ATTENTION: I’ve edited this blog post and removed my link to Jay’s product. It really wasn’t fair for me to write a post like this, put the blog reader into a totally bad frame of mind about a particular type of video, and then send them to exactly what I was just bickering about.
The point of this blog post was not meant to be so much about the specific product, but the practice, the effectiveness and the feelings from the community. You.
I was really interested in multiple testing statistics. And boy did I get them. However, I SEVERELY skewed those statistics by writing this blog post and then directing traffic in the manner I did. And because my blog kicks ass, I rank really well in the search engines for all kinds of terms related to his product.
Therefore I’m gonna delete any mention to his product because I just don’t think it’s fair for someone to see this post first, and then see his sales pitch. Seems like a dick move. And I really want the best for him.
Truth is, I’m really pumped that he took the time to make that video. It took a lot of balls. A ton. And guess what? It really did work like Gangbusters! More so then he ever expected. What’s a guy to do? Take down a video that is lining his pockets with a ton of cash? That’s what we are in this game to do if I’m not mistaken. Of course this goes without saying a worthwhile product is being delivered.
And in the whole mess of controls, or no video controls, content, no content and frustration we kind of lost sight that Jay is selling a product and method that has worked really well for him, and he’s willing to share.
I have much more to say on this topic. It’s been extremely interesting, educational, frustrating and profitable (for many of us). I really have some amazing ideas about this whole topic and mind set, but not sure how to formulate it all. I do look forward to discussing it further.
Okay, here’s the post today (with a few edits) that started the barrage of comments. Thank you everyone who chimed in. I only ask everyone keep an open mind, and ask yourself… “why” as often as you can.
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During the last 6 months marketers have been exposed to a new kind of video that not everyone is fond of. Even I hated this tactic when I first saw it, and to this day I’m still not overly excited about it.
However, being a marketer and a astute observer of human behavior I’m able to set aside my personal preferences at times and see through the eyes of others who may think differently than myself. I also keep a close eye on the profits generated from a particular tactic.
Here’s where the controversy kicks in. A large amount of people HATE these types of videos and here’s why…
1. There are no controls except for a pause button. You can’t rewind or fast forward. (I know, it’s a bitch)
2. They are basically just slide shows that don’t present a whole lot of information or content. Instead they tell stories, show earnings, tease you with desire and bait you into wanting something that you can’t yet have.
3. You can’t see the price until the video is nearly done.
4. And a host of other things.
I hate to say this, but if you start educating people too much about your product in the sales process you’ll lose a lot of orders. Instead of focusing on the product features and all the bells and whistles of the products, many smart video creators do something different.
They future pace the experience you are going to have once you buy and implement the product. They display the life that you “COULD” have. They force you to imagine what might happen if you just do what they did or said in the video.
And guess what? It works. In fact, it works better than showing people exactly what they are getting in most instances. Lame, I know. But hey, I’m not operating on emotions here. I’m simply observing.
Think about all the late night infomercials you see on the television. Do you ever actually know what you are getting? Of course not. All you know is you’re getting “The System” that has worked for so many others. (Or at least that is what they tell you).
Anyhow, there are a bunch of lessons to be learned from these types of videos. Whether or not you’re willing to sit through 30 minutes of slides shows and a well orchestrated voice over is another matter in itself. If you do, I suggest you take notes.
Here’s another reason I believe these videos work so well. They literally force you to sit through the sales process. A wise direct marketer will take you through a series of steps to warm you up to the sale. Many call the process AIDA. Most marketers or copywriters are familiar with this process. It’s…
A = Attention
I = Interest
D= Desire
A = Action
This is nothing new in the marketing world and the formula has been used for a long time. The point is, when you are forced to sit through these videos the producer now has a chance to address each one of these steps without losing your interest. You can’t skip around the salesletter to view the testimonials. You can’t click the order button to see how much it is. And you can’t find out how much longer it’s going to be available.
You’re essentially held hostage if you want to find out more info. And this pisses some people off.
Personally I think it’s silly to get mad. No one is forcing you to watch. However, once you invest 10 minutes, you sort of want some type of reward for spending your time watching. You want something. Anything. Especially since the video usually promises to reveal something big, yet you have to wait forever for it.
So I’m curious. How do you feel about these type of videos?
Have you ever seen one? If not, email me at profitmoffatt at gmail and I’ll show it to you.
Have you ever used one yourself? What were the results? Ever promoted one as an affiliate? I’d love to hear how that worked out for you as well.
While I’m not a huge fan of being forced to watch a 30 minute video, I am considering using this sort of video in the future. I think I’ll make my video only about 15 minutes and I’ll include more pictures and entertaining video as opposed to just slides. I think that will do a bit better then just a powerpoint presentation. I could be wrong though.
Anyhow, would love to hear your opinions on these videos. Let me know in the comment sections below.
Cheers,
Jason
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