I just returned home last night from the Shop.org Annual Summit where I spoke about how e-commerce retailers could make more money with video “in a week.”  One of the more powerful moments of the presentation was the opening. I asked the 500 or so in attendance the following three questions:

First, “Who believes online video is an effective way to sell products online or persuade shoppers to buy?”

Nearly everyone raised their hand.

Then, “Who is using online video in some fashion today to sell?”

About 3/4 of the audience kept their hands up.

Last, “Who is using online video…

I’ve noticed an emerging trend over the last six to twelve months among specialty and mass merchants with regard to manufacturer video.  The discussion over whether video “works” as a product merchandising tool began to shift away from one centered entirely on improving conversion rates.  In fact, as more retailers discovered manufacturer video content available in relative abundance, they began to view video as more than a simple conversion enhancing tool.  Now, some retailers see video as a new source of revenue unto itself.  What’s behind this behavior change?  Nothing other than the almighty co-op…