10 Tips for More Effective Video Email Messages

In today's increasingly crowded market, standing out in your prospect's inbox is more challenging — and more critical — than ever.

You have important things to share: whether it’s a client hitting a milestone on their mortgage, a potential client you want to briefly connect with, or a seller to whom you want to present a great offer — you want to make sure they get your message.

Traditional text-only emails are quickly becoming background noise, often overlooked or immediately archived. That's why savvy marketers and sales professionals are turning to video emails to cut through the clutter and establish genuine connections.

Here's the kicker: Adding video to your emails can boost open rates by as much as 19% and increase click-through rates by up to 65%, according to Campaign Monitor.

However, not all video emails are effective. Knowing the difference between someone opening and watching your video or your message sitting unread in the inbox dustbin is crucial.

The difference lies in a set of best practices that make videos feel personal, relevant, and impactful.

So whether you are using MVP from SocialCoach or something else, here are ten proven tips to craft effective video emails that don't just get opened, but help you nurture relationships and close more deals.

1. Start with a Strong Subject Line

Your email’s subject line is your first — and sometimes only — chance to capture attention. 

According to OptinMonster, studies show that 47% of email recipients decide whether or not to open an email based solely on the subject line.

So, how do you craft a subject line compelling enough to boost your open rates?

• Be Clear and Direct: Clearly state what the email contains. For example, "Quick Video: 3 Steps to Lower Your Mortgage Rate."
• Personalize Whenever Possible: Including the recipient's name or referencing something specific about them significantly boosts engagement. Example: "Emily, I recorded a quick video just for you!"
• Invoke Curiosity: People naturally want answers — pose a compelling question or tease valuable information. Example: "Wondering if refinancing makes sense for you?"
• Keep It Concise: Aim for around 6-9 words so it's easy to scan on mobile devices.

By using these tips, you significantly increase the likelihood that your message won't just get noticed — it'll get opened and acted upon.

2. Keep It Personal and Relevant

Once you've convinced your recipient to open your email, the content needs to immediately resonate with them on a personal level. 

According to Experian, personalized emails deliver 6x higher transaction rates. 

Personalization shows your audience you understand and value them, making them more likely to engage with your message.

• Mention Recent Interactions: Reference previous conversations or interactions to immediately capture their attention. For example, "Thanks again for the insightful conversation yesterday about your refinancing goals."
• Tailor to Their Interests: Demonstrate you’ve done your homework by referencing specific details about their company, role, or industry. Example: "I noticed your recent post about the real estate market trends — here's a quick video on how that might impact your mortgage strategy."
• Be Genuine: Authenticity resonates deeply. Don’t just include generic references; truly align your message with your recipient's unique situation or pain points.

By making your video email genuinely personal and relevant, you create a powerful connection that increases your chances greatly enhances the likelihood of creating meaningful engagement and action.

3. Keep Videos Short and Focused

Attention spans are limited, and your prospects are busy. 

According to research from Vidyard, videos under 90 seconds retain approximately 53% of viewers through the end, while those exceeding 10 minutes see retention plummet to around 17%. 

This means your videos must get to the point quickly and remain engaging throughout.

• Optimal Length: Aim for between 30 and 90 seconds. This provides enough time to deliver a meaningful message without losing interest.
• Clear Structure: Begin with a quick, compelling hook that tells viewers exactly what they'll learn or gain by watching. Follow this by clearly addressing one key point, and finish with a succinct call to action.
• Avoid Overloading: Resist the temptation to cover multiple topics. If you have more than one important message, create separate videos.

By keeping your video succinct and laser-focused, you respect your prospect’s time and significantly improve your chances of achieving your intended outcome.

4. Use a Clean, Professional Background

Your surroundings say as much about your professionalism as your words. An uncluttered, visually appealing background ensures the viewer remains focused on your message rather than being distracted by irrelevant details.

• Professionalism First: Choose neutral settings or use subtle branded backgrounds. Avoid busy patterns or personal clutter.
• Proper Lighting: Natural lighting is ideal, but a simple ring light can significantly improve video quality and professionalism.
• Consistent Setup: Maintaining consistency in your visual presentation strengthens brand identity and familiarity with your audience.

