Google Website Optimizer SUCKS!! – There. I said it, & the reason I say that is because of a quick test a ran yesterday. But first.. let me tell you the story.
I was reading all about video marketing because of this 4-week video challenge that I’m doing and I figured…
…”Why Don’t I Add Video To My Blogging Blueprint Lead Capture Page?”
So What Did I Do? You Got It.. Took Action!
I took my camera out, set up the tripod and got to work. I spent most of my time designing the darn lead capture page to make it look cool, and finally ended up with this: (..please don’t laugh at the picture..)
I wanted to make it really simple, so that all the attention is on the VIDEO – Then I decided to set up an A/B split test using Google Website Optimizer (..which sucks, but I’ll get to that later) to see how this page compares to my regular Blogging Blueprint page that you’ve all probably seen.
But, in case you haven’t, here’s it is:
The campaign is still running but so far, the results are awesome!! With my no-video Blogging Blueprint capture page I was getting anywhere between 22 & 25% conversion rate. But after sending people to the VIDEO CAPTURE PAGE, my conversion rates jumped to 43-45%.
I’m no mathematician, but I think it’s safe to say that my conversion rate almost DOUBLED or INCREASED by 90%.
Here’s a screen shot for the skeptics – ..and yes, I do realize that the traffic sent is probably not enough to determine a winner, but who’s gonna argue with these numbers when the difference is so clear.
So Why Does Google Website Optimizer SUCK?
Well, these results came from my OWN split-test using Aweber’s web-form creation feature. You can track how a particular traffic source is converting simply by adding a separate web-form to your list. Sooo…
- Google Website Optimizer was NOT tracking all the traffic I was getting.
- They only tracked 29 opt-ins yesterday, when, according to Aweber, I clearly generated 44.
- ..and here’s the biggie – The results, so far, were showing the non-video page as the winner with 69% conversion rate which is clearly WRONG!
So, I’ll stick with Aweber for doing capture page split-tests for now, until Google gets their stuff together.
Here’s The Moral Of The Story
Use video. Period! …& if you’re using Aweber, do your own split-testing using the web-form creator feature.
If you found this post helpful, please share it, tweet it, digg it and stumble it – and as always leave me a comment below. Answer these questions… Are you split-testing? Are you using video? How’s Google Website Optimizer treating you? Do you think it Sucks? :0)
Talk soon
Hector The Alexa Director
P.S – I’m putting the finishing touches to my 13 Tweaks Video Course.. & I’ll be releasing it soon..
71
Hey Hector,
Congratulations on your conversion rate.
It is true that putting video on capture page will help you increase conversion rate. I will do the same in nex few days, because I am working on my new offer for my capture page.
Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
Jiri Majkus
Internet Marketing Coach and Author
.-= Jiri Majkus´s last blog ..Email Marketing Tips: 4 Steps How To Write Powerful And Effective Emails =-.
Jiri..
Thanks bro, I can’t wait to see what you come up with
talk soon
Hector
Hi Hector…
You’re so right about video. The sooner we use video, the sooner we will advance in just about all areas of our business. For me, I would rather watch a video then read an article.
Good post,
Coach Freddie
.-= Coach Freddie´s last blog ..Is Your Mind Fuzzy? =-.
Hey Freddie,
YES.. video is where it’s at right now, and it proved it to me with these numbers..
thanks for stopping by
talk soon,
Hector
Well done on your results. I am so excited to start using video and get my personality and thoughts out there – I should have done this 2 years ago but you have to be ready for it as well I guess!
.-= Sharon Whyte´s last blog ..How a 4 Year Old Reminded me about Persistence! =-.
Sharon,
You’re right.. everything in it’s due time. But get on it NOW. lol
The video train is here, I can’t wait to see you on board.
talk soon
Hector
That is some good stuff Man, I use aweber to get that done also, so I feel ya. Which software do You use the create Your capture pages, Dreamweaver?
.-= Jonathan Sweeting´s last blog ..Better than Email Marketing!? Instant Teleseminar Secrets Exposed. =-.
Jonathan,
Thanks bro. Aweber rocks!!
Yes, I use Dreamweaver. Not an expert or anything, but I don’t think it looks too bad..
thanks for stoppign by
talk soon
Hector
Well first of all congratulations on your success with the new experiment. Secondly thanks for giving us good advice on the split testing I agree google is the king of search but that might be one tool they want tweak. It is so much easier to do that with the webforms with aweber it uncomplicates the process and like your results have shown you can get a much clearer picture of activity because you not just playing with numbers now we have names, emails and hopefully phone numbers.
