your opinion at all. "Being lazy" is not the reason some people prefer to not include multiple formats for their information. It has to do with their marketing approach.

              You also said: "as for the cost portion - that's bogus. The creator can do it for free- I've done it myself! and it costs a few paltry bucks on Fiverr"

              If you believe that adding audio and video, cost-wise, can be done in a professional manner for free, I think you need to re-evaluate your analysis of what goes into these processes. Do you value your time? Are you thinking about how you deliver and secure these platforms? Please explain how you do this yourself for free?

              Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author imeasysales
    I like having guides explained to me through videos. I find it a lot easier to learn this way, and I'm more comfortable hearing the person teach it to me rather than just reading it. That's not to say I don't like eBooks, I just prefer video tutorials instead.
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  • Profile picture of the author JennySweets
    I voted Combo but Not in pieces. What I mean is - not some training in eBook, another part of the training in video- I prefer to have the entire training in ebook and the entire training in video and if I'm really a lucky girl, the entire training in audio for portable listening on the go too.

    But then I learn best when I can go through something once in print, then once over the shoulder visually, and maybe a couple more times while doing something like driving.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      I want to add something to what I said earlier.

      Which medium you use should also be heavily influenced by your competence with that medium.

      If your writing talent extends no further than writing a check or a birthday card to your mother, stick to audio or video.

      If you can't/won't edit your audio or video to get rid of the ums, ahs and "oh shits", stick to text and hire an editor or ghostwriter.

      If you aren't willing to practice your presentation before recording it, and set it up so you don't have to stall your way through finding links or windows, don't do (or, at least, don't release) videos.

      I don't remember who came out with the "create a product in 30 minutes" video training, but they deserve a smack upside the head. By telling people video, rather than good video, has a high value and that anyone with a free trial of Camtasia can get rich, they unleashed some of the clumsiest, most awkward and flat out crappiest products I've ever seen.
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  • Profile picture of the author bobsstuff
    As a buy, I ONLY want to read information. My most effective learning technique is to read. Others learn better by seeing, video. Still others learn best by hearn, audio.

    Knowing this about myself and others best learning techniques, I think it would make sense to offer a product as a PDF (doc), MP4 (video) and MP3 (Audio).

    I like to read, but while traveling I often listen to Tony Robbins or other CDs. Your MP3 just might be what I or others would enjoy while driving to work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Jericho
    Banned
    So whats im hearing the most is basically offer the three formats. [PDF, MP3 and Video] I can see how this would benefit all customers, Thanks for the votes guys, keep 'em coming.
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