Do you hate being FORCED to watch a sales video?

123 replies
Hi Guys

Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

Anyway, I was watching one of these videos the other day, and decided to put it in fullscreen mode (right click on the video and select switch to fullscreen).

Low and behold..you can then fastforward through the video, saving you from having to watch the whole thing!

Hope this saves you some time guys...and if you use these videos, I'm sorry!

David
#forced #hte #sales #video #watch
  • Profile picture of the author jefferybaxter
    Yes I hate watching long videos. I even hate reading long sales pages lol. I'm one of those guys who's like ok...what are you selling? How much is it? Money Back Guarantee? Where are your testimonials? Why is your product so good that I should buy? If all satisfies I'll pull out the debit!

    ~Jeff
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Nobody is forcing you to watch anything.

      See that little X at the top right hand corner of your browser?

      It performs a wonderful function.
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      • Profile picture of the author Vaan
        you are very funny sthepen LoL..
        You forget something, there is one more obstacles...

        POP UP EXIT!

        That's right, it's very anoyong if I meet this kind of pop up >.<

        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Nobody is forcing you to watch anything.

        See that little X at the top right hand corner of your browser?

        It performs a wonderful function.
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      • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Nobody is forcing you to watch anything.

        See that little X at the top right hand corner of your browser?

        It performs a wonderful function.
        You stole my thunder;-) .... exactly right!
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        • Profile picture of the author mbacak
          Originally Posted by Greg guitar View Post

          You stole my thunder;-) .... exactly right!
          We must have said that at the same time. :-)
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          • Profile picture of the author fernando avila
            I was watching one of these sales videos one time and I was almost at the end to see what the price was. Then I had to get up to check on something, and my little girl comes to the computer and closes the freakin page. I went crazy cause i was gonna have to watch all the same crap again
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            • Profile picture of the author mbacak
              Originally Posted by fernando avila View Post

              I was watching one of these sales videos one time and I was almost at the end to see what the price was. Then I had to get up to check on something, and my little girl comes to the computer and closes the freakin page. I went crazy cause i was gonna have to watch all the same crap again
              Now, that would be frustrating.
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              • Profile picture of the author fernando avila
                When I did see the price it was ridiculous. I think i was better off when my daughter closed the window
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      • Profile picture of the author mbacak
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Nobody is forcing you to watch anything.

        See that little X at the top right hand corner of your browser?

        It performs a wonderful function.
        Couldn't been said any better.
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      • Profile picture of the author Toby Lewis
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Nobody is forcing you to watch anything.

        See that little X at the top right hand corner of your browser?

        It performs a wonderful function.
        Exit scripts are a must on these sites. When some looses attention and goes to leave, you can try and send them to another page with a short written sales copy and a bit of a discount.
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    • Profile picture of the author DrewG
      Originally Posted by jefferybaxter View Post

      Yes I hate watching long videos. I even hate reading long sales pages lol. I'm one of those guys who's like ok...what are you selling? How much is it? Money Back Guarantee? Where are your testimonials? Why is your product so good that I should buy? If all satisfies I'll pull out the debit!

      ~Jeff
      I'm the same way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Louise Green
    I think they are a powerful sales method, but some do go on a bit (I'm just as guilty as anyone for this).
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  • Profile picture of the author Lisa Gergets
    I dislike having to watch them also because my time is pretty limited. Like jefferybaxter, I want to know what, why, and how...that's it. But I realize that's not necessarily what sells product, that's just me.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shenlord
      I click them off or leave the site.
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      • Profile picture of the author Tom B
        Banned
        I hate being behind drivers that go below the speed limit. I still haven't found the little x for that.
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        • Profile picture of the author Robyn8243
          I agree...I don't like it.

          And while you have the choice of just x ing out, sometimes you just want to skip to the end to find out what is being offered. I want the option to see what is being offered before I spend my 20 minutes.

          Of course, that is probably the point....you have to watch the whole presentation, subjecting yourself to 100% of the hype/presentation/sales tactics before you learn the price/details....kind of like a lot of teleseminars.

          At least with a long sales page, you can easily skim and skip to the end.

          Ultimately people are going to go with whatever results in more sales.

          Robyn
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        • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

          I hate being behind drivers that go below the speed limit. I still haven't found the little x for that.
          It's called the passing lane.
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        • Profile picture of the author Martin Avis
          Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

          I hate being behind drivers that go below the speed limit. I still haven't found the little x for that.
          It comes up on you Heads Up Display when you press the 'lock' button on your dashboard.

          At least it does on my car now I've paid for the F16 upgrade.

          Martin
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        • Profile picture of the author candoit2
          Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

          I hate being behind drivers that go below the speed limit. I still haven't found the little x for that.
          Those are just old people, and they are hard of hearing and sight as well.

          Just honk the horn so they can hear you and drive as close as you can to make sure they can see you.

          Also try hand signals to get them to speed up or move out of the way and yell if that doesn't work.

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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I was on HughesNet broadband which limits your daily bandwidth and I fired them so now I'm on dialup ... so video sales pages are not an option. The only sales pages I bother with are the ones you read.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
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  • Profile picture of the author alexanderberson
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Hi Guys

    Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

    Anyway, I was watching one of these videos the other day, and decided to put it in fullscreen mode (right click on the video and select switch to fullscreen).

    Low and behold..you can then fastforward through the video, saving you from having to watch the whole thing!

    Hope this saves you some time guys...and if you use these videos, I'm sorry!

    David

    Really?

    I am surprised that you could not fast forward. And in your case if you wanted to know what the price then fast forward to the end of it to see the price?
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  • Profile picture of the author la dominatrix
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Hi Guys

    Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

    Anyway, I was watching one of these videos the other day, and decided to put it in fullscreen mode (right click on the video and select switch to fullscreen).

    Low and behold..you can then fastforward through the video, saving you from having to watch the whole thing!