Steve Shoemaker
.-= Steve Shoemaker´s last blog ..Article Marketing Basics For Business Building =-.
Steve..
Yes.. Google really disappointed me when I checked the results, but hey – we got Aweber.. so we’re OK
thanks for stopping by
talk soon
Hector
Hey Hector,
Thanks for sharing this discovery. I like to use both! However, the Aweber tends to be more accurate when testing an opt-in form. It clearly shows with those numbers that you want to use video within your capture page. Now, you’ll want to create another test with it. Always be testing!
Have a great weekend…
Josh
.-= Josh Garcia´s last blog ..4 Ways To Create That Successful Blogging Community Experience =-.
Josh,
You’re so right.. we can’t stop testing. Even that 44% can be improved way higher.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts bro
talk soon
Hector
Hi Hector,
Congrats on the awesome conversion rate!
Videos connect a live, human face with the name. They can add instant credibility and likeability. Your stats are the in the flesh proof.
This has provided me with inspiration to shoot more videos. Thanks buddy
Ryan
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Have You Mastered The Art Of Commenting? =-.
Ryan,
Thanks man.. You’re right about video adding that HUMAN element that TEXT just can’t.
Looking forward to seeing your videos bro..
talk soon
Hector
Hello Hector,
Thanks for sharing the insights! That is a huge difference in test results for sure! I will have to keep that in mind!
Enjoy the weekend!
Mary Thayer
.-= Mary Thayer´s last blog ..The New Economy’s Simple Formula For Financial Success =-.
Mary,
The numbers don’t lie :0)
enjoy your weekend
Hector
Hey Hector,
Those are some great results. I too am all for split testing. In fact, I talk about this in my blog post today. How ironic that we were on the same page?
If there is any advice I would give out it would be to split test, because you never know (kind of like your experience with the video) what the results will be.
Have yourself a great weekend,
Jerome Ratliff
.-= Jerome Ratliff´s last blog ..Simple Blogging Tip That Will Increase Your Prospect to Lead Conversion Rate =-.
Jerome,
I totally agree. This is something that not many people talk about, but it’s probably THE most important aspect of your marketing.
If you don’t know what’s working, how can you improve it?
thanks for sharing your thoughts
talk soon
Hector
Hey Hector,
That’s a sweet conversion rate! I’m sure you’ve been able to get those results from what you’ve found doing split-tests.
Powerful stuff.
.-= Derek Alvarez´s last blog ..Get Your Facebook Ads Clicked: Here’s How =-.
Hey Derek,
I’ve tried soo many different types of pages, layouts & buttons with different free offers.. and this is definitely the result of split-testing.
I think it’s the #1 skill in marketing..
thanks for stopping by
talk soon
Hector
Hector, Are these leads from PPC? Or are they from your blog visitors? When I click on your Blogging Blueprint link it takes me to your old page… Where is the new page – I’d love to see your new video.
Awesome job with the testing!
.-= Wendy Maynard´s last blog ..Make Money in Your Online Business via Proper Sequencing =-.
Hey Wendy,
No these aren’t PPC leads. Some came from my blog, and others from another traffic source.
Google is still running the campaign – so it’s showing you the old page. But I’m gonna stop that one, and start a new one tomorrow.
SO.. be sure to check back, K?
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon
Hector
Hector,
Great post. Thanks for sharing your results with us! Testing is critical and using video is even more critical. The digital age has influenced many people and if you don’t have a computer that can handle video these days, you might as well go back to the stone age.
As I learned from Daegan, you should always be split testing something or you’re leaving money on the table.
Mark
.-= Mark Gubuan´s last blog ..Network Marketers Beware – MLM Launch Formula is Here =-.
Mark,
You’re right – as marketers, we need to move with technology and not cater to those that can’t keep up.
Daegan is a smart guy (clearly), and you’re very smart for learning from him.
thanks for stopping by
talk soon
Hector
Awesome thanks for sharing that. LOL the pic isn’t that bad on your video. And some video hosting lets you put in a pic in front of the video. Look at Katie Freilings blog, that’s what she does. http://katiefreiling.com Keep the good stuff coming Hector!
Erin
.-= Erin Smith´s last blog ..Explode Your MLM!!! . . . or not =-.
Erin..
Yea.. I’ve been trying to do that for a while, but the video autoplays so I wouldn’t need to use it on the lead page.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
talk soon
Hector
Wow, great work Hector,
I will definitely be studying this post for days to come. I’m still in the learning phase but I am seeing you are the go to guy for the best information.
