The biggest obstacle in selling a product online is ensuring that potential customers comprehend what it does FOR them.
It can be complicated to give a detailed description of your product’s best features if you work in the technology, b2b, or online industries.
Your product demo video is an intuitive way to not only explain the workings of your product and how it solves a problem or a pain point but also exists to increase sales. In today’s market, where video content is more prevalent than ever, the product demo video has become an essential tool for businesses.
Remember the point from my Masterclass?
DO NOT DO A DEMO.
FIND PAIN AND SOLVE A PROBLEM.
Can you make this happen in video:
YES
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES THAT ARE PRODUCT FOCUSED, BUT REALLY FOCUS ON SOLVINIG A PROBLEM
In that class and follow ups, we discussed high end animation and live action videos.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a product demo video using free tools that are easy to use.
By following these simple steps, you can create high-quality product demo videos. So, let’s talk consumer and solopreneur level video:
What exactly is a DIY product demo?
A product demo video is a demonstration of how your product works and its benefits. It can be live-action or animated, but the most important aspect is that it clearly shows the product in use and illustrates its value to potential customers.
Product demos are designed to present potential customers with what the product is, how it functions, and/or troubleshoot any current problems, as well as highlight noteworthy selling points.
3 Types of product demo videos
There are three main types of product demos: narrated, screen capture, and live-action.
- A narrated product demo is when a voiceover explains the product’s features while visuals or graphics on the screen showcase them in action.
- Screen capture product demos use software to record an actual demonstration of the product being used on a computer screen, often with added voiceover or on-screen text explanations.
- Live-action product demos are filmed in real life, showing the product being used by an actor or spokesperson.
Choosing the right type of product demo for your business really depends on what kind of product you are offering and what will best showcase its features.
Learn to Tell Stories that make money
20 steps to creating an impactful and successful product demo video
1. Define your audience
Before you begin creating your product demo video, it’s important to define who your target audience is. This will help guide the narrative and tone of the video, as well as determine what aspects of the product should be highlighted. An advantage of hosting consistent live demos is that you can adjust each product demo recording to appeal to a particular audience. You should always cater demos to attract your prime customer base.
2. Set a clear goal
Before starting your product demo video, it’s important to have a clear goal in mind. Are you trying to increase sales? Showcase a new feature? Address customer pain points? By setting a specific goal, you will be able to focus the narrative and content of the product demo video toward achieving that objective.
3. Plan out the script
Once you’ve established your audience and goal, it’s time to start planning out the script for your product demo video. Start by outlining key product features and benefits that align with your goal, as well as any current problems or issues that your product solves. This will form the foundation for the narrative of your product demo video.
4. Choose the right video tools
There are a variety of video tools available, both free and paid, that can be used to create your product demo video. Consider factors such as cost, ease of use, and available features when choosing the right tool for your business. Some popular options for making videos include iMovie (for Mac users), Windows Movie Maker (for PC users), or Screencast-o-Matic (a web-based tool that has a free version and paid upgrade).
5. Gather visual assets
In addition to featuring the product itself in action, you may want to include graphics or visuals in your product demo video to enhance the narrative and keep viewers engaged. These could be product screenshots, charts or graphs showing data or statistics, or customer testimonials.
6. Set the stage
For live-action product demos, consider the setting and background for filming. Will you be demonstrating the product in a controlled studio environment or in real-life settings (such as outdoors or in a customer’s home)? How will this affect lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of filming?
7. Record multiple takes
During filming, be sure to record multiple takes so that you have options during editing. This also allows for retakes in case of any errors or mishaps during filming.
8. Show product features in action
When demonstrating product features, it’s important to actually show them being used rather than just describing them with words. This allows viewers to visualize how the product can be incorporated into their daily lives or business operations.
9. Include a compelling call-to-action
At the end of your product demo video, include a clear call-to-action for viewers. Whether it’s encouraging them to visit your website or offering a limited-time discount code, provide specific steps for them to take next in order to convert them into customers.
10. Edit and polish
Once you have all the footage recorded, it’s time for editing to enhance the overall quality of the product demo video and fine-tune the narrative flow. During this stage, you may want to trim out any unnecessary footage, add graphics or visual assets, insert transitions, and incorporate background music.
11. Share and promote
Now that your product demo video is complete, it’s time to share it with your target audience. Utilize social media, email marketing, and your website to promote the video and drive traffic to watch it. Then, track its effectiveness by monitoring metrics such as views, shares, and conversions.
12. Always be improving
Continuously gather feedback from customers and analyze the success of your product demo video. Use this information to make updates and improvements for future product demo videos, ensuring that they are effective in driving sales and addressing customer needs.
13. Keep it short
As a general rule, product demo videos should be kept under 2-3 minutes in length. Viewers have short attention spans and may lose interest if the video drags on for too long. So focus on highlighting the most important product features and benefits in a concise manner. This will also make it more likely for viewers to watch the entire video, rather than tune out halfway through.
14. Use storytelling
Incorporating storytelling elements into your product demo video can help engage viewers and draw them into the narrative of how your product solves their problems or improves their lives. Consider using customer testimonials or showcasing real-life scenarios in which the product is being used effectively.
15. Personalize
Make your product demo video unique by personalizing it to your brand and target audience. This could be through incorporating your company’s branding elements, using a specific tone or language that resonates with your audience, or customizing the product demonstration to address their specific pain points and needs. This will help make the video more memorable and increase the likelihood of conversions.
16. Keep it updated
As your product evolves and improves over time, be sure to update your product demo video to reflect any changes or new features. This ensures that viewers are always seeing an accurate representation of your product and helps prevent confusion or misunderstandings. It also shows that your brand is dedicated to constantly improving and providing the best product possible for customers.
17. Incorporate customer feedback
Gathering and incorporating customer feedback into your product demo video can help showcase its value and credibility. Consider sharing specific reviews or success stories, or even having customers demonstrate the product in action. This adds a level of social proof that can influence viewers to trust and try out the product themselves.
18. Have fun with it
Don’t be afraid to infuse some personality and creativity into your product demo video. This can make it more entertaining and engaging for viewers, while also showcasing the unique aspects of your brand and product. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and have fun with it!
19. Make it visually appealing
Utilize visuals to enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of your product demo video. This could be through incorporating graphics or animations, using appealing backgrounds or locations, or demonstrating the product in an aesthetically pleasing way.
20. Keep a consistent look
Maintaining a consistent visual style throughout your product demo video can make it appear more professional and put-together. This could mean sticking to a specific color scheme, utilizing consistent branding elements, or even using the same filming techniques throughout. A cohesive aesthetic will help make a positive impression on viewers and increase the credibility of your product demonstration.
The Bottom Line
Creating a great product demo video doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember to focus on the value of your product, use real people in your video, and make sure the audio is clear. By following these simple tips, you can create an impressive demo video that will help increase sales and showcase the value of your product to potential customers.
If you need help speeding up your sales process with demo videos, contact us. Our team would be happy to assist you in creating a high-converting product demonstration that highlights the features and benefits of your awesome product.