    Hope this saves you some time guys...and if you use these videos, I'm sorry!

    David
    You do not have to sit through the whole video you can turn it off
    La dominatrix
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  • Profile picture of the author Stevie B
    Yup, totally agree. I tend to 'x' out of them now if there is no fast forward control or slider so I can 'speed watch'.

    The other thing that gets my goat is that, if you wanted to watch one offline when you have more time, they usually can't be downloaded either.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author David Chamberlain
    Sometimes, I'm genuinely interested, but don't want to sit through it all! Sometimes I do just press the x, but it's good to know you can fastforward through some....
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  • Profile picture of the author bizideas
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Hi Guys

    Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

    Anyway, I was watching one of these videos the other day, and decided to put it in fullscreen mode (right click on the video and select switch to fullscreen).

    Low and behold..you can then fastforward through the video, saving you from having to watch the whole thing!

    Hope this saves you some time guys...and if you use these videos, I'm sorry!

    David

    I do believe it's poor taste to try and take away someone's control choice. As Steven said, there is an easy way out.

    However, my view is more like this:

    Let's say that you're at home scanning channels with your remote and find something interesting. AH HA...an infomercial.

    You decide to stay on the channel and keep looking because it's fascinating to you. Never mind the fact that you're a marketer yourself.

    There are plenty of 30 minute infomercials that've been produced over the years that don't force you to watch but somehow you end up sitting through their entire presentation anyway...whether you end up being a customer or not.

    If you feel like you're being "forced" then it's not an effective video.


    Eric
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  • Profile picture of the author mrmagos
    Video? I like to treat sales videos simply as audio and continue about my business in another tab. Typically, the only things I miss are any "visual proof" or images of the creator and/or the shiny things they have bought with their vast fortunes or otherwise claim to own.
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  • Profile picture of the author DAS_Matt
    There isn't a chance in hell I would force someone to watch a 22 minute long video. Personally I can't think of a much more stupid thing to do. That's somethnig I can't imagine helps sales one bit. I generally don't mind very aggressive sales tactics but that's one I would just say "bleep you" to the owner and then find and buy from their competitor.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      It seems to be an increasing trend - but no one forces me to watch them.

      If I'm interested in a product and that is my only option to find out more - I lose interest and move on.

      I realize it is supposed to be "effective" but clearly I'm not the target audience so don't need the product.

      kay
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  • Profile picture of the author webdiva
    I totally understand the 'concept'. However, being a really BUSY webmistress, it annoys the HELL out of me.

    I just wanna know
    1. what is it/what does it do
    2. how much does it cost
    3. is there a guarantee
    4. if anyone else likes/dislikes it

    If the vid is less than 6-7 minutes, I sometimes hang in. But more than that, with out a visible fast forward button, I'm outa there.

    But then, I HATE to miss anything that may prove to be the most useful, powerful tool or new strategy... so there's the rub for me. And that's the motive behind removing the video contols, right? Taking away the 'remote control' and appealing to (preying on) people's curiosity or fear of missing out.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Gallivan
    Nobody ever 'forces' me to do anything as I have free will.

    I also dislike long videos and much prefer text unless it's a step by step guide on how to do something.

    If I'm really interested in what's on offer and it's from someone familiar, respected and has a good reputation then I may watch it if it suits me at the time, or save it for later viewing.

    Mary
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Bestel
    Video is just plain old text copy, but with moving pictures and a soundtrack!

    It should be easy to navigate just as you would a sales page of text - omitting controls is not a good idea and will prompt the viewer to click the X.

    All the rules of writing good copy apply just as much for video as they do for text.

    A.I.D.A. will always hold true - it's just a shame that it's apparently easy to forget the basics when producing a video, thinking that the medium itself is exciting enough to hold interest - it often isn't the case.

    But being 'forced' to watch all 22 mins in order to find the punchline is unacceptable - very few people have either the patience or time.

    Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author mrwoods
    It seems to me if the video is 5 minutes or less and the nuts and bolts can be scrolled through on the info sales page, that would be the best of both worlds. What benefits get each of us to buy is different anyway. Is it the testimonials, the price, the money back guarantee, or the TIME the product will help us save making the money in the first place.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ricardo-Acosta
    I love videos I rather watch the video than read the sales letter, but what I dont like is when theres no freakin pause or rewind button. Darn you gurus.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom Lazenby
    Yeah, I'll more than likely leave the page if there are no controls on the video...especially if it's a long one.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      Anytime you see a forced video you know right away that the product is going to cost a lot of money.

      The other day, I saw a re-sale rights offer and they made you sit through the entire 20 minute video before they told you the price. The entire time I was thinking to myself, this thing is probably going to cost like $1000. Sure enough, that was the price.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
    I am not forced to do anything I do not wish to do .. Have video, auto play, no controls then you just got one less visitor... There is a reason a browser has a "close" button. I use it as often as I need.

    James
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  • Profile picture of the author intromaster
    shame....some warriors are starting to do it now too!
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  • Profile picture of the author SeanIM
    I was speaking with a friend and partner just the other day that got advice to 'force' the full video watch....I was not in agreement as I think giving the customer the option to make a purchase action at the point they are ready to buy is a better practice than making them hang out for another 5 minutes before the purchase link is given.

    It's a very strange practice imo...would have to split test this to speak more intelligently on the topic though.

    S
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    • Profile picture of the author twistedpixel
      Even long-form Infomercials have calls to action every few minutes, they don't make you watch all thirty minutes before telling you how to take action.

      I imagine that something similar could be done with an overlay link in the video every 5 minutes?
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      • Profile picture of the author nnight
        Originally Posted by twistedpixel View Post

        Even long-form Infomercials have calls to action every few minutes, they don't make you watch all thirty minutes before telling you how to take action.

