Video Stories
Step into the world of interactive videos. Our blogs give you an inside look into creating video content for your e-commerce store. Learn how you can drive customer engagement and turn one-on-one conversations into conversions.
Interactive video5 Genius Interactive Sales Videos to Draw Inspiration FromWith access to a wealth of media online, it's often difficult to make your business stand out with traditional text, images, and video. Marketers are often at a loss for what to do in order to drive engagement and stop bleeding customers.
If this is the case for your business as well, you should start using interactive videos in your marketing campaigns. Interactive sales videos are the latest technology that enables marketers to engage more potential customers, give them a personalized experience, and increase sales as a result.
Read on for some interactive sales video examples that are guaranteed to inspire you.
» Looking for new advertisement ideas? Learn how interactive videos can bring you more customers.
1. Hyundai Interactive Video
In this interactive video, Hyundai has created something eye-catching, short, and memorable. The interactive video doesn't offer a deep experience like some other examples on this list, but that isn't required for what they're advertising.
They showcase the product (a car) and offer five buttons that, when pressed, bring up an image with some descriptive text about a specific feature. A key takeaway here is not to overdo (or underdo) your interactive video. It's tempting to do too much sometimes—but then you risk losing your viewer's attention.
Simple and sweet with a visible CTA like "Book a test drive" is often the best way to go.
2. P&G Ariel Interactive Video
If you've seen one washing detergent advertisement, you've probably seen them all. This is true with most traditional video ads, but P&G Ariel broke the mold with this interactive video, which became the brand's most engaged ad to date.
They expertly tailored the video to fit their audience, and they did so by adding the following:
A vertical design for social media (with a standard widescreen design for website use, as well)Quick options that address each customer's pain point concerning washingA clean design that shows just enough in each video segment
The result? Increased engagement, as the video captures the viewers' attention instead of making them block or ignore the advertisement like they would if it were just another traditional detergent ad.
3. Rituals Interactive Video
This shoppable interactive video by Rituals shows how brands can offer customers a premium shopping experience without the need to send them to their website. Many customers are lost between an advertisement and the online store, but this type of interactive video eliminates that gap and creates a way for customers to purchase the product as they see it being used in a visually pleasing environment. Shopping has never been easier.
4. LaCantina Doors Interactive Video
In this example, LaCantina created an interactive journey to help their customers discover the right type of sliding or folding door for them. This interactive video offers much more than a simple video can because:
It's more efficient, as it allows the customer to choose what they want to learn aboutIt offers two different views for every segment of the videoIt has embedded links for the customer to visit LaCantina's website or order doors after they've made their decision
If you have a product as configurable as LaCantina's, take note of the use of the main menu and the high level of customer education found in this interactive video.
» See the video
5. Virtual Art Sessions Interactive Video
Virtual Art Sessions' interactive video is one of a kind, and it shows how well this type of media integrates into various industries that often find it difficult to advertise effectively. It does a fantastic job of integrating virtual reality into the video, another feature that makes interactive marketing unique.
While Virtual Art Sessions is just an experiment by Google Chrome and not an advertisement, it does offer a unique approach that marketers can draw from. First, it shows how 3D interactive videos provide more detail and depth than traditional 2D videos can. Next, the video offers several links, paths, and mediums to engage viewers with different types of content. Finally, the viewer can experience all this, with vast amounts of processed data, from their device's browser without any add-ons that are often required for other interactive media types.
» See the video
Final Thoughts
The world of interactive videos shows how this medium can be used to market products in ways never possible before. With increased engagement (most brands report 5x to 9x over traditional media), less friction, and vastly better UX, interactive videos are here to stay.
Get started on your own interactive video journey with Tolstoy. Adding video commerce to your website or social media is just one click away.
» Find out how to create an interactive video for your online store
Interactive video7 Brilliant Ways Videos Can Increase Your Conversion RatesThere's one tool you may not be using that can help boost conversions like crazy—interactive video. Here’s what you need to know.
Are you looking for ways to increase your conversion rates? There's one tool you may not be using that can help boost conversions like crazy—interactive video.
As virtual visitors scroll through your website or emails, passive content like images and text can be easily ignored. But interactive video engages viewers in a way other content can't. (Just look at how much people engage with platforms like TikTok and Instagram—people love video content!)
Videos allow you to connect with your audience on a personal level and tell your story in a way that words and still pictures simply can't match—wondering how it works? In this article, we'll explore seven ways videos can supercharge your eCommerce conversions.
