If you run an ecommerce business and want real results from your email marketing, let’s talk video. This isn’t theory—I’ve seen the numbers in my own business, and they’re game-changing. Using video in sales emails is powerful!
I run two brands: FilmAndLearning.com and OverlandTrailer.com. At Overland Trailer, I use video email marketing every single week. Whether I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes tip on building DIY camper trailers, sending a quick “how-to” mini-course, or even just wishing folks a happy holiday (sometimes with a wink and a sale), I always include a video. And here’s the wild part: every time I hit send, those emails bring in several thousand dollars in sales within the first hour. Not “sometimes”—every time, without a miss, since 2022.
If you want to connect, educate, and drive sales like that, here’s what I’ve learned about video email marketing for ecommerce.
Key Takeaways
| What You’ll Learn | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Why use video email marketing for ecommerce | More clicks, higher engagement, stronger sales |
| How to add video to your email campaigns | Practical steps and real-world examples |
| What kinds of video work best in ecommerce emails | Explainers, how-tos, testimonials, product demos |
| Results you can expect | Higher open, click-through, and conversion rates |
Why Use Video in Email Marketing for Ecommerce?
Here’s the simple truth: text and images just don’t have the same impact as video. I started sending short, personal videos to my list at Overland Trailer—sometimes demoing a new trailer part, other times just dropping a holiday message. The response was instant. People replied, clicked, and—most importantly—bought.
Video does a few things for ecommerce that text can’t:
- It shows, not tells: Demonstrate products, answer FAQs, and let your personality shine. People buy from people, not faceless websites.
- It builds trust: A video greeting or quick tutorial tells your audience you’re a real person invested in their experience.
- It drives action: Videos get more clicks and shares. I’ve seen customers forward my emails to friends and family just to show off the latest trailer tips.
- It boosts social proof: I regularly include quick testimonials from other Overland Trailer owners. Nothing sells like seeing a real customer succeed.
How I Use Video in My Email Marketing (and How You Can Too)
If you want to see your own “every-email-gets-sales” moment, here’s what works:
- Pick the right video for the moment: I send everything from step-by-step DIY videos to a quick “happy holidays from my family to yours” clip (usually filmed in my driveway or the shop).
- Don’t worry about fancy production: People care more about honesty than high production value. My videos are usually shot with a phone and a tripod—no Hollywood budget needed.
- Thumbnail or GIF with a play button: I never embed the full video (email clients hate that). Instead, I use a clickable image that opens the video on my site.
- Strong, clear subject lines: “Watch how this mod works in 30 seconds” beats any sales pitch. And the word “video” always bumps open rates.
- Track and tweak: If I see a spike in clicks but not sales, I review the video. Did I forget a call to action? Was the tip too basic? Test, review, repeat.
Want to see more ways to use video across your marketing? Check out Benefit from Video and Business Video Ideas.
Video Email Marketing Examples
Mix it up based on what your audience needs that week:
- How-to and explainer videos: These are gold. I walk folks through everything from trailer wiring to what to pack for a trip.
- Testimonials and user stories: I invite customers to send short clips of their finished builds (sometimes shot on their phones from a campsite).
- Video sales and promo emails: If I’m running a sale, I’ll mention it in a video, but always with a personal touch—never just “Buy now!”
- Greetings and stories: Holidays, milestones, or even just a story from the road. It keeps things human.
Results You Can Actually Expect
If you’re wondering, “Does this really work?”—I can only share my real numbers. Since 2022, every video email I’ve sent for Overland Trailer has pulled in thousands of dollars in sales within an hour. Open rates? Always higher when “video” is in the subject line. Clicks and replies? Double or triple what I see with standard emails.
Ready to Try Video Email Marketing for Your Ecommerce Brand?
You don’t have to be a filmmaker or own fancy gear. Start small, keep it personal, and always focus on serving your audience.
Want more ideas? Dig into our video marketing tips, learn how to build a fanbase with video, or contact me if you want to chat about what’s worked (and what hasn’t).
Until next time,
Mark