        I imagine that something similar could be done with an overlay link in the video every 5 minutes?
        I use this type of video sales letter, without controls, and get great results. But there are two very important factors to consider:

        The first is to give the call to action several times - the first at about 5-6 minute mark. At this time I have a hidden div appear with the price and buy button.

        The reason there are no controls is the most important factor - I make sure I explain EXACTLY what the product is, and what it does in that first five minutes! Then they can consider a purchase. I do not want purchases made by "scrollers" or "fast forwarders", because they almost always turn into "refunders", claiming they thought the product did something else.

        They end up with a free product, because of the MBG! Not okay, in my book.

        Also, if you can't keep their attention for five minutes with video, the problem is your salesmanship

        PS: I do have a pause feature, however, because life has its moments...
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    In a niche I work in a colleague of mine who does big volume, $20k+ per day has removed all their sales copy and replaced it with just a 21 minute video, nothing else on the page at all, you can't FF it or even Pause it!!!!

    He has some code scripted so when the video finishes his buy button appears.

    That's it.

    He added thousands per day with this annoying as hell video and the video is no more than voice over text frames.

    Expect to see a lot more of them to come, I've been testing with opt in pages and it's working like gangbusters.

    I'm still not 100% sure they work other than it removes anything from the page that somebody may not like and focusses their attention, but bottom line, people interested in what you have to tell them watch the entire thing and buy. They also get invested time wise and I think that forces them to watch the entire video rather than calling it a day.

    Always remember as well we are jaded IM'ers who look at everything with a "what are they selling me " head on.

    A huge number of regular joe's just looking for information don't enter a site with that mind set and if there's nothing there but a video to watch, they don't see a big buy button early on it , it increases sales.

    Who knows how well this pans out across all niches, but damm it works well in some, and on opt in pages, I'm finding it mind blowing, especially (and here's the winning gold nugget) when you have an on exit script allowing them to get something for free if they fail to watch the entire video.

    Please ignore this information, I don't need the technique being overused, thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Oscar D
    Yes, I do hate it

    So I just leave the site most of the time, I don't have time to waste
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    • Profile picture of the author Ralf Skirr
      I don't like it when a page does not offer written info that I can browse quickly.

      I never watch those 20 minutes blahblah videos.

      I start some videos, but if after 30 seconds the guy is not very focused and on topic I go away.

      Ralf
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      • Profile picture of the author Bjarne Eldhuset
        It is a bit different from a 30 minute infomercial, because in infomercials they often have a phone number on screen that you can call and order anytime during those 30 minutes.
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        • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
          Originally Posted by Bjarne Eldhuset View Post

          It is a bit different from a 30 minute infomercial, because in infomercials they often have a phone number on screen that you can call and order anytime during those 30 minutes.

          THIS is the takeaway for video sales pages.

          There should ALWAYS be a order link present.

          In sales, there's this concept of "talking yourself past the close".

          If you're using a sales video and have no means of transacting, and a person's particular objection or issue is met earlier in the video, you should give them the means to order right there.

          That's why infomercials do it. Delaying their close and introducing more concepts could raise new objections.

          Even in major product launches with multiple video sequences, when it goes live with a sales page video, the order button is persistant at all times.
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          • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
            Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post


            There should ALWAYS be a order link present.
            Actually our tests showed otherwise. Timing the order button
            consistently delivered better conversions. The order button
            with video can be a no no, they pop to the price before you
            have even the slightest chance to sell to them.

            Depends on market, also on approach (presentation versus
            sales tool) and very much on the type of traffic sent to it.

            Even in major product launches with multiple video sequences, when it goes live with a sales page video, the order button is persistant at all times.
            Actually not, some yes, some no, although I think more and
            more it's going to be a case of adding it , especially in IM.
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            • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
              Originally Posted by SimonHarrison View Post

              Actually our tests showed otherwise. Timing the order button
              consistently delivered better conversions. The order button
              with video can be a no no, they pop to the price before you
              have even the slightest chance to sell to them.

              Depends on market, also on approach (presentation versus
              sales tool) and very much on the type of traffic sent to it.



              Actually not, some yes, some no, although I think more and
              more it's going to be a case of adding it , especially in IM.

              Well, yeah, my canned answer to everything is "you should test it". The funny thing is that I've tested it both ways myself and having a link persistant outstripped the timed link.

              What I need to do is split test the actual script timing to see exactly where a persistant link is clicked on average across the timeline. That way you know your sweet spot in your pitch.

              It also depends on the structure of the content of your presentation. If you're following a traditional ADIA sales letter model, etc... in your script, et al.

              So there are a million variables. But in general, when a prospect says, "OK, I'll buy it" in their own mind, you'd better be ready to close the deal pretty quickly. When you continue selling after the prospect has already decided to buy, you risk missing the closing window.
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            • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
              Originally Posted by SimonHarrison View Post

              they pop to the price before you
              have even the slightest chance to sell to them.
              Thats why there used, thats why they make you wait for the price and the close, to stop you popping to the price before they sold you

              Its why the conversions are higher no bail out becuase of the price, no bail out becuase they skimmed and missed stuff.

              If they bailed out it was because they werent curious enough to find out more, thats usually the people who dont buy anyway.

              No sales process will be 100%, this one though gives a higher average of sales. even 2% increase is a lot

              Anyway, i'm sure folks will carry on hating them, just as im sure they will carry on giving a higher conversion rate overall.

              People say they hate pop ups but they increase sales, people say they hate junk mail but they keep sending it because it keeps generating sales.

              What people say they hate and what they respond too are usually two different things

              ducks for incoming
              Robert
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              • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
                Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

                No sales process will be 100%, this one though gives a higher average of sales. even 2% increase is a lot

                Anyway, i'm sure folks will carry on hating them, just as im sure they will carry on giving a higher conversion rate overall.