What Factors Drive Ecommerce Conversion Rates?
When it comes to converting an audience, you can't expect things to happen on their own. Instead, there are four essential elements you must absolutely nail to make those conversions happen.
Audience Engagement
If your target audience is not engaged with your content, they are much less likely to convert. Think of any successful brand in your niche, and you'll find tons of people liking, commenting, and interacting with the content that the brand produces.
That's where interactive videos come in—product videos are an excellent way to elevate engagement and keep your audience interested in what you have to say.
Trust Building
One study found that using video on a landing page can increase conversions by as much as 144%. That's huge!
And it makes sense—a video on your page can quickly show your target audience who you are and what your brand is all about. When your audience has an opportunity to bond with your brand face-to-face, it amplifies the trust-building process.
Establish Authority
Demonstrating expertise in your industry is critical if you hope to gain an edge over the competition. But how exactly do you establish yourself as an ultimate authority—especially when you're a newer brand?
That's where video platforms can help. They help skyrocket your authority by featuring testimonials from satisfied customers or expert interviews, allowing you to build authority with seamless efficiency.
Communicate Your Value
Finally, you have to instill the value of what you offer into the minds of your audience—fast. Some studies suggest you have about eight seconds to communicate your message before your audience disengages.
But how in the world can you explain the value of your offering in just eight seconds if your audience has to read? Videos can help communicate your value with lightning efficiency since human brains can process visuals thousands of times faster than words.
7 Ways Videos Can Drive Your Conversion Rates Through the Roof
Now that you know what it takes to drive conversions, let's dive into seven specific ways that videos can help amplify your conversion rates like no other medium.
1. Video platforms help you inspire confidence in viewers by allowing you to share reliable, authentic user-generated content.
LSKD Activewear x Streetwear allows users to showcase their purchases through UGC videos. Seeing real buyers wear the products is essential for sportswear—viewers now spend triple the amount of time on the website, as they’re able to conveniently swipe through authentic videos of products they love.
A study by Social Media Examiner found that nearly 70% of respondents said that watching a video testimonial was helpful when making a purchasing decision. That's because user-generated content makes a huge impression on viewers by showcasing what your products look like in the real world, ultimately boosting trust and authority.
2. You can build memorable connections through your brand story.
Your brand story is the unique way that you connect with your target audience. It sets you apart from the competition and helps customers understand why they should choose you over someone else. And video is the perfect platform to tell your story authentically in a quick, memorable, and engaging way.
3. Videos make shopping feel seamless by allowing users to shop while they watch.
One of the best things about video is that it allows viewers to shop while they watch, which makes for a hassle-free, user-centered shopping experience. People can add products to carts and even complete the check-out process without leaving your videos. It's like Tiktok or Instagram Shopping—directly on your website.
4. You can take a peek into the mind of your target audience with polls and questions.
One of the keys to success is making sure that you're constantly asking questions and getting feedback from your target audience. Only then will you be able to see what's working, what's not, and how you can improve your videos. When people know that you're taking the time to interact with them and get their feedback, they'll be more likely to see your videos as valuable, and that's when you start seeing those conversion rates jump.
5. Video platforms allow you to clarify the benefits of your product through real-time Q&A sessions.
DEUX allows dessert lovers to satisfy their sweet tooth without throwing off their diet goals. But their products require a bit of background knowledge for buyers to get the most out of their purchase. Rather than force buyers to read through paragraphs of user instructions, a fun video communicates everything buyers need to know while staying true to the DEUX brand voice.
Q&A sessions are a great way to increase conversion rates by providing viewers with an opportunity to get their questions answered in real time. This is especially useful for products that are complex or have a lot of features. By seeing the product in action and asking questions, viewers will be much more likely to convert.
6. You can adjust your sales strategy on the fly with insightful real-time analytics and metrics.
Video platforms come with a wealth of analytical data that can be extremely helpful in fine-tuning your sales strategy. By understanding how people interact with your videos, you'll be able to see what's working and what's not. Then you can adjust your strategy accordingly to improve engagement and, ultimately, conversion rates.
7. You can simplify your workflow by integrating interactive videos with your entire stack.
Interactive videos can be integrated with your entire stack, from your website or Shopify store to your email campaigns. This allows you to simplify your workflow and grow your efficiency. When everything is working together seamlessly, you'll be able to increase conversion rates with engaging, interactive videos in no time.
