Last Updated on April 13, 2022
Do you have a video for your brand? If not, you should seriously consider creating one. Video accounts for 49% greater growth for companies who utilize it as a significant part of their marketing strategy. (Wirebuzz.com) Other statistics show that using video on your main website or sales page increase your conversion rate by 80%.Statistics like these make small business owners sit up and take notice. And it should. This kind of data proves that video may be the one factor that can increase your revenue and sales over time. Better yet, it can increase your customer base and leads. Let us look at some steps to create a successful explainer video.
Why you need an explainer video?
People love animation. It is one of the most engaging types of video styles that are available today that attracts your target audience. View these animation statistics to see what we mean.
7-Step Formula for Explainer Videos
With stats like these to consider, we have developed a 7-step formula for creating a successful explainer video. Follow these easy steps to get started creating your explainer video.
Define your purpose.
Before you begin your production, you should think about the purpose of the video. There are many types of explainer videos. Some are used in training, some are used for selling products, and some are used to explain your business. Some explainer videos are also considered corporate videos because they are focused on your business.
But explainer videos should be highly focused. So it’s wise not to try to put too many different ideas into one video. Instead, think about your primary focus and keep the viewer focused on one message. To decide what your focus should be, think about what it is you want your customer to do after seeing the video. This should guide your ideas during production.
Write your script.
Words say everything. A good script will carry your message better than anything else you can add to your video. So start with a good script that uses interesting dialogue, engaging action, and other assets to increase retention levels.
It might be a good idea to study the art of scriptwriting to some degree. Even though you are not writing an entire movie script, you should develop the mindset of a Hollywood director and create the best script possible. Your actors or narrator will be responsible for carrying the mood, tone, and purpose of your script. But you have to have a good script first.
Sketch out a storyboard.
The storyboard is at the heart of an animated video. It tells you (or the director) what you want your characters to do in the video. If you are using whiteboard animation, you will know which text should appear on each screen and other elements that you are adding to your finished product.
Collect your resources.
Once you get your ideas outlined and planned, you can begin making a list of who or what you need to create your video. This can take awhile if you intend to use live action video or “talking head.” When you use talking head video, you have to arrange for the people involved to meet you in a location to do the recording, including retakes that may have to be done if there are mistakes made.
Anytime you create something that involves people, you include a factor of unpredictability into the equation. People try to be dependable, but when they are not, it puts a delay on your video and can cost valuable time.
This is one of the advantages of using animation. In the animation world, you get to control all of the elements of your production without worrying about the human factor, unless you have others you depend on to get the job done.
Create your video and edit.
After planning, writing your script, and getting your resources in line (including tools and procedures), you can start creating your video. There are many different ways to create a video. You can use screencasting, narration, character animation, or whiteboard animation. Choose the method of animation based on the content of your message and how it will be presented in different formats.
You can look at examples of different types of animations and decide which one would work best for your project.
Record your narration.
The video is about more than the visual medium. Audio is equally important and adds to the effectiveness of your video message. You should think about your audio track carefully, just as you do your video and make sure they complement each other. Your goal should be to create a message that will resonate with your target audience and get them to take action.
Good narration is composed of relevant information, a well-delivered voiceover, and an engaging dialogue. You should strive to take the viewer on a journey that is inherent in your video that is concise and easy to understand.
You should also define your perspective before you start recording your narration so that it is evident from whose viewpoint you are telling your story. This requires creating a position that the viewers will also relate to.
Finalize and post.
Once you complete your editing, you should render the final view to a file type that is compatible on most social networks and websites. In some cases, you may need to make more than one file type so that it will work on multiple platforms and with multiple devices.
With so many different mobile devices being used today, it’s essential that your video can be easily viewed on various platforms and devices and that it is mobile-friendly.
Looking Ahead
Once you create your first animated explainer video, don’t stop there. You need to continue to create videos that you can upload to YouTube and your website that your viewers will want to see.
If you can create an interest in your content, it will result in repeat viewers who may want to do business with you at some point. This is more valuable than merely creating one sales video for a product that is a one-time sale to one person.
Whiteboard vs. Character Animation
There are several ways to create an animated video. Two of the most popular methods are whiteboard animation and character animation. With whiteboard animation, your primary asset is the digital whiteboard which you will use to present your information. It is mainly composed of written text that is written out by an animated hand. This type of video is useful for sales presentations, but it can also be used for informational type videos.
Character animations are composed of animated characters who act out a script that is written to explain a process, product, or concept. You can also use motion graphics or other means to create your message.
These types of videos are highly engaging because they emulate the cartoons that many people have enjoyed watching in their youth. They also tend to be more entertaining than whiteboard videos.
Whichever type of animation you choose, the best way to create a successful explainer video is to plan carefully, line up your resources, and execute a plan. Then spend the most time perfecting your message and doing edits to make your video the best that it can be.
Where We Come In
There’s a lot to explainer video animation services and numerous best explainer video companies. But to us, it’s fun. At animatedvideo.com, we focus all of our time on helping businesses get their message out to their target audience through a well-crafted explainer video.
When you explain a process to your customers, you can answer their questions, clarify any misconceptions through custom animated explainer videos for business, and make a sale to thousands of people at once. The important thing is to have a solid plan and carry it out in a professional but fun manner.
Make your own explainer video. Visit us at animatedvideo.com, and we will help you brainstorm ideas and then we’ll get started on your explainer video right away.
Who knows? One animated video may be the difference between success and mediocrity with your online business. Let’s get started today!