                Robert
                There has to be a better way, because someone selling "Learn Photoshop in one hour" wasted my hour after I was committed to buying it. 50 minutes after I was ready to buy, I had to go so they did not get the sale.

                I found out later this was a $97 product and I was ready and willing to buy.

                Don't waste my time by spending an hour telling me how much time your product will save.

                At least have the courtesy of telling me how long the video is before I start watching. Otherwise you are abusing your prospect and disrespecting their time.
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                • Profile picture of the author Intrepreneur
                  They only make them long to make you click exit and land on the squeeze page part.. I guess those annoying hover ads scared of the super affiliates so they dreamed up a new way of getting it done!
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  • Profile picture of the author catherine ford
    To me that is the downside of videos - with a sales page that you are reading you can speed read you cant do that with a video. I normally switch it iff after only a few seconds and then fail to purchase
    Catherine
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  • Profile picture of the author JustVisiting
    Where I live some days the ADSL is pretty slowwww... Videos are then totally impossible to watch. I'd prefer the option of a short sales letter.
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  • Profile picture of the author Technista
    I don't like it at all. It's presumptuous to assume that people will endure a lengthy video without the ability to control it. Under those situations, I usually close the window.

    I wonder how effective it is for conversions, forcing people to see the entire presentation? (Reminds me of those time-share presentations that you have to sit through to get the "free" vacation... except the marketer isn't giving you a gift for watching!)
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  • Profile picture of the author Simo
    What's that sound?

    That's the sound of hundreds of simultaneous "close browser" clicks on sales page videos over 5 minutes.

    Warriors - If you can't get your sales pitch done under 5 minutes then refine it. Otherwise I (and my clickhappy friends) am gone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Hi Guys

    Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

    Anyway, I was watching one of these videos the other day, and decided to put it in fullscreen mode (right click on the video and select switch to fullscreen).

    Low and behold..you can then fastforward through the video, saving you from having to watch the whole thing!

    Hope this saves you some time guys...and if you use these videos, I'm sorry!

    David
    I dont come accross those kinds of video often but I do dislike them. I came accross one of Russell Brunsons at http://www.bodyevolution.com/freedvd/ . I really wanted to skip ahead but couldnt.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marmbrust
      Yeah, I totally HATE to watch them too. Often the big guru's blather on & on -- eventually I glean one or two valuable points to use in my biz. About six days ago I downloaded a product called, "Enounce MySpeed" (has a playback variable from .3 to 3.0 times the speed). So, if you need to slow things up, you can. If you can understand REALLY Fast, like me -- then 3 times the playback. I love it. They gave me a 7-day trial and I'm buyen!!! I don't make any money off this Boys -- I just love the product.
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      • Profile picture of the author dannyart
        Definitely, especially when the sales video is more than a minute.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marc2008
      Sometimes I don't like it unless you have the option to speed it up. Ryan Diess usely does not give you that option. But in the end, I agree with Steve Wagenheim, no one is forcing you to watch anything. So if you want to watch it the - hint- the Marketer has you hooked - pay attention.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      A lot of you good people seem to be missing the main point of the OP. He's not really complaining about being "forced" to watch the video, he's telling you how to fast forward videos where the controls have been taken away from you so you can get to the end faster. I think it's a useful tip and thanked him for it.

      Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

      I hate being behind drivers that go below the speed limit. I still haven't found the little x for that.
      Thomas, I just lightly bump into their back end until they get out of the way. You'd be surprised how fast most people pull off the road, it usually only takes one bump!

      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      Well, yeah, my canned answer to everything is "you should test it". The funny thing is that I've tested it both ways myself and having a link persistant outstripped the timed link.
      That's why I tell people they have to test for themselves. Most of the time we're not serving the same audience, and even when we are we're not serving the exact same people. Marketers all have their own style too, even the copycats do to a small degree. These differing styles can attract different kinds of people. The only way you'll know what works best for you is to test for yourself.

      (I know you know that, Michael. That comment was for those who aren't doing their own testing and those who believe someone else's testing applies to them.)
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    • Profile picture of the author kitkat73
      It does help if you can pause... especially on a replay. I have a baby and sometimes he picks the best times to be loud or want something so I can't pause... and it does sometimes work on the full screen (as someone mentioned) but not always.

      Funny that I came up on this thread.... because I was just thinking this! LOL
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    • Profile picture of the author woonkiat
      It's all part of the sales, with videos or testimonials, etc.
      Only at the start if it interest me will I watch and read through other than that I usually skip down to the bottom and look atbthe price and if it look ok, I might just watch the whole thing.
      As mentioned by many, the choice is ours. Use it!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Richnana
    Thanks for the comment. what is really bad is when you are trying to sneak to see what someone is offering and the video comes on your computer LOUD and LOUDER. okay so you are at work and probably got FIRED!. Give me the option of listening to you drone on and on Okay?
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Corners
    That's a good trick. I don't really those videos either .. and some are like 45 mins long!

    Although I do agree that it is a good selling method, but I'm starting to get tired of them.
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  • Profile picture of the author ebizman87
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Hi Guys

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

    David
    Yes.It just piss me off to see that. The worst part is that they won't get straight to point AND WASTE your time. Nowadays If I saw any video salespage,I'll just close the WINDOW and mind my own business unless it's a software program where I'll sit and watch how does the bot will work.
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  • Profile picture of the author TChiu
    Personally i will watch something if its interesting. And if im thinking of buying it, i want to hear what they want to tell me. Overhyped?? yeah usually, but you can usually cut through hype with a little logical thinking.
    Fomr what i've heard, the thing that makes the video sales letter so powerful is the ability to control the sale (ie. no controls).
    IBut if you really want to get aroung the controls, just use the download helper tool on firefox and download it. then you can skip ahead or rewind whenever you want.
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  • Profile picture of the author Flareman
    Same goes for me. I dislike watching sales videos, such as the one from fat burning furnace where it doesn't tell you how long the video is, can't let you fast forward or pause. Whats more, the video is nothing more than words and a few pictures here and there and the guy is narrating word for word on whats on screen. Surely theres more to web video than that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gemsy40
    For me i prefer video to those long, long sales pages, it also depends on whether the information will be of use to me or teach me something new. I have unsubscribed from one or two of the Guru's out there just because the emails they were always sending enclosed a link offering a new product but as soon as you click on it was one of them long videos and they all started the same way and ended up being the same type of product under a new name.
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    I have to say, I do wonder if they have a limited shelf life.