To Sum It All Up
If you're not using video platforms to connect with your audience and market your products, you're missing out on a huge opportunity! Video content:
Allows you to use UGC to your advantage—show real buyers using your products, gain more testimonials and social proof, and boost trust between your brand and users. Make a lasting impression by showcasing your brand story to build loyalty with followers. Turn viewers into customers by allowing them to shop as they scroll through product videos. Get real-time feedback from viewers and make adjustments in the moment to increase sales. Host hassle-free Q&A sessions to make authentic connections with your audience and boost conversions. Integrate with your full stack to simplify your workflow.
The Bottom Line
By following the tips in this post, you can start using videos to increase your conversion rates and elevate your business to the next level.
Looking for a stunning and intuitive platform to help you get started? Tolstoy is the best way to create interactive videos that keep your viewers engaged. Our easy-to-use platform makes it simple for anyone to create beautiful, engaging videos. Viewers will love the interactive experience, and you'll love how easy it is to create them.
Start bringing your brand's stories to life like never before. Get Tolstoy for free today.
Interactive videoThe Simplest 5-Step Method for Making an Interactive Video for Your Online StoreMaking an engaging interactive video is not as intimidating as it sounds. If you partner with the right platform you can produce captivating videos like a real pro. The good news is that Tolstoy offers a simple and easy-to-use platform that will get you started, no mess, no fuss.
In this blog we take you through the five easy steps you'll need to take to create your very first Tolstoy.
» Interested in interactive marketing? Discover the best interactive marketing tools for online businesses.
Create Your Video With Tolstoy
Before you record your video, you'll need to brainstorm what the purpose of the video is, what will engage your target audience the most, and decide if you want to add a call to action—as well as what your call to action is going to be. It's also good to write a script so that you can speak with authority, knowing exactly what you are going to say.
1. Record Your Video
Ready, set, record! You can use your phone or a camera—whichever works better for you. Remember to try and color code objects in the video so that they complement your brand colors. Keep the video short, punchy, and engaging. It must have some sort of 'wow' factor to grab and hold your viewer's attention. You should also record a few versions so that you can select the best one for uploading.
Then, simply upload the selected video. You can experiment by recording a few short segments and tying them together, or import your creative TikTok videos directly to Tolstoy.
Pro tip: No inspiration? Not a problem! Tolstoy offers a wide variety of templates and stock videos to help you get started with interactive videos.
2. Add Responses to Your Video
If you add responses to your video, you can boost user interactivity. Depending on the goal and the type of interactive video, you could collect customer information by leading the viewer to a form, schedule appointments by leading the viewer to a calendar, or stimulate a 'conversation' by leading the viewer to another video. This is otherwise known as your call to action.
Pro tip: Keep your responses short, make sure they are clear and bold, and make them clever so that you entice your viewers to interact with your brand.
3. Link Your Video
In this step, you can use Tolstoy's interactive video builder to link videos to your end destinations. This is where you activate your chosen response from step 2. Let's look at a simple example. If you sell sneakers, you could add a link to your catalog and encourage viewers to browse your other sneakers by adding a "Like what you see? There's more!" call to action. It all depends on what you want your viewers to do.
Pro tip: The Tolstoy platform will help you to easily manage entire video and audio conversations that are deeper and more authentic than traditional chatbots.
4. Share or Embed Your Video
Almost there! Your next step is to embed your video on your online store's website. But you have other options too, you can embed your video with a widget, share it via email, or upload it onto your social media platforms.
Pro tip: Have a look at what your competitors are doing. Then, make sure your videos are better! Checking out the competition will also help make sure you are doing something different—you want to stand out from the crowd.
» Use Shopify for your e-commerce needs? Learn how to add videos to your Shopify homepage without YouTube.
5. Track Your Video's Performance
With this really cool feature, Tolstoy provides insight into what makes your viewers tick! Tolstoy's powerful analytics dashboard allows you to create super-smart segmentation based on your viewers' responses.
But wait, there's more! With Tolstoy, you will get notified every time someone engages with your brand. If you reach out immediately and professionally, you'll be able to build your brand reputation. You will get insight into what your customers are looking for and what has made them reach out, allowing you to mold your videos around these valuable insights.
Pro tip: The analytics dashboard is probably your most valuable tool when it comes to marketing your product or services. Let it become your go-to for monitoring the performance of your videos.