.-= Fred´s last blog ..3 Simple Steps To Create Massive Duplication In Your Business =-.
Fred,
Thank you.. I really appreciate that bro. I’ll do my best to deliver more cool stuff like this.
Talk soon
Hector
Hector,
Those results are rock solid! That is awesome.
I am putting my videos out there, just have not
really submitted them to enough places yet.
I am looking forward to similar results.
Great job!
Have an awesome holiday weekend!
Tommy D.
.-= Tommy DiPietro´s last blog ..As A Network Marketer, If It’s For Free, It’s Not Always For Me =-.
Tommy,
If you’re looking for video distribution, make sure to use TubeMogul (they’re great)
Thanks for stopping by & commenting
talk soon
Hector
Very cool site, I really enjoy your stuff.
Thanks Derek..
- Hector
Hey Hector,
Very nice! Congrats!
It’s funny you wrote about this, because I JUST finished putting a video on a capture page earlier today.
After it was up and I looked at the finished product, I wondered why the heck I hadn’t done that sooner??? LOL Looks great, we’ll see what actually happens.
Have a great weekend!
Susanna
.-= Susanna Hess´s last blog ..#1 MLM Marketing Strategy- Results Are In! =-.
Hey Susanna,
Thanks.. That’s great – I’m sure you’ll get awesome resutls..
talk soon
Hector
Wow, those results are amazing! I am a new blogger myself but I have been reading others who are posting about the great results that video brings to blogs. Yours is very convincing!
Thanks for the inspiration!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..New Blogger Tips =-.
Stacy,
Let me first welcome you to my blog and the Blogging world..
Secondly – video is where it’s at..!! I like to be as transparent as possible because I know some people need more than just claims..
I hope this pushes you more towards video, can’t wait to see your videos out there
Have a great week
Hector
Hey Hector, you are amazing!
Thanks for sharing your results and great tips with us!
I have discovered recently about how exactly video capture form should look like and l am gonna use it for my new MLM campaign we are launching soon in my country .
Keep up with great work and congrats!
Milena
Milena,
Thanks a lot.. Video capture pages work very well, and you should definitely use them
Good luck with the campaign
Have a great week
Hector
Fantastic Hctor!
I’m sold, I have been thinking too long about my capture pages, and it’s taken me a bit longer because I know I want video on them, and now I’m sure that’s the way to go…
And thanks to for re-iterating the split testing, you’re right, its not the focus of too much attention but so very important!
Thanks for another great piece of value!
Vicki
.-= Vicki Berry´s last blog ..Three Keys to Improving Your SEO =-.
Vicki,
You’re very welcome – Definitely test out video with your pages, it’s likely that you get similar if not better results..
Thanks for stopping by
Have a great week
Hector
Hector!
That was great! So, many of us are so scared to create videos because of what we sound like or look like…the fact is WHO CARES!
I espcially LOVED the fact that you mentioned for us not to laugh at your picture. While you may have had a silly picture, it is clear that people don’t care about the picture, it is the content that is important…..the proof of this is in the amount of tweets you have on this post!
Awesome !
Kim Tarr
.-= Kim Tarr´s last blog ..Attend A FREE 4 Week Boot Camp For The Month Of June And Enroll 5-10 People Per Month Effortlessley =-.
Kim Tarr,
YES YES.. If the message is valuable, and it actually helps people.. WHO CARES how you look!! :0)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Have a great week
Hector
Hi,just discovered your Post when i google something and wonder what web hosting do you use for your blog,the speed is more faster than my wordpress, i really want to know it.will back to check it out,many thanks!
Mitzi,
Thanks for stopping by.. I use Dreamhost – you can check them out, their great!
Have a great week
Hector
Hector,
Good job on the conversion rates. I do agree that video adds a certain authority to your blog and more people like looking at video verses reading a post at times. This was a great tip, I need to get busy and do more videos.
.-= Lori Robertson´s last undefined ..Response cached until Sun 30 @ 21:24 GMT (Refreshes in 52 Minutes) =-.
Lori,
I totally agree.. it adds authority, credibility, confidence, branding, & the HUMAN element..
Thanks for commenting
Have a great week
Hector
Hi Hector,
I had made one video over a year ago and just made my second video last weekend. I’ve also done a few video testimonials. It feels like a big deal until I take out the camera, charge the battery, set up the tripod and the location. Then, poof, it’s done – and it was fun.
So far I have not connected video to any products, just my blog, http://www.createhealingandlovenow.com/blog Thanks for showing us in real time, the real value of videos.