    I use them in various niches now and they have shown us
    a HUGE increase in conversions in some niches, I mean
    sickening, adding tens of thousands yearly to revenue,
    BUT...

    In the IM niche... I'm starting to get mighty tired of it
    fast and only yesterday, the big guys were all promoting
    something, the only option was video and I just couldn't
    be arsed to watch it, I saw it was a video and just left.

    One of the things we did on one our niches which worked
    well is we made a text version of the copy appear on
    on exit, we are still making good sales from the text copy
    when they close the video.

    It's to early to tell but I do wonder in the IM niche if these
    could get old fast.

    The issue you always have to look at it is does the increase
    in conversions using video make up for the sales instantly
    lost from people like me just clicking away.

    I think there's also a big factor played here in the traffic
    source.

    For example if you're lead to a video after being in a launch
    funnel from somebody you trust from a previous product
    etc, then I'm far more inclined to watch.

    It's not the video format I hate on sales copy , it's the fact
    I just can't tell whether it's going to be a waste of my time
    or not.

    For reference, depending on the player, you can't expand
    to full screen and FF, entirely depends .
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    • Profile picture of the author TChiu
      Originally Posted by SimonHarrison View Post

      I have to say, I do wonder if they have a limited shelf life.

      I use them in various niches now and they have shown us
      a HUGE increase in conversions in some niches, I mean
      sickening, adding tens of thousands yearly to revenue,
      BUT...

      In the IM niche... I'm starting to get mighty tired of it
      fast and only yesterday, the big guys were all promoting
      something, the only option was video and I just couldn't
      be arsed to watch it, I saw it was a video and just left.

      One of the things we did on one our niches which worked
      well is we made a text version of the copy appear on
      on exit, we are still making good sales from the text copy
      when they close the video.

      It's to early to tell but I do wonder in the IM niche if these
      could get old fast.

      The issue you always have to look at it is does the increase
      in conversions using video make up for the sales instantly
      lost from people like me just clicking away.

      I think there's also a big factor played here in the traffic
      source.

      For example if you're lead to a video after being in a launch
      funnel from somebody you trust from a previous product
      etc, then I'm far more inclined to watch.

      It's not the video format I hate on sales copy , it's the fact
      I just can't tell whether it's going to be a waste of my time
      or not.

      For reference, depending on the player, you can't expand
      to full screen and FF, entirely depends .
      One thing for sure about the IM niche, things change REALLY quickly. And it forces people to look for new things that work in IM. Luckily Im not in IM so most of the stuff that doesnt work anymore for the IM niche works great for me!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    I love them... actually thats probably because I am using them :-) They convert about 50% better for me than regular.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamjar919
    What i really hate is one of those ones that won't let you get into a mebers area, even if you log in and out first.
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    Feel free to ask me any IM related questions or add me on skype :D
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    Michael,

    Did you use an exit splash if they tried to hit the back button or exit? That was the key for us... We use the exit splash that takes them to a trial offer and between that and the normal conversions, we saw a 50% increase in conversion...
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  • Profile picture of the author deloriagod
    I like watching a good sales video that can really keep my attention (I hated these videos before I got into IM though). But if I'm FORCED to watch it, I'll close the browser and continue on my way. If I'm not forced to watch it, I'm more likely to watch it.
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  • Profile picture of the author shamabamma
    What tuns me off are those delayed videos that startup after you've been on the page for a little while. I hate having to click on all of my tabs just to find out where the darn noise is coming from. Once that happens, I close the tab and they just lost a sale.
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    Interesting to see this particular thread revived, as it was from last year, but there have been many topics on this lately...

    Well, in my own opinion, it sounds like it has been increasing conversions for most, so I find that interesting, I guess it's a way to get rid of those prospects who are not ready to buy in the first place, and helps convince those to buy who are ready for it.

    As a prospect, though, for IM products if I cannot stop the video then I am just turned off right away as I figure it's going to be a high priced product as the high priced products seem to use this tactic. So, it gets me out of the way because I'm not prepared to buy any high priced products in the near future!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Livingston
    Videos have proved time and time again to be the best for conversions. Ryan Deiss says that it has always outperformed every other method for him.

    There is a software that John Jonas uses... enounce... I believe that can speed the videos up to 3x faster without changing the pitch... he swears up and down by it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bradshaw
      Originally Posted by Dr Livingston View Post

      Videos have proved time and time again to be the best for conversions. Ryan Deiss says that it has always outperformed every other method for him.

      There is a software that John Jonas uses... enounce... I believe that can speed the videos up to 3x faster without changing the pitch... he swears up and down by it.
      Videos just have that personal touch to them. In real life you can see the person's face and observe their body language which gives you an idea of how trustworthy they really are. Their voice tone says a lot about them too.

      Words alone are a poor medium compared to words, voice and body language.
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  • Profile picture of the author createyouwealth
    I most definitely know what you mean by the long video you have to sit through. I also just hit the close button to get out fast and start on more productive things in my business.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sean Fry
      I really can't wrap my brain around all the resistance to video. Are a lot of you ADD by any chance?

      I like watching well produced video. Andy's launch videos for video boss were highly entertaining and very well done. Walkers videos for his recent launch were outstanding. Frank's video for list control is the best sales video I've ever seen. It's like a work of art.

