Why You Need a Video Newsletter – Plus How to Start for Free with Argil

Why You Need a Video Newsletter – Plus How to Start for Free with Argil

Did you know you could turn your text-based email into a video newsletter?

With the latest AI software, you don’t need fancy editing tools or a video production team to create professional-looking short-form video content. All you need is your text-based newsletter, and AI will take care of the rest.

If you want to learn how to create a video newsletter for free, then stick around. We’ll introduce you to Argil, our text-to-video software, and walk you through the process of setting up your own account and virtual avatar.

The Evolution of Newsletters in Marketing

Brands have used newsletters to reach consumers since the dawn of the internet, but in the last few years, since the launch of platforms like Substack in 2017, we’ve seen a huge shift towards more dynamic forms of newsletter content.

This isn’t surprising. To keep up with dominant platforms like TikTok and YouTube shorts, newsletters need to be able to hold an audience’s attention.

Brands and businesses are trying desperately to fix dwidnling open rates (declining as low as 20.8% for some technology services), as well as lower click-through rates (averaging 2.03% across all industries). However, using static content that can’t possibly compete with the appeal of videos is simply not the answer.

Text-based forms of content typically generate lower engagement rates than video, and studies show that video content results in higher retention rates and longer session times – meaning your audience will stick around for longer to hear your message.

Considering over 80% of all internet traffic is video, and video marketers report increases in dwell time of up to 83%, all signs point to video elements being the ultimate key to newsletter success. We shouldn’t be surprised by these numbers – it’s been known for a while that visuals, sound and movement are far better at capturing an audience than text alone – but you might be shocked to know that around 62% of consumers actually prefer to learn about a product or service through video, rather than through text or imagery.

Video newsletters are becoming an effective way to engage audiences in what’s quickly becoming a saturated market. But how do you get started if you’ve never created a video before?

We’ll show you how to use Argil’s easy video generation tool for free – and you don’t need any additional tools or even to appear on camera. All you need is your written newsletter.

The Advantages of Video Newsletters Over Traditional Email Formats

Newsletters are still an important part of your marketing strategy, but they need to evolve with the trends we’re seeing across all social media platforms that prioritize short videos.

Here are just some of the advantages video newsletters have over traditional forms:

• More engagement: Video newsletters can achieve 200-300% higher click-through rates than text-based email formats.
• Higher conversion rates: You’ll see 80% higher conversion rates with video, as dynamic content is much more effective at summarizing a value proposition.
• Better SEO ranking: Videos tend to rank better on search engines, delivering both email and organic traffic to your content.
• Increased retention: Content creators who use videos benefit from much higher retention rates. Studies show that 95% of a message is retained when delivered through video, compared to only 10% when read.
• Greater shareability: Your video content is much more likely to be shared on social media than text or image-based content.
• More personalization options: Video newsletters allow for many more personalization options, such as branded elements and customized messaging. This can make content feel more human, while also including interactive elements, such as clickable buttons.
• Better accessibility: Video captions mean all kinds of audiences can access your content, whether they’re visually impaired or simply speak a different language. Argil allows you to create multiple iterations of the same video in different languages, so you can appeal to a global audience.

How to Use Argil to Create a Video Newsletter

It couldn’t be easier to create a video newsletter using our text-to-video API. If you’re ready to get started, simply follow these easy steps:

Sign Up

Sign up for Argil’s free trial using your email credentials.

Create Your Avatar

Once you’ve created an account, you’ll need to upload a quick video of you speaking so we can train your virtual clone to look and sound just like you.

You’ll need to film your video in a quiet, well-lit area so we can gauge your facial expressions and tone of voice. Then, we’ll use advanced AI techniques such as Large Language Modeling (LLM) to mimic your appearance, voice and speaking style.

If you don’t want to create a virtual avatar, you can use one of our generic avatars, which are already fully trained and ready to go!

Upload Your Script

Assuming you’ve already written your newsletter, you can simply upload it to create an AI-generated video script.

Your video script should be well-written, with no grammar or spelling mistakes – you can use a free online spell checker to make sure. You should also include a compelling hook, informative content body and a clear call-to-action at the end of your email.

Tip: We suggest keeping your script short (under 2 minutes) for maximum audience retention.

Create and Generate Your Video

Argil will automatically generate your video based on your newsletter script. You can then tweak and edit the video to make it more personalized to your brand.

Our editing suite contains options to add automatic B-roll, transitions and captions to your videos to make them more visually engaging and accessible.

You can also add clickable call-to-action elements to boost conversions and make it easy for your audience to interact with your product or service.