Erica,
Video is great, and you’re right – thinking that it’s a BIG deal will surely NOT get you to take action..
It’s really simple how you explained it. thanks for stopping by
Have a great week
Hector
finally the correct information
Wow.. must’ve had some bad experiences, huh..
Hey Hector, One Word NICE!!!
Hey Frank
Thanks for the NICE comment
Have a great week
Hector
Hector my friend I am very proud of you. What a huge difference but it was more than just adding the video to your site that got you double opt ins. You’ve done everything RIGHT! on your site as far as I can tell. Great example! Keep up the marvelous work and you’ll end up with the title of blogging guru before you know it.
Kellie Frazier dot com
.-= Kellie Frazier´s last blog ..Connecting To Your Kids is First Class Leadership =-.
Hey Kellie,
‘Blogging Guru’ – that’s too funny.. :0D
I really appreciate your kind words.. always glad to see you stop by
Thanks & Talk soon
Hector
Hector,
Your content is so specific and clear. You offer valuable insights to keep our marketing on track and profitable.
Thanks.
Louis
Thank you for your comment – I really appreciate it. I hope this post help you out in some way
Talk soon
Hector
Very interesting Hector! Well done. I am always interested to hear about the outcome of split testing that others so. Now you know what works!
~Marcus
.-= Marcus Baker´s last blog ..Magnetic Sponsoring | MLM Review =-.
Hey Marcus,
That was my intention – to give you guys the results, so that you can go out and get them yourself.
Talk soon
Hector
Great post! Here lately i see everyone talking about how adding videos in the mix…..is the best way to go and i can see why. I know as a viewer of content……i would prefer to watch a video
instead of reading a long post any day…..and by adding a video to your capture page makes things more personal to the viewer and adds more personality.
This is my first time stopping through and will be sure to share your post with my friends.
Thanks,
Antoine Grant
Antonine,
Video is very powerful.. it works for more reasons that I could mention, but you’re right – it makes it more personal.
Thanks for sharing my post bro
Talk soon
Hector
Hector,
Those are seriously some kick butt results that you got!
I’ve been looking for something that accurately tracks split testing results as well.
Anyway, you know the adage…
If a picture tells a thousand words, a video probably tells a gazillion right?
Thanks for sharing your results.
- Yo
.-= Yo Le´s last blog ..The 2 To 5 Year Game Plan Is Officially Dead… =-.
Yo..
Thanks man, AWEBER is a great way to go for split testing free offers.
You’re right about video.. and the numbers prove it.
Talk soon
Hector
Hi Hector,
as always a great post. Thanks for sharing this case study with us. It reminds us all of the extreme power of video. Keep up your great work and take care
Oliver
.-= Oliver Tausend´s last blog ..How to Add the Notes Box with your Blog Feed to Your Facebook Profile =-.
Video is very powerful – and you’re very welcome..
Talk soon
Hector
This is more amazing everyday Hector! I realize how many folks respond eagerly to VIDEO vs. ANYTHING ELSE>>>
Andy Jenkins said it best: “When the Going get Weird, the weird go PRO”
He was talking about Video Marketing in the Video Boss coaching program.
Thanks so much for sharing your results with us Hector. I totally like your marketing approach here and with your blogging blueprint, which I have watched…VERY VERY STRONG PERSONA and Awesome Value…you rock bro!
http://videoboss.zackcovell.com/
Zack
(Astoria, Oregon)
.-= Zack Covell´s last blog ..FREE GIVEAWAY: Add a CooL Shadow BeLoW Your Videos for Increased CTR… =-.
Zack..
You’re right.. Video is the way to go..
Thanks for going through the course bro & I appreciate your feedback
Talk soon
Hector
Very Cool Hector! Always in the game of split-testing I see. Video is clearly the way to go. Thanks for sharing your results with us.
Great stuff!
Jaclyn Castro
.-= Jaclyn Castro´s last blog ..7 Productivity Secrets For You! =-.
Hey Jaclyn,
Yes. split testing is very important and video is definitely the way to go.. thanks for stopping by
Talk soon
Hector
Woohoo Hector! I absolutely agree! Video rocks! It does drastically increase your conversion rates so thank you for putting this test out there for the public!
With the massive action you are taking, you’ll be at the top in no time my friend!
Amanda´s last [type] ..5 Tips To Help You Fire Your Boss (I Just Did)
Hey Amanda,
You’re very welcome, I just hope people start using these tips and results that I’m putting out there because they absolutely work..
…and thank you for saying that, I really appreciate it
talk soon
Hector
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