In the fast-paced digital age, businesses face the constant challenge of capturing and retaining their audience’s attention. With the average person’s attention span dwindling, conveying complex information quickly and effectively has become crucial. Enter the explainer video—a powerful tool that can transform how businesses communicate their value propositions. This blog will delve into why every business needs an explainer video and provide a comprehensive guide on how to create one with the help of an explainer video maker.
Why Every Business Needs an Explainer Video
- Simplifies Complex Information
One of the primary reasons businesses opt for explainer videos is their ability to break down complex information into easily digestible content. Explainer videos use visuals and succinct language to deliver the message clearly and concisely, whether it’s a new product, a service, or a concept. This simplification helps potential customers quickly grasp the benefits and features of what’s being offered, leading to better understanding and higher conversion rates.
- Increases Engagement
In an era dominated by multimedia, video content stands out as one of the most engaging formats. People are likelier to watch a short video than read a lengthy article or a dense product manual. Explainer videos, with their combination of visuals, narration, and motion graphics, capture and retain attention more effectively than text alone. This increased engagement can lead to higher information retention and greater interest in the product or service.
- Boosts Conversion Rates
Explainer videos have a proven track record of boosting conversion rates. Studies have shown that including a video on a landing page can increase conversions by up to 80%. This is because videos provide a comprehensive and persuasive presentation of the product or service, addressing potential questions and concerns upfront. When viewers understand the value proposition clearly, they are more likely to take the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or requesting more information.
- Improves SEO and Online Visibility
Search engines favor video content, making explainer videos a valuable asset for improving SEO. Websites with video content are more likely to rank higher in search results, increasing visibility and driving more organic traffic. Additionally, videos are highly shareable on social media platforms, expanding reach and attracting a broader audience. A well-crafted explainer video can go viral, bringing significant attention and traffic to the business.
- Builds Trust and Credibility
Trust is a key factor in any business relationship. Explainer videos can help build trust by presenting the business professionally and transparently. High-quality videos reflect positively on the brand, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Moreover, videos that feature real people, such as company founders or satisfied customers, add a personal touch, making the business more relatable and trustworthy.
- Enhances Retention and Understanding
The combination of auditory and visual elements in explainer videos caters to different learning styles, enhancing retention and understanding. Studies have shown that people retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to just 10% when reading it in text. By appealing to both the visual and auditory senses, explainer videos ensure that the message sticks with the audience, increasing the likelihood of them remembering and acting on the information.
How to Create an Explainer Video
Creating a compelling explainer video involves several key steps, from planning and scripting to production and distribution. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make one for your business.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before diving into the creative process, it’s crucial to define the goals of your explainer video. What do you want to achieve with this video? Are you looking to introduce a new product, explain a service, or educate your audience on a complex topic? Clearly outlining your objectives will guide the entire production process and make sure that the final video aligns with your business goals.
Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding your target audience is important for creating a video that resonates with them. Consider your audience’s demographics, interests, and pain points. What are their needs, and how does your product or service address them? Tailoring your video to your audience’s preferences will make it more relevant and engaging.
Step 3: Craft a Compelling Script
The script is the backbone of your explainer video. It should be clear, concise, and engaging, with a strong focus on the benefits of your product or service. Start with a hook that grabs the viewer’s attention, followed by a brief introduction of the problem your product solves. Then, explain how your product works and highlight its key features and benefits. Finally, include a call to action that directs viewers to what to do next.
Step 4: Storyboard Your Ideas
A storyboard is a visual representation of your script, detailing each scene and how it will appear in the video. It helps you plan the visuals and ensure that the story flows logically. Sketch each scene, including key actions, dialogue, and visual elements. This will serve as a blueprint during the production phase, making it easier to communicate your vision to the production team.
Step 5: Choose the Right Style
Explainer videos come in various styles, including animation, live-action, whiteboard, and kinetic typography. Your chosen style should align with your brand and the message you want to convey. Animation is great for illustrating abstract concepts, while live-action can add a personal touch by featuring real people. Whiteboard videos are ideal for educational content, and kinetic typography works well to emphasize key points.
Step 6: Produce the Video
Once you have a script and storyboard, it’s time to bring your explainer video to life. This involves several steps:
- Voiceover: Choose a professional voiceover artist who can deliver the script clearly and engagingly. The tone and style of the voiceover should match your brand’s personality.
- Animation/Filming: Depending on your chosen style, either animate the scenes or film the live-action footage. Pay attention to the visual quality, ensuring that the graphics, colors, and movements are polished and professional.
- Sound Design: Add background music and sound effects to enhance the overall experience. The audio should complement the visuals without overpowering the narration.
- Editing: Edit the video to ensure smooth transitions and a cohesive flow. Trim any unnecessary content and make sure the pacing keeps viewers engaged.
Step 7: Test and Refine
Before launching your explainer video, test it with a small audience to gather feedback. Pay attention to their reactions and make any necessary adjustments. This could involve tweaking the script, adjusting the visuals, or refining the audio. The goal is to create a video that effectively communicates your message and connects with your audience.
Step 8: Promote and Distribute
Once your explainer video is ready, it’s time to share it with the world. Here are some effective distribution strategies:
- Website: Embed the video on your homepage or product pages to enhance your website’s user experience and boost conversion rates.
- Social Media: Share the video on your social media platforms to increase reach and engagement. Encourage your followers to share it with their networks.
- Email Marketing: Include the video in your email campaigns to capture attention and drive action. Videos can significantly increase click through rates and conversions.
- YouTube and Video Platforms: Upload the video to YouTube and other video-sharing platforms to reach a wider audience and improve SEO.
- Paid Advertising: To target specific audiences and drive traffic, consider running paid video ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, an explainer video is an invaluable asset for any business. It simplifies complex information, boosts engagement, improves conversion rates, and enhances trust and credibility. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a compelling explainer video that effectively communicates your value proposition and drives business success. Whether you’re a startup looking to introduce a new product or an established company aiming to educate your audience, an explainer video can be a game-changer in your marketing strategy.
