How to Turn Video Viewers into Real Conversations

You’re frustrated - and you should be.

Every week you post your video. You see the view count climb - 50 views, 75 views, sometimes over 100. People are clearly watching.

But nobody DMs you. Nobody starts a conversation. Nobody asks to meet. Your inbox stays silent, and you’re left wondering: “If they’re watching, why aren’t they reaching out?”

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Views don’t create relationships. Conversations create relationships.

And if you’re waiting for viewers to DM you first - you’re going to wait a long time.

The Gap Between Watching and Connecting

Most business owners treat video like broadcasting - you post, they watch, and somehow magic happens.

It doesn’t.

Watching a video is passive. It requires zero commitment. Someone can watch your entire video, think “interesting,” and scroll to the next thing without taking any action.

Starting a conversation is active. It requires vulnerability. Someone has to break the silence, risk being ignored, and put themselves out there first.

Most people won’t do it. Not because they’re not interested - because they don’t know how to bridge the gap from passive viewer to active connector.

That’s your job. Not theirs.

“Videos open the door. Conversations walk through it. If you’re getting views but no messages, you’re building awareness but not building relationships.”

7 Tactics to Turn Viewers into Conversations

These aren’t theory. They’re specific conversation starters that turn passive viewers into active DM conversations - which turn into referrals, partnerships, and real business relationships.

Tactic 1: Ask Specific Questions in Your Video

Instead of ending with generic calls-to-action, end with a direct invitation to respond.

Vague: “Let me know if you have questions!”
Specific: “Has anyone dealt with unreliable subcontractors? DM me your experience - I’d love to compare notes.”

Why it works: You’ve created a clear, low-barrier reason to message you. They’re not “bothering” you - you literally asked for their input.

Miguel Rodriguez

General Contractor

Heritage Home Builders

Surrey, BC

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

Miguel’s approach: “I ended my video about a Heritage home restoration project with: ‘Anyone else struggled with matching vintage materials? DM me if you’ve found good suppliers - I’m always looking.’ Got 4 DMs that week. Two became ongoing supplier conversations. One referred me to a homeowner needing exactly what I specialize in.”

Tactic 2: Reference Others’ Videos in Your Own

Mention someone else’s video in YOUR video - they’ll almost always DM you to thank you.

Example: “I saw Linda’s video last week about first-time homebuyer challenges - great insights on credit score timing. Made me rethink how I talk to young families about renovation loans.”

Why it works: You’re publicly acknowledging their expertise. They notice (trust me, everyone checks who’s watching their videos). They’ll DM to thank you, and boom - conversation started.

Linda Morales

Mortgage Broker

Morales Home Loans

Richmond, BC

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

Linda’s experience: “When Miguel mentioned my video about credit score strategies, I DM’d him immediately to say thanks. That conversation led to us partnering on renovation loan clients - he refers homeowners needing financing, I refer buyers looking for renovation contractors. Eight co-referrals in six months.”

Tactic 3: Leave a Thoughtful Comment, Then DM

Don’t just react with a thumbs-up - leave an actual comment on their video. Then follow up with a DM to continue the thought.

Comment: “Great point about post-inspection negotiation tactics - I’ve seen buyers walk away over $2K repairs that could’ve been handled differently.”

DM (2 hours later): “Hey Emma - loved your inspection video. I’ve got a client closing next week dealing with exactly that situation. Mind if I call you for perspective on how to frame the conversation?”

Why it works: The public comment shows you actually watched and thought about their content. The DM gives you a reason to go deeper without it feeling random.

Tactic 4: Share Valuable Resources Directly

Found an article, podcast, or resource relevant to someone’s video topic? DM it to them with context.

Example DM: “Sarah - saw your video about introvert networking struggles. Found this article on asynchronous communication strategies that reminded me of your approach. Thought you might find it useful: [link]”

Why it works: You’re offering value first, with no ask attached. They’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness, respond to thank you, and now you’ve started a conversation.

