Loom vs. OBS for Sales Development Representatives & Account Executives

I still remember the first time I had to send a video message to a potential client. The anxiety of getting everything right, the multiple retakes, and the frustration of not finding the right tool to record and send my message. It was a sunny afternoon, and I had just finished a cup of coffee, feeling the caffeine rush and the urgency to get the message out. I had heard about Loom and OBS Studio but had never really dived deep into either. That day marked the beginning of my journey with these two tools.

The First Encounter:
I started with Loom, attracted by its user-friendly interface. Within minutes, I was recording my first video message, walking the client through a presentation slide by slide. The ability to record myself alongside the screen felt personal and engaging. The client loved it, and I felt like I had discovered a secret weapon in my sales arsenal.

Diving Deeper:
As I became more comfortable with video communication, I wanted to explore more advanced features. That's when I stumbled upon OBS Studio. Initially, it felt overwhelming with its myriad of settings and configurations. But as I spent more time with it, I realized the power it offered, especially for live streaming product launches and webinars.

‍

‍
Using Loom for SDRs:
‍

1. Personalized Outreach: Instead of sending generic emails, SDRs can create personalized video messages introducing themselves and explaining the value proposition. This approach can make the outreach more memorable and engaging.
2. Product Teasers: Showcase a quick feature or benefit of the product in a short video. This can pique the interest of potential leads and prompt them to learn more.
3. Follow-up Messages: After an initial call or meeting, SDRs can send a recap video highlighting the main points discussed. This reinforces the conversation and keeps the lead engaged.
4. FAQ Videos: Address common questions or objections in a series of short videos. These can be shared proactively with leads or used as a resource when specific questions arise.
5. Integration with CRM: Embed Loom videos directly into CRM notes or email templates. This ensures that all team members can access and share relevant videos with leads.

Using OBS Studio for SDRs:

1. Webinars: Host informational webinars to educate potential leads about the industry, challenges, and how the product/service provides a solution. OBS Studio's advanced streaming capabilities make it ideal for such events.
2. Live Product Demos: Instead of static presentations, use OBS to live stream a product demo, allowing leads to ask questions in real-time.
3. Screen Sharing: Use OBS to record detailed walkthroughs of specific product features or processes. This can be especially useful for technical products or services.
4. Training Sessions: Record training sessions for new SDR team members. This creates a library of resources that can be used for onboarding and continuous learning.
5. A/B Testing: Record different versions of pitches or demos and test them with various segments of your audience. OBS allows for detailed editing, ensuring each version is polished.

General Tips for Both Tools:

1. Consistency is Key: Whether using Loom or OBS, ensure that branding, messaging, and presentation are consistent across all videos.
2. Engage with Visuals: Use visuals like slides, graphics, or animations to make the content more engaging and easier to understand.
3. CTAs: Always end videos with a clear call-to-action, guiding the lead on the next steps, whether it's scheduling a call, signing up for a trial, or visiting a webpage.
4. Analyze & Optimize: Both tools provide analytics on video views, engagement, and more. Use this data to refine your approach and content.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Especially with OBS, there's a learning curve. Invest time in mastering the tool, practicing your pitch, and ensuring the technical aspects (sound, video quality) are top-notch.

‍

Let's compare Loom and OBS Studio for Sales Development Representatives and Account Executives below.

Loom:

• Purpose: Loom is primarily designed for creating video tutorials, onboarding materials, and video messages.
• Features: Loom allows trainers to record step-by-step instructions and share best practices. It's user-friendly and is often likened to the Apple iMovie of screen recorders.
• Use Cases for Sales: Loom is ideal for sales professionals looking to demonstrate their products or services to potential customers through video messages. The platform also allows users to add links with call-to-actions, making it perfect for sales pitches.
• Cost: Loom has a limited free version which includes up to 25 videos per month and 5 minutes per video. Unlimted is just $12.50 per month.

OBS Studio:

• Purpose: OBS Studio is a more versatile tool, suitable for both live streaming and recording. It's often compared to Adobe Premiere in terms of its advanced features.
• Features: OBS Studio offers a lot of flexibility and advanced settings for experienced users or professionals.
• Use Cases for Sales: OBS Studio is better suited for professionals who want to live stream product launches or webinars. It provides more control over the recording and streaming process, making it ideal for detailed product demonstrations.

Comparison:

• User-Friendliness: Loom is generally considered more user-friendly, especially for those who are new to screen recording. OBS, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve but offers more advanced features.
• Ratings: As of September 2023, Loom has a rating of 4.67/5 stars based on 388 reviews, while OBS Studio has a rating of 4.66/5 stars based on 981 reviews.
• Pricing: Both platforms offer free versions, but Loom's premium features come at a cost, whereas OBS Studio is entirely open-source.

Conclusion:
In my journey, I've found value in both Loom and OBS Studio. For quick video messages and tutorials, Loom is unbeatable. But when it comes to professional-grade live streaming and recording, OBS Studio shines. As a salesperson, understanding the strengths of each tool and using them accordingly can make a significant difference in your communication strategy.

‍