» Want to know more? Learn how to track Tolstoy analytics.
In closing
The tech landscape is changing and developing fast, and more people are watching videos instead of reading reams and reams of boring content. If you want to keep up with this changing landscape, you need to invest in videos.
With Tolstoy, it is made easy, giving you the support you need to create engaging content that captivates and maintains your audience! Then, building on your video content using your metric dashboard, you'll be able to give your viewers more of what they are engaging with most. It's a real no-brainer!
» Create captivating interactive videos for your online store with Tolstoy. Choose a plan to get started!
Interactive video5 Ways to Increase Shopify Engagement With Video AdvertisingAccording to a recent study, about 87% of marketers say videos have helped them increase traffic, while approximately 94% of marketers stated that videos have helped them improve their users' understanding of a product or service.
As an eCommerce shop owner, these statistics should open your eyes to the unbelievable benefits of video marketing, especially because people are now more likely to research products and services first before making a purchase. So, here are five smart techniques to increase your user engagement using video marketing.
» New to video advertising? Discover interactive videos for online stores
1. Improve Engagement With Storytelling
Everyone enjoys a good story, especially if it is relatable in some way or another. It is one of the best methods for you to connect with your target market and engage them emotionally. This Allstate insurance video advert is a really good example of connecting with the target market through storytelling.
Allstate's core message is that if you want to avoid mayhem, sign up for insurance that will offer you a soft landing when chaos ensues. Most people can relate to the string of events that the family in the video experience, caused by an annoying pet. Besides using clever humor to entertain, they also present a solution to these common scenarios.
2. Create Testimonial Videos
Testimonial videos really work well because the 'social proof' will add a certain level of authenticity to your brand.
In this marketing video, Drop Box for Business interviews a variety of different people in different positions. Each person gives their reasons for appreciating the product, and their reasons are all relatable and believable. Not only is it marketing the product, but it is also building awareness around the different features of the product.
3. Use Educational Videos That Increase Engagement
Educational videos are especially useful in user engagement where you have a complex or complicated product or service. These types of videos will help your customers to learn more about and conceptualize your products or services. If your users have a good understanding of what you are selling, it will prompt them to make a purchase.
The following Uber Eats video makes it so easy for customers to understand the features of their product. It shows them how to use the app in a simple yet engaging manner.
4. Make Video Guides
There are many advantages to developing and creating video guides for your eCommerce store. Most importantly, these guides increase customer engagement because they show your customers that you are not just interested in making a sale—the guides are there to help them get the most out of your products or services. If you develop them professionally, they will do much more than just push for a sale.
This guide is an excellent example of a video guide because it takes the customer through the step-by-step process of bullet journaling. It gives an overview of what the challenges are and how this product provides various solutions to those challenges.
5. Shoppable Videos on Shopify
An engaging shoppable video will help your brand connect customers directly to the products you are marketing. It will also help you attract more customers and bring in more leads.
The most important benefit of shoppable videos is the ease of use for your customers. They can watch a video and shop all in one easy step. It goes without saying that the easier you make it for your customers to buy your products, the more conversions you will see.
Here is an example of a shoppable video by Tolstoy. It shows different customers and the manner in which they apply Berlin Skin cream - with easy access to the "Shop Now" click-through.
» Want to create engaging shoppable videos? Get Tolstoy and get creative
In a nutshell
Developing engaging marketing and advertising videos is, without a doubt, the way of the future for eCommerce store owners. If you haven't already started using videos, now is definitely the time to get going—just take a look at some of the benefits of video advertising:
Grow your brand presence and increase customer loyaltyNurture relationships with your customer baseIncrease your click-through ratesLower your bounce ratesSimplify the buying process and the customer's journey
As you measure customer engagement with every video you publish, you will also get to know what your customers like and what they don't like. This will help you develop more of what your customers want to see. Now, do you still need convincing?
» Learn how to make an interactive video for your online store
Interactive video5 Ways Interactive Videos Can Increase Sales (+ Examples)In today's online environment, customers have become accustomed to consuming media such as videos that appeal to all their senses.
When it comes to advertising online, static images and text just don't engage well anymore. The statistics are clear: interactive video creates 66% more engagement and 44% longer viewing time than static media, generates 4-5x more page views than static website content, and has a click-through rate 10x higher than passive video. Here's how interactive videos can increase sales for your business.