      Good video is great. It's so much more engaging than long form copy. Bad video though, is hard to get through. Really hard.

      I think it takes even more skill to create compelling video than long form sales letter. It will be a while before most of the videos move beyond the "ugly duckling powerpoint presentation with voiceover" phase, and move into more dynamic, Andy Jenkinson produced style video because there's a LOT involved.
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      • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
        Isn't this a lot like an ice cream store that only sells vanilla ice cream? You will sell a lot of vanilla ice cream to the customers who want it, but a lot of traffic is going to walk back out or not come in at all. But if you offer not only vanilla, but chocolate, and maybe even strawberry - Wow! You'll sell a lot of ice cream.

        Those marketers who give you no option other than to watch the video to the end are losing a lot of sales in the process. Perhaps they should offer other options, like a text transcript, that someone could return to at any time, or a speed-up button, or as someone else stated, an exit flash or another exit option. Perhaps separate marketing campaigns, each using a different approach.

        As for me, I no longer will watch a 30 minute video, no matter who is presenting it or what is being marketed. I just don't have the time or patience. But that's just me.
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  • Profile picture of the author JustinBrooke
    Yes everyone hates these videos you should all stop
    using or never try to use them.

    I repeat please let me be the only idiot using these videos

    They don't work and you'll just waste your time and
    piss people off. Don't even bother.

    [crossing fingers hoping this trick works]
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    • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
      Originally Posted by JustinBrooke View Post

      Yes everyone hates these videos you should all stop
      using or never try to use them.

      I repeat please let me be the only idiot using these videos

      They don't work and you'll just waste your time and
      piss people off. Don't even bother.

      [crossing fingers hoping this trick works]
      I can count at least four times in the last three or four months where I had my hand on my wallet wanting what they were selling and was talked out of buying it by being locked into a long video. Those were real sales lost because some idiot didn't have respect for my time.
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      • Profile picture of the author Lance K
        Originally Posted by N4PGW View Post

        I can count at least four times in the last three or four months where I had my hand on my wallet wanting what they were selling and was talked out of buying it by being locked into a long video. Those were real sales lost because some idiot didn't have respect for my time.
        Personally, I don't care for them most of the time either. It depends on who is making the offer and who recommended it.

        However, regardless of the delivery method the VAST MAJORITY of prospects are NOT going to purchase from a direct response offer. Especially a high ticket offer. So if a vendor has test data that tells them it's ok to piss you and I and others off to the point they lose our business, then so be it. If they have a handle on their lifetime customer value and videos without controls convert better, they'd be foolish to not make that their control offer.

        Besides, with the quick hitting, high ticket launches that sell out in a matter of days (or less) the people who are willing to sit through a 20+ minute sales video and still buy will likely be worth more over time than those who won't.

        So if you're going to use the launch strategy and sell out anyway, you might as well present your offer in a way that puts the most "rabid" buyers on your customer list. And leave the "luke warms" to somebody else.
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        • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
          Originally Posted by Lance K View Post


          So if you're going to use the launch strategy and sell out anyway, you might as well present your offer in a way that puts the most "rabid" buyers on your customer list. And leave the "luke warms" to somebody else.
          So, if your prospect determines in five minutes that your product is worth spending $200 on, you would rather lose the $100 sale in favor of a 'rabid' buyer who is willing to sit out 55 more minutes waiting on your price to become available so they can buy?

          Please don't ask me to buy your marketing course.....

          This is not directed personally at you, you did say "20 minutes". If a video is longer than one minute it really should say how long it is, or it needs to start off capturing attention and providing content.

          I am curious to know, how do you address the person who recognizes the value of your product in 5 minutes and is ready to buy? Are they not rabid buyers?
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          • Profile picture of the author Lance K
            Originally Posted by N4PGW View Post

            So, if your prospect determines in five minutes that your product is worth spending $200 on, you would rather lose the $100 sale in favor of a 'rabid' buyer who is willing to sit out 55 more minutes waiting on your price to become available so they can buy?

            Please don't ask me to buy your marketing course.....

            This is not directed personally at you, you did say "20 minutes". If a video is longer than one minute it really should say how long it is, or it needs to start off capturing attention and providing content.

            I am curious to know, how do you address the person who recognizes the value of your product in 5 minutes and is ready to buy? Are they not rabid buyers?

            Hey, I'm with you on this one.

            Was just pointing out that I understand why some people do what they do.

            My point about the chances of those who watch the whole video being rabid was this. If a person watches the whole video, you likely have more influence over them and they're more likely to spend more with you over time than someone who doesn't watch the whole thing.

            Of course you'll miss some rabid buyers that don't like the video route. But if the video route puts the biggest % of rabid buyers on your customer list, I won't blame you for presenting your offer that way.

            (Of course, I'm using "You" in a general sense here. Not directed @ you specifically)

            That said, it would be interesting to see how many people who do the "no controls, no time line videos" actually tested it.

            And not only that, but how many people continue to test it. And did they just test it against video with controls? Or did they test it against a written sales letter? Or did they test a page with BOTH a video and a letter. And did they test each option based on traffic source? Etc.

            If they're only selling 1,000 copies and they have over 500,000 affiliate emails going out, there really isn't much need to do a bunch of testing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Winlin
    I agree, if your going to keep my attention... 10 minutes max. Long videos are not my preference. Give me the PDF version and I'm a happy camper.

    Unless there's a compelling lesson to be learned I do as many others have already suggested and hit the little X up in the corner.

    But there's a reason marketers do it... it works.


