Which methods do you use to get more conversions?

This is one of the biggest questions in the SaaS industry. We’re always on the lookout for new ways to wow our customers, make them realize our product’s value, and, ultimately, get them to turn that free trial into a paid plan.

And, if you’re looking for that spark, something to shake things up and provide more value to your new users, demo videos might be just what you need. Not only do they allow you to point your customers to those features of your tool that provide the most value, but you can create stronger relationships and connect with them in the process.

In this article, we’ll cover how you can make a demo video and send it to your customers with Bonjoro. We’ll also go through some inspiring examples so read on and take notes!

Why demo videos?

In the SaaS sphere, it’s incredibly important to make sure that your new customers are realizing the value of your product as early as possible.

This is backed up by some concerning stats: for example, the retention curve for Android apps shows us that most users (77%) stop using the average app after only three days, with as much as 90% of users dropping off after a month.

So, you want your users to get to all the right features and make the most out of your tool in the early stages of their experience. Now, here’s the trick: they’ll hardly be able to do this on their own.

Most users will need a few pointers on where to go, what to do, and how to get started.

Demo videos are a perfect opportunity to do just that—tell your users exactly what they need to do in their first visit. Over time, your demo videos can evolve into an elaborate campaign where you keep your users engaged and informed about all the tricks and advanced stuff they can do with your product.

How to make a demo video: pro tips

Making video demos is simple enough that you can intuitively figure it out on your own. But, here are some general rules that can help you find your voice and make those videos pop.

• Have a clear goal: you might be making a video demo but your goal isn’t only to demonstrate. Your goal can also be to increase conversion rates, increase awareness,  upsell existing customers, etc. So, you won’t be making the same demo video for a trialist and a long-term customer who you want to upgrade to a higher pricing plan.
  

• Make it personal: whatever your goal, make sure you infuse that video with your flair. If you have a younger, tech-savvy audience, don’t be afraid to speak casually and throw in a joke here and there. You don’t want to sound like a user manual but like a person who cares about their job and customers.
  

• Write a script: we all like to think we’re spontaneous and that our quirkiness will shine through the video. But you don’t want to keep filming over and over again because you keep misspeaking things or repeating yourself. You don’t need to have a script word-for-word but you’ll definitely want to have an outline or a reminder document.
  

• Show, don’t tell: the key advantage of demo videos over any other explanatory medium is the ability to show exactly how something is done. Don’t miss a step and demonstrate everything your viewers need to do, from start to finish.
  

• Focus on the specifics: you don’t want to say it all in one video. Arrange your videos by topics and features, and keep them short. It’s better to cover a single topic in great depth than to go over everything superficially and risk losing the viewers’ attention.

How do you produce and share your software demo video?

What formats should your software demonstration videos be and which channels should you use to create/promote them?

In general, the more illustrative your demos and tutorials are, the better.

So, a step-by-step description with screen recording is fine but a video that combines screen recording with a personal touch from you, the creator, is even better. When it comes to creating this type of content, here are some great techniques to use:

• Screen recording: there is no better way to demonstrate how a user should do something than to do it yourself and capture the whole process with screen recording.
  

• Voiceover: you’ll likely want to talk during your demo and tutorial videos to explain both how and why you’re doing something. Videos that use voiceover are also easier to follow because viewers usually need to do the same actions in their own tool, so listening is often better than watching.
  

• Captions: most social media networks play videos without sound by default, so captions have pretty much become essential. With captions, your video is also more accessible.
  

• Zoom-in and graphics: if you really want to highlight something or draw the viewers’ attention to a specific feature or function, you’ll want to zoom in or use shapes, arrows, and lines to highlight different things.

Now, when it comes to posting your demo videos for public consumption, there is no better place than YouTube. The platform is perfect for long-form videos and this type of content is very popular. 

How-to videos are the second most popular type of content on YouTube!

Here at Bonjoro, however, we encourage complete personalization. That means creating videos and sending them to your customers/trialists while addressing them directly. Nothing can replace that special connection you can create with honest, straightforward communication.

You can also explore the option of demo calls. Many SaaS companies are doing that: scheduling demo calls with prospects to go over the features in detail and answer potential questions.

Creating and sending your first demo with Bonjoro

When you start thinking about how you can create a demonstration video, your mind instantly goes to production, filming, and editing. In other words, expenses, expenses, and more expenses.

You don’t have to do it the hard way!