» Learn more about interactive videos
1. Interactive Videos Help Buyers Understand the Product
Traditional ads will show viewers a lot of information that is often irrelevant or too much to take in at once. With interactive videos, users are guided to what they want to know on their own terms, giving them a sense of control while introducing them to the features they want to know about.
How-to videos are especially good at making customers eager to purchase the product and try out what they saw (and chose) in the video.
A good example of this is Toyota's 4Runner interactive video that guides viewers through how and where they'll be using the vehicle while showcasing some relevant features along the way.
2. Allow Buyers to Thoroughly View the Products
Interactive videos are a great way of showcasing products as they are being used. This adds trust and eases the doubts of potential buyers since they can now see more details about the product while it is being used.
A good example is Tolstoy's interactive video on BUOY's website. It appears in the bottom-right corner after a few seconds, giving customers a little time to read the webpage and then click on the video to find out more. This specific video shows different ways the product can be used, encouraging them to make a purchase and try it for themselves.
3. Interactive Video Shopping Makes Buying Easier
One of the reasons interactive videos are better than static videos is the ability to embed links. These links can lead to the brand's website or a product's online shop page for a quick purchase. Interactive videos combined with a call to action favor quick conversions.
This live shopping experience from Mango is a great example. The video was first released as a livestream showcasing the brand's various fashion items and can now be viewed in retrospect to repeat the experience. Every time a certain outfit is shown, a link pops up for each items' shop pages. Users can then easily purchase what they like onscreen while seeing it displayed on a live model.
4. Encourage Customers to Buy More
Interactive videos are great at encouraging customers to buy more than just what they visited a website for. As the video showcases a specific product, related products can be shown as options for the viewer to explore. Giving viewers the ability to explore helps them feel more inspired to keep interacting.
An example of this is Tini Lux's Virtual Ear Stack Tool that combines an interactive video with an interactive shopping tool, giving users a full shopping experience that guides them to what they want and also recommends similar products they may like as well. Visitors can click a product to add it to their cart and then keep on shopping for more.
» Find out how to make an interactive video for your online store in 5 steps
5. Allow Customers to Be a Part of the Brand
Interactive videos are much more personal than static ads because seeing a friendly face to guide them through the experience puts viewers at ease. The "human element" combined with a direct brand connection is very powerful with interactive videos.
Nike's Air Max Dia interactive video does a great job of combining the human element with a brand connection. It takes customers through the process of designing an outfit with the help of a professional stylist. Through this video, Nike can sell multiple products (the entire outfit) while keeping customers fully engaged by gamifying their shopping experience.
Final Words
Interactive videos are the perfect tool to boost your business' marketing campaign. They do more than just engage viewers more than static ads: they also offer new ways for viewers to explore your products and brand.
Why not start today for free? With Tolstoy, you can launch your interactive video journey right now. Thousands of brands trust Tolstoy to help them give each of their customers a unique viewing experience.
» Stand out from the crowd: use interactive videos for your business
Interactive videoVideo Prospecting Checklist: 5 Beginner Mistakes to AvoidAny successful company knows they need to be constantly searching for new sales opportunities to stay one step ahead of the competition. However, finding new prospects for your organization can often be easier said than done. Today’s consumers are overwhelmed by huge amounts of information in a growing digital landscape, so keeping them engaged takes significant work.
Video prospecting can be a valuable tool for many brands struggling to build their lead pipeline. It’s a powerful way to capture the attention of prospective leads and connect with them on an emotional level. Videos thar are engaging, dynamic, and interactive can be even more effective than traditional sales methods such as email and social media.
The challenge is knowing which mistakes to avoid in your prospecting journey. Here are some of the errors you may need to be aware of.
» Can interactive videos be used for other sales strategies? Discover the versatility of interactive videos in marketing and sales
1. Long Accompanying Text
Whether you’re sending videos via email or social media, it’s important to remember your aim is to capture the attention of your customers as quickly as possible with concise, straightforward information. Huge amounts of accompanying text can often overwhelm viewers and convince them not to click on your video in the first place.
There’s also a risk the text you include alongside your video could simply repeat everything you’ve been saying in the video message itself. Text included with videos should add context to the video and get straight to the point. You could even consider using bullet points.
2. Rambling Statements
While videos can be a powerful tool for both sales and marketing, they work best when they get straight to the point, highlighting the value you can offer your customer. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you don’t talk aimlessly in your content.