Tip: Try creating videos in different languages so you can share them with a global audience, using Argil’s multilingual capabilities. You can also repurpose your video across multiple channels, such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Embed the Video Into Your Newsletter

Popular newsletter tools like Mailchimp and Active Campaign make it easy to embed video into your emails. You can usually just use the ‘video’ content block and add the video URL or embed code.

You’ll need to consider a compelling subject line and preheader for your email that makes readers want to click on your email and watch the video. Studies show that using emojis in email subject lines can increase clicks.) – so consider bringing these into your strategy. You could use a video camera emoji to show readers there is video content within your email to help you stand out in their inbox.

Tip: Don’t forget to create a captivating thumbnail for your video. Getting this right will increase your open and click-through rates.

A/B Test and Iterate

It’s really important for any email marketing campaign that you track metrics such as clicks and shares so you can maximize the reach of your future newsletters. You’ll also want to track video views so you can keep iterating and making them better each time.

To make this easier for you, Argil provides A/B testing capabilities right there on the platform, meaning it’s easy for you to test different scripts and video iterations to see which resonates best.

Tip: tracking viewer behavior will help inform the content of your future newsletters, making them more relevant to your audience.

Does It Really Work? Examples of Successful Video Newsletters

We’ve seen numerous brands increase their engagement after transitioning from text to video newsletters.

For example, one content creator managed to increase open rates and engage new followers by switching her text-based emails to video. She could then share this content across multiple platforms, resulting in higher engagement and more shares.

We also encountered a B2B tech company that relied on text newsletters to share updates and demonstrate their new products, but they were struggling to condense complex technical topics in text form. Video newsletters helped them increase their engagement and retention metrics, allowing their customers to better understand their products and stay up to date with new features.

Monetization Strategies for Video Newsletters

Video newsletters are ripe for monetization thanks to their dynamic, engaging nature. Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur or marketing team, there are plenty of ways to monetize email content, especially if you have a large subscriber base.

Affiliate Marketing Through Video Newsletters

It’s easy to embed affiliate links into video descriptions, and you can even include product demos and callouts in the video itself.

Whether you’re an influencer, UGC creator or brand, Argil’s avatars can help you promote products in your videos in an authentic, persuasive way. Our AI clones and avatars are so lifelike, they can simulate human actions like holding or using your product – they can even walk through a supermarket, apply make-up or drink coffee in a cafe.

Your avatar will deliver your script, which Argil can generate in just a few seconds, and you can customize your digital persona by changing their appearance, background, expressions and mannerisms. You can even create an AI influencer to collaborate with other brands.

Sponsored Content & Brand Partnerships

A video newsletter is the perfect place to feature sponsored segments and brand messages. With Argil, you can create co-branded content and add new logo overlays and details in seconds.

Using our text-to-video converter, it’s possible to generate a short, compelling video version of your newsletter (or branded segment). Using your prompt, we’ll create an engaging script, before adding B-roll, music, voiceovers and captions. You can make manual edits using our easy, drag-and-drop interface, and it’s easy to collaborate with other users.

Gated Content & Premium Subscriptions

Another great way to monetize is through a premium version of your newsletter for paid subscribers. Your regular newsletter can be a “taster” of what’s behind your paywall, enticing new readers to sign up for your exclusive content.

For example, if you’re a LinkedIn influencer who helps connect marketing professionals with the best new freelance jobs, you can keep the best new roles behind a paywall. You may even be able to collaborate with hiring managers to promote this service.

Paid Products/Services

An engaging video newsletter is an excellent funnel tool. You can use this forum to promote webinars, courses, services and products.

Why Argil?

Other platforms out there will technically allow you to turn any text into a video, but none that are created specifically for content creators. Plus, unlike alternative tools, we offer an all-in-one, budget-friendly solution.

With Argile, you can increase the speed and efficiency of your content production schedule, all in one place. Gone are the days of needing hours and hours of editing time, or having to invest in multiple tools. Thanks to our user-friendly API, you can create, edit and test all in one place.

You’ll also save money compared to traditional video production methods, and even other software like ours. You can try our software for free, and paid plans with more expensive features start at $39 per month.

Argil will also scale with you while you grow, learning your preferences and adapting to your style each time you create a new video. We’re also incorporating new features all the time, and have plans to add even more dynamic and sophisticated editing features, as well as social media optimization and more integration options.

How Argil’s Video Newsletters Outperform Traditional Competitors

Argil is often compared to other AI video platforms, such as Synthesia and HeyGen. When it comes to video newsletters, some creators even use basic tools like Loom and Vidyard, without realizing just how much value an AI-powered tool like Argil could provide.

