How do you make follow-up messages more engaging and personal with video or audio?

1 Why video or audio?

Video and audio messages have several advantages over text emails when it comes to following up with your network. First, they allow you to convey your tone, emotion, and enthusiasm better than words alone. Second, they show that you care enough to invest some time and effort into creating a personalized message. Third, they can help you build trust and rapport by letting your contacts see and hear you. And fourth, they can make you more memorable and distinctive, especially if you add some humor, stories, or compliments.

2 How to create video or audio messages

Creating video or audio messages doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You can use your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to record and send them. You can also use some free or low-cost tools and apps that let you create and share video or audio messages easily. For example, you can use Loom, Vidyard, or BombBomb for video messages, and Voxer, WhatsApp, or Telegram for audio messages. The key is to choose a tool that suits your style, your audience, and your purpose.

3 How to structure video or audio messages

When crafting video or audio messages, it's important to keep them short and sweet - no more than two minutes for video and one minute for audio. Begin with an introduction that reminds your contacts who you are, where you met, and what you talked about. After delivering your main message, explain why you're following up and what you want to achieve. End with a clear and compelling call to action, telling your contacts what you want them to do next and how they can reach you. Additionally, don't be afraid to add some personality and flair - use your voice, facial expressions, and gestures to convey emotion, humor, or appreciation. Be authentic and friendly!

4 How to send video or audio messages

Once you've created your video or audio messages, you need to send them to your contacts in a way that maximizes their impact and response rate. When selecting the right channel, consider your contacts' preferences and habits. You can send your message via email, social media, text, or a dedicated app. Additionally, adding a short text summary that highlights the main points and benefits of your message can increase the chances of your contacts opening and watching or listening to it. An enticing subject line or headline can also grab their attention and curiosity. Before you send your message, test it for quality, length, and compatibility with different devices and platforms. After sending it, track the results to see how your contacts respond. Use this feedback to improve your future messages.

5 How to follow up on video or audio messages

Sending video or audio messages is not a one-time thing. You need to be consistent and persistent to keep the communication going until you achieve your goal. Don't give up if you don't get a response right away and follow up with another message after a few days or a week. It's important to be flexible and adaptable, adjusting your message and approach based on your contacts' feedback and behavior. Make sure to respect their time, privacy, and boundaries, while thanking them for their attention, cooperation, and support. Show them that you appreciate their relationship and that you're not just after a transaction. Keep your messages relevant, valuable, and respectful while avoiding spam or too many or too long messages.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?