Video Email Best Practices
We often get asked what our best practices are for creating and sending video emails. So, we’ve compiled some top tips to guide you every step of the way.
Here you’ll find some items to consider when preparing for your video, what content should be included in the video, and some details on how to send your video message. Lastly, we review some nonverbal characteristics to consider when recording such as body language and visual lighting. Put this all together, and you’ll become a video expert.
Best Practices For Sending Video Emails
Preparing Your Video
- Keep It Short: Given the context of the video, we encourage you to keep these videos below 1 minute. People’s attention spans are short, and you’re mostly likely to keep them fully engaged and listening when your message is short and to the point.
- Ditch the Script: Sometimes, reading off of a script makes your message sound rehearsed and impersonal. Rather than reading word for word, outline what you want to say in your head ahead of time, that way you don’t skip over an important point.
- Power Through Mistakes: At Covideo, we don’t preach perfection. Even if it isn’t the version you end up using, pushing through mistakes to the end of your message will train you to work through fumbles and think on your feet. These imperfections reiterate the fact that you are human, and allow you to reveal your authentic personality.
Videos Content
- Add Personalization: A personalized message is more likely to catch your audience’s attention. To add personalization to your videos, do some research beforehand, and be relevant to your recipient. This could be specific to their industry, job role, location, or your previous relationship. At Covideo, we like to write our recipients name on a white board and hold this up at the start of a video to address our recipient.
- Value Statement: Within your video, mention why you’re reaching out and the value you can provide. This is when that personalization is valuable, because you want to assure they’re getting something out of it.
- Call-To-Action: At the end of the video, have a strong and clear call to action. That way, the viewer will know what to do next.
In The Email
- Video in Subject Line: When sending your video, include the word [Video] in the subject line. This increases open rates by 19% and click through rates by 65%.
- Add (some) text: Although you’re sending a video, include a bit of text as well. There’s no need to repeat what you’re going to say in the video, but add a salutation addressing your recipient, and write a sentence or two to provide some context and encourage your viewers to watch your video.
Body Language & Tone
Lastly, the beauty of video is that it embodies all forms of communication – both verbal and nonverbal. And amazingly, the words we use only account for 7% amount of communication – that’s 93% of communication that’s received from non verbals. Here are some characteristics to consider:
- Tone of voice: Keep your tone upbeat and energized, if you’re excited and passionate then the viewer is more likely to be, too.
- Smile: Smiling is the best way to make a positive first impression. As you receive the 3,2,1 countdown once you hit record, make sure you’re smiling at the camera. A smile creates a more appealing thumbnail as well.
- Lighting: Lighting makes a huge difference in how your videos will look. You want to keep the light source in front of you, whereas back light results in a dark, shadowy appearance. So, avoid recording videos with your back to a large window.
- Body language: Stand up straight and raise the camera to roughly eye level. Be sure to look directly into your camera rather than at yourself, so it looks like you’re making eye contact with your audience.
Get Started
Okay, well what are you waiting for? Now’s the time to start recording. And if you’re really not sure where to start, download our free guide for 10 templates for the top scenarios. You’ll find outlines for video introductions, follow ups, prospecting and more.
And if you’re not already using Covideo for personalized video messaging but wanting to get started, give Covideo a try. Start a free trial in a matter of minutes