Loom and Vidyard are great for screen recordings and internal messaging, but they rely on a live presenter and have to be operated manually. Plus, they lack editing and customization features, so they’re not advanced enough for content creation.

Unlike other video tools, Argil automates the entire video production process, from scripting to publishing. However, the biggest differentiator between Argil and other video platforms is our AI avatars.

Argil’s avatars are highly lifelike, expressive and customizable. This means your video newsletters will feel authentic and personal without you having to spend hours filming content. With voice cloning and facial expression mirroring, your avatar can deliver strong brand messages to get your audience onside. You can adjust this messaging (and your avatar’s presentation) for different audiences and cultures, in just a few clicks.

Argil also facilitates A/B testing– this is a huge component of a successful newsletter campaign. You need to be able to track your performance to see what’s working, so you don’t waste your time emailing uninterested recipients. With A/B testing, you can also make sure the right audience segments are receiving the right messages to maximize conversions.

Lastly, traditional video production can cost thousands of dollars. Generic video tools do little to minimize this cost. Many basic tools focus on editing existing long-form content, while others provide avatars that are stiff, robotic and unrealistic, which detracts from the quality of the content.

Argil delivers polished videos in minutes using hyper-realistic, state-of-the-art avatars, automatic editing and streamlined workflows – so you can share consistently high-quality video newsletters without a huge price tag, and without sacrificing quality.

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Create Your Video Newsletter Today

Short video is more engaging, results in longer session times and has a higher retention rate than any other form of content. So why not turn your newsletter into a video?

By using video creation in your newsletter, you’ll have more leverage over traditional text-based newsletters due and higher conversion rates.

Automating Your Video Newsletter Workflow

Creating a video newsletter sounds time-intensive – and historically, it would have been. Nowadays, automation means anyone can become a video creator or repurpose their written content without investing huge amounts of money or time into the project.

Argil is an end-to-end automation platform that covers everything from scripting to optimization and distribution. In just ten minutes, you can convert your email copy into an engaging, high-converting video, complete with visual and audio elements and optimized for the best performance.

To go one step further, you can utilize Argil’s native integration with Make.com and build custom content workflows.

Make.com is a no-code automation platform that integrates with 2000+ tools to create autonomous content workflows. Automating your manual processes and tasks will make you more efficient, improve your content output and increase opportunities for monetization.

With “Make x Argil”, you can automate the production of video newsletters, turning long emails into short video summaries, complete with AI narration, captions and B-roll.

You can also leverage our integration with Make to create short videos in bulk from spreadsheet data or turn customer reviews and testimonials into social proof videos.

All you’ll need to do is trigger your workflow to create a video each time you complete the copy for your newsletter. This copy will then be fed to Argil to generate a video, which can be automatically uploaded to your email platform and embedded into your newsletter.

By integrating with other tools like Slack, Hubspot and CRMs, you can complete an end-to-end automated workflow for the repurposing of emails, blogs and PDFs. With this approach, you can create a fully automated content repurposing machine.

Beyond Newsletters: Expanding Your Video Content Strategy

Video newsletters are both original and compelling – a great way to stand out in crowded inboxes and capture the attention of your audience.

However, your content strategy doesn’t have to end here. You can also use Argil to create videos for social media and your website, such as podcast recaps or previews, product demos, day-in-the-life videos, weekly tips and thought leadership content.

Our avatars can be trained to deliver different types of scripts, from sales pitches to tutorials and more informal, influencer-style content. You can also customize your avatar or clone to look, sound and move exactly like you or another brand representative – or you can create your own digital persona from scratch.

This avatar can fulfill endless duties such as: breaking down a complex report or PDF document, summarizing a complex educational topic, recapping current events, providing a movie summary, or reciting a customer testimonial. Whatever your niche, AI avatars are the secret to a scalable, long-term content strategy.

Planning Your Content Calendar

Argil lets you batch-create content, so you could finalize an entire week’s worth of content in one afternoon. Using the Argil x Make integration, you can sync these videos to your content calendar and scheduling tool, dramatically minimizing your manual workload.

Repurposing for Different Platforms

You can also repurpose content across multiple platforms – and you should! Distributing your content across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and (if appropriate) LinkedIn will help you reach new audiences and expand your content’s reach.

A cross-platform strategy also opens up multiple avenues for monetization, such as income through ad revenue, sponsored content, TikTok’s creator fund and affiliate links.

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Take the first step by signing up for Argil’s free trial today, so you can explore our features and realize the potential for higher conversion rates, better audience retention and more personalized content. Get noticed with Argil!

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