Get straight to the point from the moment your customer clicks the “play” button by telling them what you’re going to do for them and the benefits they can expect. It might be helpful to prepare a script before you start recording your video, to ensure you don’t go off track.
3. Poor Production Quality
Your video is one of the first opportunities you’ll have to make a resounding and lasting impression on your target audience. It’s important to ensure you’re sending the right message about yourself and your business with a video that looks and sounds professional. Ensure you have the right environment set up for your video, with plenty of natural light and a clean background.
Check your microphone and video connection before you start recording and ensure everything looks and sounds as clear as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to invest in additional lighting, pop filters, or a higher-quality camera.
4. Sticking to One Form of Media
Although simple face-to-face videos can be excellent at engaging your audience, they can quickly become visually boring. To keep your audience engaged, it’s worth experimenting with adding other types of media into the recording. Using a video editing tool, you can embed everything from graphics and charts to animations and pictures into your video.
You could also bring more context and depth to an explanation by sharing your screen and walking your customers through a piece of software and how it works. Some salespeople even use virtual whiteboards to help get their point across with color and drawings.
5. Failing to Learn from Your Videos
Sending prospecting videos can be a fantastic way to engage your audience, but the only way you’re going to find out which strategies are delivering the right return on investment is with reports and analytics. Using tools to track how much of a video your customer watches, how many people click on your video, and how many responses you get will give you some useful insights.
Based on the metrics you collect from your prospecting videos, you’ll be able to plan more effective content campaigns for the future. For instance, you might find shorter videos are more likely to drive conversions than long ones, or that customers are more likely to convert from interactive videos.
Master Your Prospecting Videos
As one of the most engaging forms of online content, videos have the power to capture your audience’s attention and accelerate conversions. As a prospecting tool, they can also help to strengthen the initial connection to your brand by giving your company a human face and voice. However, like any marketing or sales tool, it’s important to learn how to use your prospecting videos effectively if you want to generate the right responses.
» Not sure how to get started? Let Tolstoy guide you through making interactive videos
Interactive video6 Tips to Create Interactive Email Campaigns [by Marketing Experts]With 4 billion daily email users, businesses try to capitalize on email marketing campaigns as much as possible. While this does mean there are many businesses vying for customers' attention, including interactivity in your email campaigns can help you stand out from your competition. If you craft them with style and a creative flair, you can expect to see increased levels of user engagement, higher conversion rates, and increased social sharing. You'll also get more feedback, reviews, and ratings. Simply add interactivity and watch as your email campaign soars above and beyond your expectations.
1. Partner With the Right Email Service Provider
That's right, you will need to partner with an email service provider to get your interactive emails off the ground. With so many providers to choose from, it can become overwhelming. Consider these factors when you search for the perfect partner:
Functions: Can the service provider do everything you need?User-friendly: Is the platform easy to navigate and use?Scalability: Can the service provider grow with your business?Cost: Do the available packages fit your budget? Will you be sacrificing necessary features by going for a cheaper option?Customer support: Does the service provider offer efficient customer support?
It's a good idea to test features or ask for a demo wherever possible to allow you to get a better sense of the service provider and what they offer.
2. Use the Right Type of Interactivity in Your Email
In email marketing, content is definitely king. Take your time to establish the goal of your email campaign, then align your chosen interactivity with your goal and the behavior of your target audience. Just remember—never overload your readers with too much content. They won't read it and your efforts will go to waste. Let's look at some examples:
Polls, quizzes, and surveys: Get to know your readers better through their feedback and insights.Countdown timers: Build excitement and anticipation about a product launch.Showcase new products (GIFs or videos): Launch a new product by showcasing its features and uses.Reward new customers: Turn a potential customer into a loyal lifelong customer by encouraging them to play a quick game to redeem a discount code. RSVP for events: Provide customers with convenience by letting them RSVP directly from an invite in the email.
3. Link to Social Media
Sharing is caring, right? That's why you should always allow your readers to share your email content on their social media platforms. But it doesn't end there. Encourage them to view your social media channels, and, if you really want to keep them coming back, alert them to new content you're uploading.
Here's another pro tip: make some of your content exclusive to social media, for example, competitions and exclusive videos. This builds FOMO (fear of missing out) and therefore drives more viewers from your email to your social media platforms.
