We have been wanting to do a simple promo video for KickoffLabs. However, to really do “right” can cost thousands of dollars. That seems like a lot of money when you don’t even know if it will help with your conversions. However…
We recently came across two services that let us put together a quality product promo video in a couple of hours and for less than $200!
First, check out the video:
OK, so how did we do it? (and by we, I mean, how did Josh do it? :)
Tools
- PowToon – allows you to build a great looking animated presentations.
- VoiceBunny – Crowd Voice overs – seriously, this exists.
- Vimeo – Like Youtube… but for profesionals that don’t want ads running before, during, and after their video. Note: Since posting this there have been some suggestions in the comments below about how to make YouTube a better free option.
- KickoffLabs – :) We host this video on several of our own landing pages. The method/price is cheap enough we can do targeted videos for each landing page target.
I am sure there are other options out there, but we are quite happy with the experience using these tools. The video is our first attempt at using these services and we already have ideas for things we will change and improve in the future.
Script Building
Even if you aren’t using these tools your video needs a script. We did this ourselves following a simple formula:
- Discuss the customer problem
- Offer a solution
- Explain why your solution is the best
In our case we also tried to answer a common question about the definition of a landing page in simple terms.
Other Tips
- Before submitting your script to VoiceBunny do a rough take you record yourself. This way you’ll know if the timing needs to be changed in your video.
- Cut stuff. We had to cut this down a few times and it could still stand to be simpler. You don’t have time to jam everything in.
- Simple explanations. You have more context, and know more, about your product than ANYONE else on the planet. How would you explain your product to a small child… or a golden retriever?
Armed with these tips and tools I expect everyone could make their own great product videos… that they publish on targeting landing pages built with Kickfoflabs. :)
Hey Scott,
Simple video and it works – definitely better than many other product promo videos I’ve seen in my time (as a videographer.)
Just wanted to clarify something about YouTube: ads do not run before, during, or after if you don’t allow them. Ads will only run if a video is “monetized,” which is a setting that the uploader controls. In addition, I believe embedded content (such as the video embedded in this post) does not have advertisements running ever, but I could be wrong on this point.
That said, both Vimeo and YouTube are great video hosts. I tend to prefer YouTube (if absolutely everything inside your video is original) because it makes the video far more accessible and has a greater chance of being *discovered* by your desired audience. Vimeo’s real advantage is its video page presentation and better compression, at least in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing VoiceBunny! I had no idea this existed, and will make my life easier.
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the comment. We love posting things that we’ve learned that could help out our customers.
The thing I couldn’t figure out with Youtube was how to stop the post-roll “ads” for “related videos” that took the user out of our context.
Thanks,
Josh
Josh,
Ah, then yes, Vimeo will be your champion here as you can control everything that is displayed in the embedded video player. Have you tested making a video as “Unlisted” (meaning it’s no longer discoverable) and whether or not it displays the post-roll stuff?
just add rel=0 at the end of the url and it should stop them from appearing.
Hi Jon! If you have any questions about VoiceBunny, just let me know – tara.tyler at voicebunny dot com or @taratylervo on twitter. We’d love to have your feedback on our service too.
Hi Scott! I’m Tara from VoiceBunny and just wanted to thank you for this awesome post. We think the video turned out awesome and we are glad we could help. :)
Sounds like you’ve got a great service! I’ll definitely check you guys out next time I need some VO
It’s a great service and we’ve been telling folks about it.
um; if i’m not running ads before, during and after my promo video; how can i milk all the additional revenue even when i’m attempting to share my product?!
Well, if your product is a free social network then the users need to get used to ads. :p
Hey, that’s my voice in the video! :) Glad to have helped
Nicely done :) Great deep bass
Thanks for the quick turnaround and revision!
No problem!
Great voice! PowToon users would love to use your voice…
Well, I’m always available to voice if anyone needs it and I can be reached at austinmatthewsva@hotmaill.com
Hi Scott!,
the promo looks great and definitely It’s a kind of solution I was looking for my startup promotion video.
Thank you so much!
Marcos.
This looks cool!
Though I wanted to chime in and say that on YouTube each user individually decides whether or not they want ads on every single video.
Most users don’t even have that option (meaning no ads, unless they include copyrighted content that Content ID picks up)
This is great! I think the quality video creators are still very valuable. But, the reality is that there is a subset that need to create a video for under $500.
And if it tests well we’re willing to spend more to make it better. :)
Awesome guide. I created a screencast on 1001mentors but this looks a lot more professional. Will try it later this week :)
Thanks Scott! Good content.
Any marketplace to handle to whole thing?
Powtoon has it’s own marketplace for Voiceover and doing the video as well: http://www.powtoon.com/marketplace/
Saw that but looks pretty weak and no ratings for any of the users offering services. Looks like a shot in the dark…and Bruce isn’t here.
PowToon’s marketplace is monitored personally by its art director and all the artists are highly qualified. The most popular PowToonist is http://www.powtoon.com/marketplace/user-profile/creanimate/ satisfaction guarantied… let me know if you have further questions.
Wow, would have ordered through there months ago if I knew that. Thanks for the heads up.
Great post.
I like the video! The only thing I would change is the voice. It sounds deepened and superficial. I like hearing a natural voice in commercials and it makes companies sound down to earth. Check out the dollar shave club commercial, it’s brilliant.
Great post Scott, thanks! I will share it with PowToon community on our social networks.
Scott – just wanted to drop a quick note that your VoiceBunny recommendation was amazing. I haven’t heard of them before, now I’m already a customer :).
This is just what I’ve been looking for. Was using videohive previously but PowToon is exactly what I need.
Yes it is true, however it this case most of things we have to do on our own. I recommend adsurf.net where you can order a promo video for under 200 usd all inclusive.
Hey..This is Moloy and I create promotional videos. You can take a look at my portfolio and let me know if you like my work. http://www.pixelgenio.com And yeah I use some different software’s to create my videos.
This is great article. You have the tools and tips to use that could bring out a successful product video. This is awesome. I learned about this short video that discusses about Top 10 Best Practices for Product Demo. Might add some information useful to you guys.
Here’s the link: http://www.designreactor.com/agency-service/mobile?v=NTY2&g=0
Awesome Video created and I really liked the animation in it. I’ve checked http://www.mozvideo.com for video services similar to this one. What do you think ?
Thanks