With Bonjoro, you can create an engaging, personalized demo video that provides value to the customer while helping build your brand. All you need is a laptop/PC or smartphone and a Bonjoro account!

Here is a quick guide on how to do this.

Step #1: Install the Bonjoro Chrome extension

To have the option to record your screen with Bonjoro, you’ll need to install the Chrome extension. It will allow you to make screen recording demo videos with just a few clicks!

To do this, click here: Bonjoro Chrome Extension and click on the “Add to Chrome” button. Give Bonjoro authorization to record your screen and install the extension. By default, your extension will be located in the upper right corner. You might have to click the Extensions button to find and activate it.

Once you do, there is only one thing left to do: connect your extension to your Bonjoro account. Simply open the extension and click the “Sign In” button. If you’re already signed in to Bonjoro, all you’ll need to do is grant us permission to use your microphone and camera, and you’re done!

Now you’re all set. The next time you click on the Bonjoro extension icon, the recording interface will open and you can go onto the next step.

Step #2: Creating the video

Creating a demo video with Bonjoro is easy. Simply get everything ready, navigate to your own tool and the part you want to explain and click on the Chrome extension icon. There, you can choose between three options:

• Screen, where you only share your screen and nothing else;

• Webcam, where you only use the webcam (e.g., for onboarding and “welcome” videos);

• Screen+cam, which combines screen recording with a small window that shows your webcam footage.

Needless to say, we recommend the last option. You can record your screen and explain everything you need to explain, while also showing your face and creating a connection with the audience.

Make your choice and click on “Show Settings” to make sure everything is in order with your webcam and microphone. Hit “Record” and you’re doing it!

If you want to share your screen, you’ll be prompted to select what exactly you want to share—a single window, a Chrome tab, or your entire desktop.

Once you’re done, click “Stop Sharing” and you’ll be instantly taken to see the finished video. Here, you can watch your video, give it a name, complement it with a message template, and share it with your selected contacts.

Step #3: Managing your videos

All of your videos will end up in the Video Library, where you can:

• Customize your recording with message templates, add your logo, call to action, and text.

• Share video link and thumbnail wherever you want—not just on Bonjoro.

• Track your views and clicks.

You can also complete the whole process in Bonjoro and go to Tasks, where you can send videos to your contacts, see their replies, and have entire conversations without leaving the app!

The four best product demo videos to inspire you

Here are some SaaS brands that have figured out how to make a good product demo video!

Airtable

Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration tool that uses a spreadsheet-style design to help users work on projects and manage their tasks. If you’re the admin, you’ll have a hard time setting everything up on your own—which is why Airtable has lots of useful resources on their YouTube channel to help you.

Here is one of those:

Now, admittedly, this video is a little long but it’s broken down into sections, where each section takes around a minute. The video also uses screen recording with a really engaging voiceover to help you navigate.

Salesforce

Now, here’s a completely different approach to demos.

While this demo video definitely shows us how the platform looks and works, its focus is on much more than that. With excellent production value, acting, and smart writing, Salesforce combines a traditional product video with a demo.

You get all the information you need and you see the practical implications of the product in use.

Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a sales tool that lets you—surprise, surprise—organize your sales pipeline.

They start their demo video with a common problem, a pain point for their users. They then introduce Pipedrive as a solution to the problem and go into its interface and features.

You’ll notice how the voiceover is down-to-earth, conversational, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. That’s a recipe for getting closer to your customers and making sure they realize that your brand isn’t just a cold, money-hungry company but a business that cares about them and their experiences!

Embedded video.

Apple Card

A credit card that sits inside your smartphone and has nothing to do with a bank but you can still use it to make purchases and somehow get some money back? That’s not an easy concept to explain.

This demo video from Apple does a great job of explaining how the card works, how you can manage it with your iPhone, and all the mechanisms it uses to deliver the service.

As we would expect from Apple, the video is simple, direct, and it uses closed captions for maximum accessibility.

The final word

Demo videos are a great way to increase the chances of your customers finding value in your product.

And, as we’ve just seen, this might be crucial for increasing customer retention and turning those trialists into long-term customers or even advocates.

The best thing—a good demo video doesn’t have to be fancy or overproduced. All you need is a personal touch and an idea of what you want to show. If you have those things, it just a matter of getting the right tools for the job.

This last part is what Bonjoro is best at!

Register for a free trial and discover how you can bring your ideas to life with personalized video.