Dubb Review – Personalized Video Emails [AppSumo 2019]

Introduction [00:00]

Dubb is a powerful software tool that enables businesses to create personalized videos for clients and prospects. With its recent lifetime deal on AppSumo, Dubb promises to help users generate more sales and grow their businesses through engaging video content. In this review, we’ll explore Dubb’s features, user interface, and overall effectiveness in delivering personalized video emails. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using Dubb and provide insights into whether this tool is worth investing in for your business needs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how Dubb works and whether it aligns with your goals for creating personalized video content.

How it works [01:50]

Dubb is designed to streamline the process of creating and sending personalized videos to your clients or prospects. The tool is particularly useful for businesses that rely on cold emailing techniques or need to send individual, tailored videos to their audience. While Dubb may not be the best choice for distributing videos to a wide audience (platforms like YouTube, Wistia, or Vimeo are better suited for that purpose), it excels at delivering one-to-one personalized video content.

To get started with Dubb, you’ll need to create an account and familiarize yourself with the platform’s features. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how Dubb works:

• Create a new video by clicking the “+” button or using the Chrome extension
• Record your video directly in the browser or upload a pre-recorded video
• Customize your video with a title, description, and privacy settings
• Add a call-to-action (CTA) to your video, such as scheduling a meeting or visiting a specific URL
• Design your video player with your brand colors, logo, and background image
• Trim your video and add closed captions if needed
• Share your video by copying the link and thumbnail or sending it directly through Dubb’s email feature

One of the key advantages of using Dubb is the ability to personalize your videos for each recipient. By adding the recipient’s email address and a personalized message, you can create a unique video experience that feels tailored to their needs and interests.

Key Features:

• Record or upload videos directly in the browser
• Customize video player with brand colors, logo, and background image
• Add calls-to-action, such as scheduling a meeting or visiting a URL
• Trim videos and add closed captions
• Personalize videos for each recipient with unique messages
• Share videos via link or through Dubb’s email feature

Demo [02:28]

To better understand how Dubb works in practice, let’s take a closer look at a demo video created using the platform.

Upon logging into a new Dubb account, you’ll be greeted with a customizable dashboard displaying your storage limits, video stats, and a graph showing viewer engagement. In this example, the account has a 50 GB storage limit and comes with five codes (more on pricing later).

Navigating to the “Videos” section, you can view and edit your existing videos. Clicking on a video allows you to modify its title, description, privacy settings, and call-to-action. You can also choose whether to allow viewers to download the video or share it with team members for collaboration.

The call-to-action feature is particularly noteworthy, as it enables you to add interactive elements to your videos, such as:

• Exit-intent modals to capture viewer attention before they leave
• Emoji response buttons for quick feedback
• Facebook comment engine for public videos

These features help engage viewers and encourage them to take action after watching your personalized video.

Video Player Customization:

• Display company logo on the video player page
• Change player colors to match your brand
• Upload a custom background image (1280×720 pixels)
• Modify call-to-action button colors and background

While the customization options are useful, one drawback is that changes aren’t reflected in real-time, making it difficult to preview how your video will appear to viewers.

Video Settings:

• Enable autoplay for videos
• Upload SRT files for closed captioning
• Trim video start and end points (no full editing capabilities)
• Set custom thumbnail by selecting a frame from the video

It’s important to note that Dubb does not offer a full video editor, so any extensive edits will need to be made using separate software before uploading to the platform.

Design Options [05:11]

Dubb provides several design options to help you create a cohesive and branded video experience for your viewers. Let’s explore these features in more detail.

Player Design:

• Display company logo on the video player (top-right position)
• Customize player colors to match your brand
• Upload a background image (1280×720 pixels) for the player page
• Set chosen design as default for all future videos

While the ability to customize the player is valuable, it’s important to note that changes are not reflected in real-time. This means you’ll need to save your modifications and refresh the public page to see how they appear to viewers.

Call-to-Action (CTA) Design:

• Change the color of your CTA button
• Set the chosen color as default for all CTAs
• Upload a background image for the CTA section

Keep in mind that the text color cannot be modified separately from the button color, which may lead to readability issues if not carefully selected.

Video Settings:

• Enable autoplay for videos
• Upload SRT files for closed captioning
• Trim video start and end points (no full editing capabilities)
• Add a custom thumbnail by selecting a frame from the video

While the video settings offer some basic customization options, Dubb lacks a comprehensive video editor. This means any significant edits will need to be made using separate software before uploading to the platform.