    "To your success" - Winlin
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  • Profile picture of the author thescribe
    I hate these videos as my time is limited, but apparently they work. Those using them have claimed big increases in conversions. I agree that they help you relay your message better (hearing the tone of voice), though, in a way that simple words almost never can.
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    • Profile picture of the author Phillip Lambert
      I haven't reached the stage of being annoyed at these little beauties - I actually find them quiet persuasive. LOL Am using camtasia too create my one video sales letters - I wonder how long this sales device will last?
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  • Profile picture of the author JaneMorgan
    No, i mean I can just click off if i dont like it that much
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!
    I despise people who FORCE me to watch the video according to their schedule instead of mine...

    Of course, I could always hit the back button, then I am not forced to do anything...

    But if I want to watch something, I will watch it...

    The forced play is only annoying, because if a kid comes and interrupts the message I am watching, then I am forced to start the message again from the beginning... I am forced to watch things I did not need to see again, just so that I can see the things I missed...

    Forced play often forces me to abandon videos I might have watched otherwise... Esp in a house where the 3yo, 7yo and 10yo are constantly vying for daddy's attention...
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  • Profile picture of the author Kathryn Mc
    I hate those videos, and I also hate those visual-learner formats where they try to teach you how to do something by showing you pictures instead of words (there's probably a better way to language concept this but hopefully you know what I'm talking about). This might seem slightly off-topic, but in both cases, there seems to be the presumption that people are too stupid to read and think for themselves. (And judging from what Simon Harrison reports, people apparently really are that stupid...)
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  • Profile picture of the author Kathryn Mc
    *probably a better way to language this concept* is what I meant to say. An ironic typo.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Plank
    I've tested fast-forward vs no fast-forward.

    My webinar replay converted at just under 1% with fast forward and just over 2% without.

    I haven't tested the delayed order button, all I'm saying is, before you badmouth it so much, split test it yourself.

    Also, when I have access to fast forward I do what most of here are saying you do... I skip to the end... I scroll around... I miss most of the presentation.

    Go on YouTube, search "google website optimizer" ... figure out how to setup an A/B split test... and try it for yourself, seriously.
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    • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
      Originally Posted by Robert Plank View Post

      I've tested fast-forward vs no fast-forward.

      My webinar replay converted at just under 1% with fast forward and just over 2% without.

      I haven't tested the delayed order button, all I'm saying is, before you badmouth it so much, split test it yourself.

      Also, when I have access to fast forward I do what most of here are saying you do... I skip to the end... I scroll around... I miss most of the presentation.

      Go on YouTube, search "google website optimizer" ... figure out how to setup an A/B split test... and try it for yourself, seriously.
      How long are your videos? You said you don't lock out the price to the end of the video, and if you were selling the PhotoShop videos, even with the long presentation, you would have made the sale. Lock it out, and you would have wasted my time and lost the sale.

      Obviously, the videos have to get someone's attention and keep it. If it does, it likely will make the sales.

      Like Zig Ziglar says, "Don't spend five minutes selling the prospect on your product and then 45 minutes talking him out of the sale."
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  • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
    That depends on the video. First of all, I don't like videos that are info-mercials with no time limit or speed bar. Worse yet are the ones that freeze the page until the video is completed.

    Mike Filsaime and Chris Ferrell have two long videos. One is 32 minutes, the other about 22 minutes. They have slide bars and are full of usable, valuable content rather than infomercial hype. I don't plan to buy their product, but I added the nuggets I learned from it to what I am working on. I appreciate that kind of video.

    I also recently visited a site with a 30 minute notice. There was no scroll bar, but I knew how long it would be so I let it run in the background until I got tired of hearing the infomercial rhetoric constantly repeating what they say they will tell you but never get around to saying. I turned it down and later, the page was there with the price of the product. While the first five minutes got my attention and might have sold me the product for $27, by the time it was over, I was no longer interested. They lowered the $47 price to $37 then to 27. FORGET IT! They sold me off the idea trying to tie up my time for 30 minutes.

    I hate hearing what it is not It is not $1000, it is not even $999, and I am not selling it for $998, and guess what, buddy, you aren't selling it to me for $1.00 after that. GO AWAY!

    Buck
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  • Profile picture of the author Edk
    Originally Posted by David Chamberlain View Post

    Hi Guys

    Recently, many sales pages have been set up so that you are forced to watch the whole video.

    Sometimes, I just don't have 22 minutes to sit there and have someone sell to me, and kinda just wanna get to the point (usually the price) and then I'll make a decision!

    Anyway, I was watching one of these videos the other day, and decided to put it in fullscreen mode (right click on the video and select switch to fullscreen).

    Low and behold..you can then fastforward through the video, saving you from having to watch the whole thing!

    Hope this saves you some time guys...and if you use these videos, I'm sorry!

    David
    What a great service you've done the many of us who didn't know that. I lived in dread of those things. I can't wait for the next to come along. Many many thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author Emmanuel ED
    I hate Video Salespages - especially the ones without control buttons. What happens if I miss a few lines?

    Video Sales Pages only work effectively when all your visitors have High-Speed Internet, otherwise it becomes Frustrating. If you REALLY need to use a video, at least give an Option to switch to a Long Copy.
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  • Profile picture of the author mihir
    Yeah, I hate them too. Many of them start auto playing, disturbing any music going on my machine.

    Some ppl try to attract to watch video by saying "use coupon provided at the end of this video" and the worst part is, that video player would not support seeking to last.
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  • Profile picture of the author stevecane
    Just switch it off if you don;t like it... if you don;t need the sales video then you can make a decision without it.

    S
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Those long sales videos can really drive me nuts, especially when there's no way to fast forward through them. This is actually intentional, as I believe Keith Wellman had outlined this strategy in his sales video creation process so as to ensure that you listen to the entire presentation, and apparently from his research he found that NOT enabling a fast forward button and/or slider bar increases conversion rates.

