We hear it all the time: video is king. That’s because video:

• Creates engagement, leads, and sales. According to Wyzowl, 93% of marketers say video marketing has given them a good ROI. 
• Helps people find you. Infographic Journal reports that video marketing increases organic traffic from search engines by 157%. 
• Helps people to better understand you and your services. Wyzowl data also shows that 78% of people prefer video over text when learning about a product or service. 

So, it’s no surprise that we encourage our clients to consider adding video testimonials to their marketing strategy. 

Video testimonials allow prospects to get to know you through your clients’ eyes, telling stories that other people can relate to. 

Besides providing a lovely little ego boost from hearing that you provide your clients with a great amount of value, they also evidence the quality of your service, demonstrate transparency, and generate trust in a way that your own words just can’t – according to a study by Brightcove, over half (51%) of global consumers said that customer videos were the most trustworthy type of video.

Now you know how valuable client testimonial videos can be, it’s time to decide whether in-person or remote client videos are the right choice for you. With both options, your clients can film in their homes or in your office – whichever you prefer and is most practical for you and your clients.

The pros and cons of in-person video testimonials

Pros:

• Higher production value. We have professional lighting, audio, and filming equipment, ensuring a higher-quality image and output than remote videos.
• Professional guidance. Because we are there in person, we can see the image we are producing in real time and have full control over all the technical aspects involved. You and your clients can be worry-free that we are capturing exactly what we need, and all they have to do is show up and sing your praises.
• We can capture non-verbal emotion and rapport. While we’re there, we can capture footage for B-roll of your client-adviser relationship, office, and local area. This makes for a more visually interesting video and adds a personal touch.

Cons:

• It will require more input from you. When shooting in one location, we try our best to film all clients on the same day(s). We need your help in finding a time that works for most and ensuring your office is fit to host.
• Time is money. With in-person videos, you are investing in the higher production value and our presence. Because we travel to see your clients, there is much more time spent than the instantaneity of saying hello on Zoom.

The pros and cons of remote video testimonials

Pros:

• Greater flexibility. It’s much easier to arrange a video when there are only three calendars to juggle, and because there is no travel involved, we can easily rearrange on the day if needed. This means your clients can choose a date that really suits them.
• Provides an authentic feeling. To some, the lower production value is more relatable and provides authenticity. Our remote video clients are more often filmed from the comfort of their own homes, which allows them to speak candidly and feel relaxed in their environment.

Cons:

• Lower visual quality. Phones have fairly high-quality cameras nowadays and this keeps on improving, but they still can’t match the polished quality of professional equipment. 
• Less control. We do all we can to ensure a smooth experience for your clients and minimise mistakes with test footage before filming the testimonial, but sometimes there are obstacles we can’t control when we are not in the room to see what the camera is capturing. We’ve had no real disasters yet – touch wood!

Let us help you create professional client testimonial videos

Whether filmed in studio conditions or over Zoom, the most effective testimonial is the one that feels real. People connect with stories, so the most important thing is making sure your clients are comfortable telling theirs on camera. We are experts at asking the right questions to seamlessly convey the relationship your clients have with you and your business.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our process, or want us to help you create video testimonials that demonstrate the value your service brings to your clients’ lives, email us at hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk or call 0115 8965 300.