Personalization and Sharing:

• Add recipient’s email address for personalization
• Include a personalized message that appears in the video preview
• Copy the video link and thumbnail for easy sharing via email or other channels

The personalization feature is one of Dubb’s strongest selling points, as it allows you to create a unique experience for each viewer. By incorporating the recipient’s name and a tailored message, your videos will feel more engaging and relevant to their needs.

Cons [11:17]

While Dubb offers a range of useful features for creating personalized video emails, there are some drawbacks to consider before investing in the platform.

Heavy-handed Marketing:

• Distracting social media links and bright buttons on the video recording screen
• Frequent exit-intent pop-ups and upsell prompts, even for existing customers
• Potentially misleading marketing claims about features and integrations

Dubb’s aggressive marketing tactics can be off-putting and may detract from the user experience. It would be preferable to have a cleaner, distraction-free interface when creating videos and navigating the platform.

Limited Video Editing:

• No built-in video editor for making cuts or deletions within a video
• Users must edit videos using separate software before uploading to Dubb
• Trimming options only available for video start and end points

The lack of a comprehensive video editor within Dubb may be a significant drawback for users who need to make more extensive edits to their content. Having to rely on external software can be time-consuming and may disrupt the workflow.

Potentially Misleading Feature Claims:

• Some integrations (e.g., Calendly) are simply hyperlinks rather than true API connections
• SMS integration not yet live, despite being mentioned in the marketing materials
• Landing page builder is limited and may not be worth the effort to learn and use

It’s essential to carefully review Dubb’s feature claims and understand the limitations of certain integrations or tools before relying on them for your personalized video strategy.

Pricing and Upgrade Concerns:

• Higher pricing tiers required to unlock key features like unlimited videos and custom domains
• Concerns about the honesty and sincerity of the team behind Dubb
• Questions about whether future upgrades will be honored based on past marketing practices

Given the relatively high cost of upgrading to access all of Dubb’s features, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the concerns surrounding the company’s marketing practices and commitment to honoring future updates for lifetime deal purchasers.

Other Features [12:50]

In addition to the core video creation and personalization features, Dubb offers several other tools to help you manage and distribute your content effectively.

Tagging and Organization:

• Tag videos and contacts for better organization and searchability
• Automation features (available with 3+ codes) allow tags to trigger actions like email sends

Contact Management and CRM:

• Import contacts from Gmail or Outlook
• Send emails with video attachments directly from Dubb
• Basic CRM features to track interactions with contacts

While the contact management and CRM features can be useful, some users may prefer not to grant Dubb access to their full contact list. A workaround is to manually import contacts as needed, which may be feasible for businesses sending a moderate volume of personalized videos daily.

Campaign Settings and Automation:

• Set up a series of automated emails with personalized videos
• Trigger campaigns based on tags (e.g., when a contact makes a purchase)
• Integrate with tools like Zapier to automate contact importing and tagging

Dubb’s automation features can be helpful for businesses looking to streamline their personalized video strategy. However, it’s essential to consider whether other email marketing or automation tools may be better suited for your specific needs before relying solely on Dubb’s capabilities.

Analytics and Reporting:

• View video engagement stats, including views and clicks
• Track interactions with individual contacts
• Access basic reporting features to measure the success of your video campaigns

While Dubb’s analytics and reporting features provide some insight into the performance of your personalized videos, they may not be as comprehensive as dedicated video analytics platforms.

Emails [14:31]

One of Dubb’s key features is the ability to send personalized video emails directly from the platform. This can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to stand out in crowded inboxes and build stronger connections with their audience.

To send a video email using Dubb, simply:

1. Create your personalized video
2. Add the recipient’s email address and a tailored message
3. Copy the video link and thumbnail
4. Paste the link and thumbnail into your email

Dubb automatically generates an animated GIF thumbnail and includes your chosen call-to-action, making it easy for recipients to engage with your content.

Even if you don’t use Dubb’s built-in email sending features, the ability to quickly generate personalized video links and thumbnails can be a valuable time-saver for businesses incorporating video into their outreach strategies.