    Lately I've seen some considerate marketers who give you the option of either watching the video or reading the sales letter immediately below it. I really like this approach, as I can read through the sales letter far more quickly (and absorb more) than sitting through the time consuming video!
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  • I personally like video sales letter because I'd rather watch a 10 minute tutorial video than read through a long ass sales page with dubious testimonials, a weird "farmer turns into millionaire" story, etc.

    What I don't accept are videos without the control bar, or those videos where the price only pops up at the end of the video. That kills it for me, but videos themselves are cool.
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  • Profile picture of the author Valineo
    I hate those videos too, especially because many of them are almost the same... story is the same, guy went broke, he thought of killing himself because of bankrupcy, his wife left him along with his beautiful children, and bla bla bla... story goes on for around 20 minutes, then he "reveals" his secret ... and then you find out that price is just too much for you ... and you just wasted your 30 minutes...
    So, for quite a some time now I'm not watching them, especially not in IM niche... I love good old textual sales page where I can got all the info immediately...
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  • Profile picture of the author niffybranco
    As a self employed internet marketer my time is money if you think i am going to spend my time watching your long sales video just to spend my money on your product you must be kidding , if you are confident about your product then you should give me the option to watch your video at my own pace.
    A sales video with no controls feels like a hard sell and i hate being sold to in that way.

    When i see a video like that i just click away it is a big time waster as someone mentioned earlier what happens if the page is closed or the browser crashes ? Am i expected to watch the video all over again ?
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    • Profile picture of the author Marmbrust
      This has actually happened to me several times on a couple of Fran Kern's long, long, long videos. I almost cried. Since I'm a 'persistent sort' & out of respect for Fran Kern -- I dutifully watched.

      However, I'm too busy to do that now. I not only 'click away' -- but, then I also unsubscribe.
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      • Profile picture of the author ZaraK
        Personal hot button for me too. In fact I posted something about this just yesterday, I believe.

        You know. Just because used car salesmen sell used cars doesn't mean you want to invite them into your home.

        If you get that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
    I loathe videos where there's no captions, no transcript, and no option to skip.

    Suddenly, the web has turned from a deaf-friendly place to a deaf-unfriendly place because videos are "cool".
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  • Profile picture of the author Marmbrust
    Thanks!!! I'll try that. I usually turn the volume on "mute" & speed it up to 3X's the speed (with Enounce My Speed) -- so that a 22 min. vid takes a little over 7 minutes. Who wants to listen to that cr*p? It usually falls into one of three categories: 1. Used to be poor & have a lot of credit card debt, 2. Used to be in prison, or 3. Used to be a detective.

    I'll try it your way & thanks.

    Marmbrust
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I think this strategy has been used and abused to death, which is why I'm seeing new sales pages crop up that are a little more considerate - they either offer playback controls now, or have proper, full-length sales copy that you can read below the video!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
    Here is the thing guys:

    1. People hate upsells/downsells. They are proven to bring in more money.
    2. People hate pop-ups. They are proven to bring in more money.
    3. People long sales video's without controls. They, for most people it seems, bring in more money.

    As Robert Puddy said earlier, what you SAY and what you DO are two different things.

    Sure, a video without controls pisses you off. But all, what, 40 of you, do NOT represent the entire market.

    In fact, there is a LOT of psychology in this thread -

    For example - the thread titled - "Do you hate being forced too...", what audience is that subject line going to appeal too? People who hate it? Or people who love it? Or people who are neutral?

    People who DO hate it are all going to chime in and start ragging on it. Why? Because the subject line draws attention to those who are against something.

    You read it and go - OH YEAH, I hate those FLIPPIN THINGS. Go add my 2 cents. The guys who are neutral or positive don't bother or it doesn't call to them.

    Finally, there is the ol' Rubber Neck response...the title is negative. We humans get entertainment, sadly, more from negative responses, drama, etc. than positive ones.

    So, I hope I made my point clear...don't rely on this thread or any thread which starts off "Don't you hate..." because chances are, unless you test yourself, you won't know whether something converts better or not...

    Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author humbledmarket
    Banned
    Wow such an old thread lol but I'd ususally press the small little x when I see such sales page. Thanks for the tip.
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  • Profile picture of the author MassiveMarketer
    Personally, I hate watching long videos. Maybe I wouldn't mind if it was totally a great product I'm interested in. But to convince me and bore with a long video just doesn't work for me. That's just me. I just sometimes end up closing the window and look for something else.
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  • Profile picture of the author GoogleWarrior
    I hate that, too. NOW WATCH THIS: THE RICH ENGLISH TEACHER ESL GAMES
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  • Profile picture of the author GingerColeen
    If I don't have the freedom to pause, back up, fast forward, etc. And, if I try to exit the page, they hijack me and I have to hit OK or Cancel 15 times to get out! That's really, really rude and I will never buy from them. I don't care what or how good it is!

    I LOVE my freedom and don't want anyone taking it away or wasting my time.

    It's just a really poor way to create a great relationship with folks. And, that's what IM is really all about.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sardent
    Perhaps it's just an oldschool thing, but I much prefer reading info, get a lot more out of it, than by watching a video. And OMG a whole course on video! I can't take it.
    I read fast, and sitting and watching a video is...well 10 minutes in I'm squirming in my chair and tapping my fingers, anything for this video to finish.

    Lost a sale to me if they ever had a chance.
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  • Profile picture of the author LasseKohau
    Its both ways, like and dislike,

    Sales videos are ok, just as they are not to long to view.

    Who has got the time to watch a 30 minute of salespresentation today ???

    I think, that a tendency has arised to put many minutes of marketing into them, just borrowring the viewer. I would rather like it, cut to the bones - a hard sales pitch. (more like canvas selling)

    regards, LASSE
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  • Profile picture of the author ivanadee
    yeaaaa
    I am not a fan of video since I live in a country with slow internet connection
    for me, ebook guide and traditional sales page still get my attention
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