If you work in B2B sales or marketing, you’ve probably heard that video is the “future.” That might be true, but most video tools either eat up your time or end up looking like everyone else’s. This guide is for those who want practical ways to use Vidyard to actually get more leads and keep customers interested—without getting lost in the weeds or buying into hype.
Let’s skip the theory and get right to what works.
Why Video? (And Why Vidyard?)
Here’s the thing: people remember faces and voices way better than text. If you want your emails answered or your prospects to remember your pitch, a quick video beats a 500-word email almost every time.
Vidyard stands out because it makes it dead simple to record, send, and track videos—right from your browser or email. You don’t need to be a video expert, and you don’t need fancy editing. It’s built for sales teams and marketers who want results, not just pretty videos.
But, quick reality check: video won’t magically fix a bad offer or help if you’re spamming uninterested leads. It works when you’re reaching out with something relevant, at the right time.
Step 1: Get Set Up for Speed, Not Perfection
Start With the Basics
- Sign up: Don’t overthink it. Get the free plan or trial if you’re new.
- Install the browser extension: This is key. It lets you record from anywhere—your inbox, LinkedIn, or your CRM.
- Test your setup: Do a 10-second test video. Don’t worry about lighting or background—just make sure your mic works and you don’t have spinach in your teeth.
Pro Tip: Skip the urge to script everything. Natural always beats perfect.
What to Ignore
- The “studio-quality” video gear. Your laptop camera is fine.
- Endless takes. One or two tries max. If you mess up, laugh it off—people like real humans.
Step 2: Use Video Where It Actually Moves the Needle
There are a million ways to use video. Most won’t do much. Here are the spots where Vidyard videos actually drive more responses and engagement in B2B:
1. Cold Outreach That Isn’t Ignored
Send short, personal videos instead of long emails. Mention something specific about the recipient—show their company’s website on your screen, or reference a recent LinkedIn post.
- Keep it under 60 seconds.
- Use their name. (“Hey Sarah, saw your post on X…”)
- Show your screen if you’re referencing their site or product.
What Works: - Personalized intros (“I noticed you…”), not generic sales pitches. - Visuals: People like seeing their own website or product on your screen.
What Doesn’t: - Reading the same sales script to everyone. - Sending videos to massive lists. It’s for targeted outreach, not blasting.
2. Follow-Ups That Don’t Get Ignored
Video is great for reminding prospects you exist—without being annoying.
- Summarize your last call, answer a question, or demo a feature.
- Use Vidyard’s call-to-action buttons to make it easy for them to book a meeting or reply.
Pro Tip: Show your face, not just your screen. People buy from people.
3. Demo Walkthroughs for Busy Prospects
If you keep getting “Can you send more info?”—send a quick demo or answer on video. No need to book another call.
- Record your screen as you walk through a feature, then send the link.
- Vidyard tracks who watches and for how long. If they share it around, you’ll know.
What Works: - Short, focused walkthroughs (2-3 minutes max). - Calling out how it solves their actual problem.
What Doesn’t: - Long, generic product tours.
4. Customer Check-Ins and Support
Send a quick “just checking in” video or walk customers through tricky features. Easier than typing a wall of text. Plus, it feels more personal and less like a support ticket.
- Great for onboarding, troubleshooting, or sending updates.
Step 3: Track What Matters—Don’t Drown in Data
Vidyard gives you a ton of tracking data: who watched, for how long, and if they clicked your links.
What to Watch
- Video Views: Did they watch your video at all? If not, maybe tweak your subject line.
- Watch Time: If they drop off after 10 seconds, your intro needs work.
- Clicks: If you have a call-to-action button, did they click it?
Don’t Obsess Over
- Every single stat. Focus on what helps you improve your outreach or follow-up.
- Vanity metrics. If you’re not getting replies or meetings, it doesn’t matter that someone watched 90% of your video.
Pro Tip: Use these insights to make your next video better—don’t let it turn into another spreadsheet you never look at.
Step 4: Make it Easy for Prospects to Respond
You want replies, not just views. Vidyard lets you add clickable calls-to-action (CTAs) to your videos—use them.
- Good CTAs: “Book a meeting,” “Reply with a question,” or “Download the PDF.”
- Keep the ask clear and simple.
- Don’t use three different buttons; one is plenty.
What Works: - Direct, low-friction asks (“Reply if this is interesting”). - Buttons that lead to your calendar or a reply email.
What Doesn’t: - Linking out to a dozen different resources. - Making people hunt for what to do next.
Step 5: Integrate With Your Other Tools (But Only If It Saves Time)
Vidyard plugs into a lot of platforms: Gmail, Outlook, Salesforce, HubSpot, and others.
- Start simple: Use it directly in your email or CRM.
- Connect your calendar (if you book meetings a lot), but don’t get stuck in Zapier rabbit holes unless you really need automation.
Caution: Integrations are nice, but if you’re spending hours setting them up instead of actually sending videos, you’re missing the point.
Step 6: Keep Improving, But Don’t Overthink It
- Test new stuff: Try different subject lines, video lengths, or intros.
- Ask for feedback: If you have a friendly prospect or customer, ask if the videos are helpful.
- Don’t chase perfection: A rough, timely video beats a polished one you never send.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid: - Overproducing your videos. You’re not making a Netflix special. - Sending generic videos to everyone. Personalization wins. - Ignoring replies; if someone responds, get back fast (with another video if it makes sense).
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Ship It
Vidyard can absolutely help you stand out and get more responses—if you use it intentionally. Don’t get distracted by fancy features or data you’ll never use. Stick to simple, personal videos where they matter most. See what works, double down, and skip the rest.
Most people get stuck trying to make everything look perfect. Resist that urge. Focus on being helpful, real, and quick to respond. You’ll see better leads and more engaged customers, without burning out or wasting time.