Best Practices for Personalized Video Emails:

• Keep videos concise and focused on the recipient’s needs or interests
• Use the recipient’s name and any relevant personal details to create a tailored experience
• Include a clear and compelling call-to-action to encourage engagement
• Test different video lengths, styles, and CTAs to optimize performance

By following these best practices and leveraging Dubb’s personalization features, businesses can create more effective video emails that drive better results.

Landing Pages [16:23]

Dubb includes a basic landing page builder that allows users to create custom pages for their personalized videos. However, it’s important to note that this feature is fairly limited in scope and may not be worth the effort for most users.

The landing page builder offers a drag-and-drop interface with a small selection of customization options, such as:

• Changing the background color or image
• Adding text, links, and columns
• Inserting your Dubb video

While the builder is functional, it lacks the flexibility and design options of more comprehensive landing page platforms like Elementor or Webflow. Additionally, the user interface can be confusing at times, with some settings (like background customization) hidden in unexpected places.

Given these limitations, most users will likely be better served by creating landing pages using their existing tools or platforms, rather than investing time in learning and using Dubb’s builder.

If you do choose to use Dubb’s landing pages, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep the design simple and focused on showcasing your video
• Ensure that the page is mobile-responsive for optimal viewing on all devices
• Include a clear call-to-action to guide viewers towards your desired outcome
• Test and optimize your landing pages to improve conversion rates over time

Integrations [18:25]

Dubb offers a range of integrations with popular tools and platforms, allowing users to streamline their workflows and connect their personalized video strategy with other aspects of their business.

Some notable integrations include:

• Chrome extension for easy video recording and uploading
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android devices
• Outlook and Gmail add-ons for sending video emails
• Slack app for sharing videos with team members
• Zapier integration for automating tasks and connecting with other tools

However, it’s important to approach Dubb’s integration claims with a critical eye. In some cases, the integrations are less robust than they may initially appear.

For example, the Calendly and Acuity “integrations” are essentially just hyperlinks to your scheduling page, rather than true API connections. Similarly, the promised SMS integration is not yet live, despite being mentioned in the marketing materials.

Before relying on a specific integration, be sure to test it thoroughly and understand its limitations to avoid any disruptions to your workflow or disappointment in the functionality.

Deal Details [20:57]

The Dubb lifetime deal on AppSumo offers users the opportunity to access the platform’s features at a discounted price. However, there are some important details to consider before making a purchase.

Pricing and Feature Tiers:

• 1 code: 100 videos or 10 GB of storage
• 2 codes: 200 videos or 20 GB of storage
• 3+ codes: Unlimited videos and 10 GB of storage per code
• 5 codes: All features, including automation and custom domains

To unlock the full potential of Dubb, users must purchase at least 3 codes ($177) for unlimited videos and 5 codes ($295) for access to all features. This pricing structure may be prohibitive for some businesses, especially considering the limitations and concerns around certain features and integrations.

Concerns and Considerations:

• Potentially misleading marketing practices and claims
• Confusion around honoring lifetime deal upgrades for past purchasers
• Aggressive upselling tactics within the platform
• Relatively high cost to access all features compared to other lifetime deals

Before investing in Dubb, carefully evaluate whether the platform aligns with your business needs and budget. Consider the specific features you require and whether alternative tools or strategies may be more cost-effective or reliable in the long run.

If you do decide to purchase Dubb, be prepared to invest time in learning the platform, testing its features, and potentially seeking alternatives for certain functionalities.

Key Takeaways

• Dubb is a powerful tool for creating and sending personalized video emails to clients and prospects
• The platform offers features like video customization, calls-to-action, contact management, and basic automation
• Dubb’s personalization capabilities can help businesses stand out and build stronger connections with their audience
• However, the platform has some limitations, such as a lack of comprehensive video editing tools and potentially misleading marketing claims
• The lifetime deal pricing structure may be prohibitive for some businesses, especially considering the concerns around certain features and upgrades
• Before investing in Dubb, carefully evaluate your business needs and consider alternative tools or strategies that may be more cost-effective or reliable
• If you decide to purchase Dubb, be prepared to invest time in learning the platform, testing its features, and optimizing your personalized video strategy

By weighing the pros and cons of Dubb and assessing its alignment with your business goals, you can make an informed decision about whether this tool is the right fit for your personalized video needs. Remember to approach the platform with a critical eye, test its features thoroughly, and be open to exploring alternative solutions if necessary.

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