A polished, professional presentation demonstrates credibility and helps your audience feel comfortable trusting your expertise.

5. Smile, Be Energetic, and Speak Clearly

Video lets your audience see and hear you, making body language, tone, and energy crucial for engagement. The warmth and enthusiasm you project can substantially influence your prospect’s perception.

• Smile Naturally: Start and end with genuine smiles to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Expressive Body Language: Maintain eye contact with the camera lens to simulate direct conversation, and use natural hand gestures to emphasize points.
• Vary Your Tone: Modulate your voice and pace for emphasis and clarity, ensuring your viewers remain interested.

Authenticity and positive energy build rapport and make your message more compelling and memorable.

6. Include a Thumbnail With a Friendly Face

Your video thumbnail is your visual "clickbait" — but in a good way. Vidyard (https://www.vidyard.com/blog/video-thumbnails/) found that thumbnails featuring a smiling person can increase video play rates by up to 50%.

• Show Your Face: Choose a thumbnail that clearly shows your friendly expression to build instant trust.
• Personalize Further: Hold up a handwritten sign with the recipient’s name or company for immediate attention.
• Consistency Matters: Use similar thumbnail styles across emails to strengthen brand recognition and familiarity.

A compelling, personalized thumbnail significantly increases the likelihood your recipient clicks "play."

7. Open With Value — Not With Your Name

Prospects don’t watch videos to hear an introduction — they want immediate value. Captivate them within the first five seconds to ensure they keep watching.

• Start with Impact: Open directly with a benefit or intriguing question, such as, "Here's how you can lower your monthly mortgage payment in just three steps."
• Avoid Lengthy Introductions: Delay introducing yourself until after you've delivered clear value.
• Make Every Second Count: Consider scripting your opening sentence to ensure precision and effectiveness.

By immediately delivering value, your video maintains attention and sets the tone for productive interactions.

8. Use On-Screen Text or Captions

Captions aren't just a nice-to-have — they're essential. Digiday reports (https://digiday.com/media/silent-world-facebook-video/) that 85% of videos watched on social media are viewed without sound.

• Always Caption: Use tools like Vidyard, Loom, or YouTube auto-captioning services to quickly generate captions.
• Highlight Key Points: Emphasize crucial points or statistics visually, ensuring comprehension even without audio.
• Accessibility: Captions ensure everyone, including those with hearing impairments, can fully engage with your content.

Effective captioning broadens your audience reach and maximizes message retention.

9. End With a Clear, Confident Call to Action

An effective call to action (CTA) guides your viewer’s next steps clearly and confidently. Ambiguity here can weaken your entire effort.

• Be Specific and Direct: Clearly state what you want your viewer to do next, such as scheduling a call or downloading a guide.
• Include Immediate Next Steps: Provide clickable buttons or calendar links directly under the video to remove friction.
• Examples of Strong CTAs:
  
  • "Click below to reserve your 15-minute consultation."

• • "Reply now, and I'll send you personalized recommendations by end-of-day."

By clearly outlining actionable steps, you boost the likelihood your recipient takes the desired action.

10. Track Views and Follow Up Strategically

Knowing exactly when your recipient watches your video is powerful. According to InsideSales.com (https://blog.insidesales.com/lead-response-management-study/), salespeople who follow up within five minutes are nine times more likely to convert leads.

• Choose the Right Tools: Use platforms like Vidyard, Loom, or BombBomb that track viewer engagement and provide real-time notifications.
• Quick Follow-ups: Reference the video specifically in your follow-up ("I noticed you checked out the video — did it answer your questions?").
• Personalize Again: Leverage insights from viewer engagement to craft personalized follow-ups ("Since you watched, let’s dive deeper into your refinancing options.").

Strategic, timely follow-ups dramatically increase conversions and nurture stronger relationships.

Conclusion

Video emails are powerful, but only when used strategically. Implementing these ten tips ensures your video emails stand out, resonate deeply, and motivate action. 

Start small — pick one or two tips, apply them immediately, and track your results. You'll quickly discover video emails aren't just beneficial — they're essential.

Want to get started creating video email messages? Start connecting with clients better than ever by checking out MVP from SocialCoach. Get a demo today!