Sarah Martinez

Marketing Consultant

Martinez Marketing Solutions

Vancouver, BC

Fictional character for illustrative purposes

Sarah’s strategy: “I keep a running note of articles and resources I find. When someone’s video touches on a topic I have something good for, I send it via DM within 24 hours. Half the time, they ask a follow-up question or share their own resource. Those conversations often turn into deeper partnerships.”

Tactic 5: Respond to Their Weekly Story

Someone shares what they’re looking for in their video - DM them if you can help.

They say in video: “I’m looking for small business clients in Langley who need liability insurance reviews before renewal season.”

You DM: “David - saw your video about liability reviews. I’ve got two contractor clients in Langley whose policies renew in Q1. Want me to introduce you?”

Why it works: You’re literally giving them what they asked for. This is the easiest conversation starter there is.

Tactic 6: Celebrate Their Wins

Someone shares a client success or business milestone in their video - DM them to celebrate.

Example DM: “Tom - congrats on landing the multi-location restaurant client! That’s huge. Would love to hear how you structured the proposal - I’m working on a similar pitch for a retail chain.”

Why it works: People love talking about their wins. You’re giving them a chance to share the story AND you’re asking for insight (which positions them as the expert). Win-win conversation starter.

Tactic 7: Vulnerability Reciprocity

Someone shares a struggle or challenge in their video - DM them with empathy and offer to share your experience.

They say in video: “Lost a deal this week to a competitor who undercut me by 15 percent. Frustrating when clients only look at price.”

You DM: “Emma - been there. Lost three deals last year the same way. Eventually realized I was attracting price shoppers instead of value buyers. Happy to share what I changed in my pitch if you want to chat.”

Why it works: They’re vulnerable, you’re reciprocating. Shared struggles build connection faster than shared successes. And you’re offering help, not selling.

“The mistake most people make: They wait for the perfect moment to start a conversation. There is no perfect moment. There’s only ‘I watched your video and thought of you.’”

What Makes a Good DM (vs. a Bad One)

Not all DMs are created equal. Here’s what separates messages that get responses from messages that get ignored.

Good DMs Are Personalized

Reference something specific from their video.

“Loved your point about negotiating repairs after inspection - the $2K threshold insight was gold.”
(vs. “Great video!”)

Good DMs Offer Value First

Lead with what you can give, not what you want.

“I know two manufacturers in your area - want me to intro you?”
(vs. “Can you refer me clients?”)

Good DMs Are Open-Ended

Invite conversation, not yes/no answers.

“Tell me more about how you handled that situation - I’m dealing with something similar.”
(vs. “Did that work?”)

Good DMs Are Timely

Send within 24 hours of watching their video.

Message sent same day or next morning
(vs. Message sent 3 weeks later - they forgot what video you’re referencing)

Common Mistakes That Kill Conversations

Generic “Let’s connect” messages - Too vague, no clear reason to respond
Immediate sales pitch - “Want to buy my service?” before any relationship exists
No context - “Hey!” with nothing else (they don’t remember who you are)
Asking without giving - Leading with what you need instead of what you noticed

“Videos make you visible. Comments make you noticed. DMs make you memorable. Referrals come from the memorable ones.”

Ready to Turn Views into Relationships?

You don’t need 1,000 video views. You need 10 real conversations with people who actually care about what you do.

This week: Pick three people whose videos resonated with you. Use one of these seven tactics to start a conversation.

Not “when you have time.” Not “eventually.” This week.

Because here’s what happens when you start conversations instead of waiting for them:

• Week 1: You send thoughtful DMs, people respond, conversations start
• Week 4: Those conversations lead to coffee meetings, collaboration ideas, referral opportunities
• Week 12: You’ve built 5-10 genuine relationships with people who refer you because they actually know you

Videos open doors. Conversations walk through them. Start walking.

Related Reading

• What Makes a Great Weekly Video Story (Examples + Templates) - Learn how to create videos that invite conversation
• The Psychology of Video Reactions: Why Small Gestures Build Relationships - Start with reactions before jumping to DMs
• From Strangers to Trusted Partners: The 12-Week Journey - See how conversations evolve into referral relationships over time