Actionable Videos – What Are They and Why Do You Want Them?

In today's fast-paced digital world, businesses need to create engaging video content to capture the attention of their target audience. While producing high-quality video content is important, it's also essential to make sure your videos are actionable. In this article, we'll explore what actionable videos are, the benefits of using them, and how you can create them to improve your marketing efforts.

What Are Actionable Videos?

Actionable videos are videos that prompt viewers to take a specific action after watching. The goal of these videos is to engage viewers and encourage them to take the next step toward becoming a customer. This can include signing up for a newsletter, purchasing a product, or booking a consultation.

Actionable videos are different from traditional video content because they have a clear call-to-action (CTA). The CTA can be displayed in the video itself or in the video description or comments. By providing a clear CTA, businesses can create more effective video content that drives conversions.

The Benefits of Using Actionable Videos

There are several benefits of using actionable videos in your marketing strategy.

Increased Engagement

Actionable videos can increase engagement by providing viewers with a clear purpose. When viewers know what action to take after watching a video, they are more likely to stay engaged and interested in your content. This increased engagement can lead to more views, shares, and ultimately, conversions.

Improved Understanding

Actionable videos can also improve understanding. By providing a clear call-to-action, viewers know exactly what steps they need to take to achieve their goals. This can include making a purchase, booking an appointment, or signing up for a newsletter. When viewers understand what they need to do, they are more likely to follow through with the desired action.

Greater Conversion Rates

Perhaps the most significant benefit of using actionable videos is the potential for greater conversion rates. When viewers are engaged and understand what they need to do, they are more likely to take action. This can lead to increased sales and revenue for your business.

The Importance of Including Interactivity Within the Video Itself

While producing high-quality, engaging videos is important, it's equally important to ensure that viewers remain engaged throughout the entire video. One of the most effective ways to do this is by including interactive elements within the video itself.

Interactive videos are a type of actionable video that allows viewers to engage with the content in real-time. By incorporating gamification, forms, buttons, and other interactive elements, viewers are more likely to stay engaged and invested in the video.

One benefit of interactive videos is that they provide valuable feedback to businesses. By collecting data on how viewers interact with the video, businesses can gain insights into what works and what doesn't, and use this information to improve future videos.

Another benefit of interactive videos is that they can be used to generate leads and drive conversions. By including a call-to-action within the interactive elements of the video, viewers are more likely to take action and become customers.

Types of Actionable Videos

There are several types of actionable videos that businesses can create, each with its own unique benefits and uses. By choosing the right type of actionable video for their goals, businesses can create engaging, effective videos that drive results.

How-To Videos

One type of actionable video that can be particularly effective is the how-to video. How-to videos provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete a specific task or solve a problem. By providing value to viewers in this way, businesses can build trust and establish themselves as an authority in their industry.

Product Demonstrations

Another type of actionable video is the product demonstration. Product demonstrations showcase the features and benefits of a particular product, and provide viewers with a clear understanding of what the product can do. By demonstrating the value of a product, businesses can increase the likelihood of a sale.

Interactive Videos

Interactive videos are another type of actionable video that can be particularly effective. Interactive videos engage viewers by allowing them to interact with the content. This can include answering questions, making choices, or exploring different parts of the video. By providing an interactive experience, businesses can increase engagement and improve understanding.

How to Create an Actionable Video

Creating an actionable video requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps you need to take to create an effective actionable video.

Identify Your Audience and Goals

Before creating a video, you need to identify your target audience and goals. Who do you want to reach with your video, and what action do you want them to take? By answering these questions, you can create a video that is targeted and effective.

Choose Your Video Type and Format

Next, you need to choose your video type and format. Will you create a how-to video, a product demonstration, or an interactive video? What format will you use, such as live-action, animation, or a combination of both? By selecting the right video type and format, you can create a video that is engaging and effective.

Write a Script and Create a Storyboard

Once you've chosen your video type and format, it's time to write a script and create a storyboard. The script should include a clear call-to-action and provide value to the viewer. The storyboard should outline the visual elements of the video, including the shots, transitions, and animations.

Produce and Edit Your Video

After you've written your script and created your storyboard, it's time to produce and edit your video. This includes filming or animating the content, adding music and sound effects, and editing the video to create a polished final product. Make sure to include your CTA in the video itself, as well as in the description or comments.

Conclusion

Actionable videos are an essential part of any effective marketing strategy. By providing a clear call-to-action and engaging viewers, you can increase engagement, improve understanding, and drive conversions. To create an effective actionable video, you need to identify your audience and goals, choose the right video type and format, write a script and create a storyboard, and produce and edit your video. By following these steps, you can create engaging and effective videos that drive results for your business.