4. Tell Your Story
Your brand has its own personality and its own story—from inception to where it is today. Your interactive email campaigns should not focus on attracting new customers only. You should also use it to retain your current customers by building your brand and its presence every time you send another interactive email.
5. In-Email Shopping
User experience is everything. If you can get your users to shop straight off your interactive email, you're giving them less work and making it easier for them to buy your products. And they will love you for it! Especially if you have a special deal that's hard to ignore. A good example is to launch a new product at a special price for a limited time to build excitement. What's more, a seamless and pleasant purchasing process will stay in the back of their minds. They'll trust your brand more the next time they receive an email from you.
6. Make It Personal
Address your user by their first name, create copy that makes them feel like you're talking to them, and make sure all the interactive elements you use come across as personal. Research has proven time and again that personalization works, so why not combine personalization and interactivity for a double helping of success? You can also make the emails real-time to amplify the personal experience. Include time-based events to make your campaign feel fresh and ripe for the picking!
A Final Thought...
Data published by Statista indicated that over 300 billion emails were received and sent daily in 2020, and is forecasted to increase to 376 billion by 2025. To drive the point home even further, studies done by MartechAdvisor concluded that interactive email newsletters experience 73% higher open rates compared to conventional email marketing. How much more proof do you need to come to terms with the fact that interactive marketing is the way to go if you want to optimize sales and boost your bottom line?
» Where to get started? Let Tolstoy help you create interactive content
Interactive video5 Effective Interactive Marketing Strategies in 2023 [+ Examples]Static marketing is a thing of the past. Customers want to be able to connect and engage with a brand. This means that the traditional one-way marketing strategies of the past don't perform as well as they used to.
By using an interactive marketing strategy, you create a personalized one-on-one interaction with each client, allowing them to make decisions and engage with your brand. This promotes conversions, increases brand awareness, and ultimately provides a better opportunity to boost sales.
1. Product Demonstrations
Interactive product demonstrations allow potential customers to experience a product and all its features through a self-guided, clickable process.
By providing each customer with the opportunity of a personalized demo, they're able to view the product in a way that interests them, thus avoiding unnecessary information and potentially boring your customer.
A product demonstration can be as complicated as allowing a customer to explore the intricacies of an engine, or as simple as displaying different clothing items on different models with different body types.
» Struggling to promote your products? Increase product and customer engagement with Tolstoy
2. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) marketing incorporates the full immersion of a customer into a virtual world. This can connect a customer with your brand or product by engaging a variety of their senses, thus encouraging more interaction. VR lets you tell your story in a personal manner, create and imbed memorable experiences, as well as bring an entertainment factor to your advertising.
An example of how VR could be used as a marketing tool is by walking a visitor through a realistic replication of a studio where they can walk through rooms and view different pieces of art. This is instantly more entertaining than a customer scrolling down a static catalog and will encourage your visitors to spend more time viewing your products, interact with your brand, and ultimately increase the chance of sales.
3. Competitions
Competitions and quizzes are prize-driven strategies that encourage people to participate and engage with a brand in the hopes of a reward. Contests can help a business obtain multiple goals such as increasing brand awareness, encouraging customer loyalty, and increasing sales.
For example, competitions that encourage you to "share" something to enter are likely aiming to increase brand awareness, while competitions that provide prizes for the most loyal customers or for the highest purchase numbers are often trying to directly boost sales.
4. Games
Games are an ideal way to not only gain a person's attention but to hold it. Thanks to their interactive nature and the constant dopamine hits from completing small tasks, implementing games into your marketing strategy can significantly boost sales, increase awareness, and obtain customer information with little effort.
Not only are people more than willing to share their details when it comes to playing games, but they will also share achievements around social platforms which can further boost awareness. Moreover, games can be used to teach customers about a new product while keeping them engaged and constantly wanting more. A simple game such as spinning a wheel to win a prize can keep a customer coming back day after day until they win.
5. Interactive videos
Whether you're aiming to educate an audience about a product, showcase a catalog, recruit new staff, or simply send a user on a personalized journey, interactive videos are a unique marketing strategy.
Interactive videos allow you to send users on a unique journey where there's more of a person-to-person conversation or personal experience, as opposed to the linear, monologue that traditional videos create. By allowing viewers to ask the questions they want, or to see and interact with the products they're interested in only will save you scaling costs and time and provide you with more targeted leads.
