Key Takeaways:

  • What it is: Pre-roll ads are short video commercials that play before YouTube (and other platform) videos.
  • Why it matters: Studies show 70%+ of buyers have purchased after seeing a YouTube ad.
  • Direct-response edge: With the right message, pre-roll generates leads and sales—not just views.
  • Best practices: Grab attention in 5 seconds, make it shoppable, keep the offer simple, and track ROI.
  • Platforms: YouTube dominates, but Rumble and other video platforms offer growing opportunities.
  • Integration: Works best when combined with retargeting, direct mail, email, and multichannel campaigns.

Pre-rolls are today’s marketing superheroes.

Pre-rolls – the commercial on a video platform – should be one of your top lead or customer media.

I’ve watched how pre-rolls have dramatically improved, outdoing other platforms.

Having created over 500 videos, let me share some lessons I’ve learned.

Here are 4 things every marketer should know:

1. Why Pre-Roll Is Exploding

If you’re ignoring pre-roll, you’re missing one of today’s highest-ROI marketing tools.

While Google and Facebook ads fight for attention, pre-roll video has become the must-use weapon in direct response.

Indeed, Google’s war on marketers have depressed returns. But YouTube results have only improved.

Why? Because prospects don’t just watch—they respond. With the right hook, pre-roll turns casual viewers into leads and buyers.

And the advertisements have helped marketers, not hurt them.

2. What Pre-Roll Really Does

Think of it this way:

  • It’s your TV commercial but placed in front of the exact person most likely to buy.
  • It’s laser targeted—by interest, by behavior, by lookalike audiences.
  • And it’s measurable—you know exactly how many watched, clicked, and bought. You can track ROI.

Done right, pre-roll skyrockets response. Here are a few ways to do it right!

3. The 9 Steps to Winning with Pre-Roll

Here’s the simplified formula I use for clients:

  • Hook instantly (0–5 seconds). Spark curiosity, drama, or suspense before they can click “Skip.”
  • Show the solution fast. Demonstrate the product solving the problem. Clear visuals. No fluff. No generalities.
  • Make it shoppable. Sync your Google Merchant Center (or e-commerce feed) so product images and “Buy Now” buttons appear directly on screen.
  • Design for mobile. Use vertical versions for Shorts and captions for sound-off viewing.
  • Target smart. Begin with remarketing (your hottest prospects) and then expand to lookalike audiences.
  • Keep the offer simple. One irresistible Call to Action (CTA): free shipping, free bonus bundle deal, or time-limited discount.
  • Ensure a frictionless click. Send people straight to the product landing page or checkout—no hunting, no scrolling. No home page.
  • Track results. Measure sales, not just views. Know your cost-per-lead and cost-per-sale.
  • Test and improve. Change the hook, the first frame, or the offer. Scale what works. Kill what doesn’t.

4. Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • No hook = instant skip.
  • Too many messages = no clarity.
  • “Branding only” ads = no sales.
  • Agency-style copy = no urgency. Always use direct response copy—specific, persuasive, and measurable.

What you can do now:

Want pre-roll that generates sales, not wasted views? Call Michael at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected].

We’ll script, produce, and launch a pre-roll campaign designed to deliver leads and measurable ROI.

FAQs:

Q: We tried YouTube before and got views, but no sales.
A: That’s because you didn’t run it direct response. We create shoppable, urgent, sales-driven campaigns—not just “awareness” ads.

Q: Is this only for consumer products?
A: No. Pre-roll works for B2B, services, and even fundraising. I’m doing it now for political campaigns. The targeting makes it powerful across industries.

Q: Isn’t this too expensive?
A: Not at all. Done right, pre-roll is one of the lowest-cost per lead channels available today.

Let CDMG Be Your Partner in Driving Growth 

Media Help, Copy Help, Testing Help, D2C, and e-Commerce Help 

CDMG is more than an ad agency 

Let us be your second opinion 

CDMG’s award-winning team, run by marketing veterans Craig and Caleb Huey, is dedicated to improving your advertising, marketing, branding, and bottom line with a proven approach that maximizes response rates and ROI. 

With expertise in media, data, digital, and creative strategy, we’ve earned over 120 prestigious awards, in 2024 alone. 

Why CDMG? 

  • Proven Success: 120 prestigious awards in 2024 alone. 
  • Data-Driven Strategy: We don’t guess. We know what works. Our campaigns are crafted with precision to deliver maximum ROI. 
  • Expertise Across the Board: From media buying to digital copywriting, testing, and direct-to-consumer strategies—we’ve got it all covered. 
  • Real Results: We’ve helped launch new products, reposition brands, and turn small businesses into multimillion-dollar success stories. 

Let us help with your video needs!
We produce:
• Pre-roll videos
• Video sales letters (VSLs)
• TV commercials
• Infomercials
• Addressable TV
• Videologs
…and much more! 

Our team has launched new products… and helped reposition companies to a higher level. Our strategies and tactics have generated leads, and built powerhouse e-commerce programs that have helped turn small businesses into multimillion dollar success stories and grown large companies. 

Our formula is data driven, accountable advertising that supercharges your growth. Every campaign is crafted precisely, focusing on what matters most to drive your success. 

Let’s discuss your marketing challenges and give you a second opinion. 

Contact Michael Oppenheimer at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected]. 

Start transforming your marketing results today with CDMG, Inc.