Question, Video versus Sales letter, what do you Prefer? To watch or Read?

G'day,

Been doing a lot of research into what people prefer to see lately.

Is the Old LONG FORM sales letter dead and being replaced by the 5 minute video?
Having recently launched a new membership site I was really
stuck between the 2.

Just Interested to hear your opinions as a BUYER.

Would you rather see a video explaining the product or read a sales letter.

Cheers In Advance.

Justin

 

Justin, the logical question that comes to mind is why not do both? People in their 50's and what-not would probably prefer a letter over a video, the younger crowd, on the other hand, would more likely choose videos. And the goal should be: "How can I reach both groups?"

 

Sales letters are not dead, there's a time and a place for each one, and advantages to using both. I prefer to watch videos personally, because I like to hear people talk instead of reading, whenever possible. Video just has a more personal touch.

 

I prefer sales letter my computer is set for photo editing and I try to avoid online videos so I don't screw up my photo editing software

 

well.... for me, at work I use a computer that doesnt have speakers, and if you look at most offices, (or at least the ones I have been in), its not possible to watch a movie with sound without everyone nearby hearing it.

When I am at home, as soon as there is a video on, doesnt matter what it is, I have 2 kids that come running in and just 'have to' find out what I am watching, makes it very inconvenient to watch.

So here is what I prefer. I prefer a something that I can read, and it is an added bonus if there is a quick video. The video doesnt have to have the entire presentation, (or sales pitch), but could be used to emphasize a few of the pointers. Like perhaps instead of a single 10 min video, have 2-3 smaller ones, throughout the page, so I can have a choice of watching, reading, or both.
IF there is only a video, I probly wont watch as in most times, its just not convenient. But if there is something that I can read, I probly will, and if I like it, I might even bookmark it and return just to watch the vid or to re-read before making a purchase.

 

I like videos but I do not like to sit through a long presentation. I like matt_62's suggestions about combining the two methods; have a sales letter with 2-3 smaller videos throughout the page. I like the option of having the choice of what I want to listen to and I do not want to wait 10-20 minutes to find out what is being offered.

I have been hit by deals that have long videos. Afterwards, I had to sit through 2 to 3 more videos for optional upgrades and additional products. Sometimes I lose interest. I end up moving on to another offer. If there is a sales page, I will scroll down to get the information I need. This makes it easier because I do not have to wait until the presentation is over to buy.

Overall, I like a combination unless the individual makes a short presentation. I believe videos should be short and to the point. I am not buying the product for someone's background. That can be saved for the members area. Unfortunately, a lot of the videos give a full bio on the product owner making the videos longer than they should be.

I want the product to solve my problem. The answers are in the feature and benefits. This is what I look for.

 

Thanks for all the great Feedback.
I have decided to go with a short video 2-3 Minutes and a sales letter.

The sales letter is cut down a bit But I like the way it has come out.

If your curious The page is in my sig.

Again thanks for the feedback it really has helped a lot.

Cheers all

Oda

 

I would much, much, much rather see a video, its so much more engaging. However, a little bit of content also helps.

 

I have one site which uses videos for testimonials. I also read my sales page into a video and place it on top. This is based on my own surfing experiencw where I'd listen to a video, get board with reading the pitch so open up a new browser, but keep listening to the video. If something peaks my interest from the audio in the video I go back to the sales page.

Rick

 

I don't mind either text or video.
The video should not drone on and on though - if it is short I will watch to the end.
Otherwise I will close the page.