For example, when using interactive videos for generating leads, you will be able to ask potential customers for their personal details, as well as many specifics you may need before you make personal contact. This will sift out the less serious clients, save time on repetitive questioning, and obtain essential information, all while ensuring your customer maintains a feel of personal touch and control.
» How do interactive videos work? Follow Tolstoy's simple steps to create interactive videos
Conclusion
Humans have a short attention span (that's increasingly becoming shorter), therefore, the need for interactive marketing strategies has become more important than ever. Without an engaged audience, your business and your brand cannot grow.
Interactive videoWhat Is an Interactive Video & Should Online Stores Use it?In today’s digital world, customers are spending more time researching and shopping online than ever before. In fact, around 75% of all adult consumers shop online at least once a month. Unfortunately for e-commerce store owners, connecting with this growing community is far from easy.
In a world where virtually anyone can set up an online store with minimal initial investment and time, there are countless potential options for customers to choose from. Globally, some estimates suggest there are around 24 million online stores available today. In a space this cluttered, it takes something special to stand out, and connect with your audience.
That’s where interactive video comes in.
What Is an Interactive Video?
Interactive content facilitates greater consumer engagement, and videos are one of the best interactive marketing strategies online stores can use.
An interactive video is essentially a form of visual online content that builds on the video marketing trend. With interactive videos, consumers have the opportunity to engage with the content, by clicking on links, answering questions, and responding to polls. Around 17% of video marketers say this is one of the key video trends they plan on using today.
Interactive videos are an alternative to traditional “linear” videos where customers simply press play to start the content and watch to uncover information. In an interactive video, customers can scroll, hover, gesture, drag, click, and complete other actions to influence the content.
Common forms of interactive video include:
360-degree contentBranched videos where users can choose their content pathVideos with form fields and clickable linksQuiz-based videosShoppable feeds
» Want to learn more about interactive videos? Let us show you.
The Benefits of Interactive Videos for Online Stores
Simply put, interactive videos give companies another way to engage with their target audience, evoke emotional responses, and differentiate their brands. According to one study, around 90% of the marketers who implemented an interactive video in their campaigns saw an increase in sales. Aside from this, there are many other benefits of using interactive videos:
Keep Up With Content Trends
Implementing interactive video into your marketing strategies shows you’re up to date with the latest trends and consumer interests. Interactive videos already account for about 36% of all videos produced.
An interactive video can also differentiate your business from other outdated content.
Personalization
An interactive video allows you to deliver more personal, human content to your target audience. Videos allow your viewers to associate a face and voice with a company and a brand, while interactive videos ensure they can collect only the information they want at their own pace, creating a more personal and exciting journey.
Trackable Insights
Interactive videos give you another way to collect information about your audience by tracking what kind of components they interact with most. Just because a customer views your video doesn’t mean they’re more likely to buy something from your brand. However, if they click on specific links and answer questions, you know they’re likely to turn into a warm lead for your business.
Increased Engagement
Creating a game-like experience with your marketing efforts can increase user activity by around 591%, improving your chances of customer interest. Customers are also more likely to remember videos they interact with than straightforward video content. In fact, interactive videos are 32% more memorable.
» Looking for more than just videos? Discover the best interactive marketing tools all stores need.
How to Use Interactive Videos
One of the biggest benefits of interactive videos is that they’re extremely versatile. Companies can create videos for a range of use cases, and to achieve different goals. For instance, you might decide to use an interactive video to recreate a physical store with 360-degree content and clickable hotspots. This allows customers to experience the sensation of “walking around” your store and exploring the items they’re most interested in.
You can add items directly from your product catalog to your videos, and links to their pages on your website to accelerate sales opportunities. Other options could include:
Providing guidance
Interactive videos can be an excellent alternative to the old-fashioned user manual. They can guide your customers through how to use certain products and allow them to decide which features or capabilities they want to learn more about.Shoppable feeds
Interactive videos can be used to create shoppable feeds on your website or social media platform to streamline your sales funnel and boost your conversion rate.Gamifying the shopping experience
An interactive video can help guide customers to the perfect product in your catalog by asking them questions about their interests or preferences, boosting the chances of a sale.
» Ready to get started? Learn how to create an interactive video for free.
Embrace Interactive Video
Interactive videos are an excellent way for e-commerce companies and online stores to enhance the experience they offer their consumers. More than just your standard linear video, these pieces of content inspire and engage your target audience, boosting your chances of sales, brand loyalty, and growth.