The Video Call to Action – Keys to Getting Them to Take the Next Step
You can produce the most compelling, interesting video online, but without a clear call to action, your video is just pure entertainment. Whether you want a viewer to buy your product, sign up for your list, or take another action, you have to tell them what you want them to do.
A call to action can take many different forms. Do you want the viewer to click on a link, click the “buy now” button, watch another video, or take some other step? Know what you want from your viewer before you even create your video so everything you do points to that desired end result.
Some people believe that if you push your message on your audience, they will resist any kind of “sell” and turn away. While you want to avoid the used car salesman approach, remember that when you have the solution to your audience’s problems, you’re doing them a favor by sharing it with them.
Your call to action can take many forms. Here are some examples:
- Click here to download your free report on X.
- Click here to visit X and sign up now for more information!
- Enter your name and email below to sign up for the free teleseminar now.
- Fill out the form below to request your free consultation.
- Enter your information below to apply for this special program.
The logistics of creating a call to action within in a video will vary depending on the type of video you use, the location of the video and the rules of the site where you are hosting your video. Here are some ideas:
Mention in Video – You can include a call to action within the video itself. Create the video to capture the attention of your audience, give them the information they need and then tell them what action to take next.
Text on Video – Another way to tell your viewers what move to make after the video is to add it across the screen of the video. This text can be a link to your website or an explanation of any other action you’d like them to take.
Clickable Video – By using ‘Flash’ software or YouTube’s video tools, you can create video that, when clicked on, can link the viewer to the desired page.
Video Descriptions – You can add a call to action within your video descriptions. If you have uploaded a video to a hosting site, check the rules as to how you can link to your site and how promotional your videos and descriptions can be.
The most important part of your call to action is ensuring it fits with what your audience needs. When the call to action matches the exact needs of your audience, taking your recommended next step will be a natural next step for your viewers.
If you need help creating your video check out Lon Naylor’s Screencast Profits.
Disclaimer: Some of the links mentioned within this post or posts it may lead to are my affiliate links and in such case I will get compensated for recommending those products. However, I will never recommend something that I don't personally believe in and I welcome your questions and feedback.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Thanks for the pointers Mike. I’ve used video to get my message accross but am still learning. I’ve seen clickable videos before but was not aware that YouTube has those featues available. I’ll check into them for the next video I do.
Luca Di Nicola´s last [type] ..Email Marketing Essentials No3- Follow Up Emails
July 8th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Hey Mike, great set of posts on creating an using Video’s!
Can you elaborate on: Clickable Video – YouTube’s video tools That should be a great feature.
Fred Lotgering´s last [type] ..What Are They Saying About You
July 8th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Yeah, this has some really good points about videos. Have seen that videos can be an effective piece of your marketing and if done properly can get your viewers to do what it is you want them to do. I have listened to Screencast Profits and think it would be worth it for others to check it out. I like the series.
Andre Arnett´s last [type] ..All About Affiliate Programs 101
July 13th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Nice simple post with some good pointers. It can be very easy to forget that a video is relatively useless unless there is a strong enough call to action. Good post!