How To Create An Effective Explainer Video

Create the Best Explainer Video

Explainer videos can be a really effective way of communicating a business’s value proposition to prospective customers. When done well, they captivate audiences, inspire action and drive results.

Over the years, explainer videos have become incredibly popular, with most companies now having at least one of them in their marketing mix. For this reason, standing out from the crowd has become more challenging. This means the content you need to produce must be both compelling and enjoyable to watch.

To help you achieve this, Gillespie Productions has identified steps for you to consider when creating an explainer video.

Step 1. Write a Script

Before moving forward with creating explainer videos, the first step is to write the script. Even if you already have incredible graphics or a great speaker, it won't mean anything without a written script that packs a punch.

Don't rush the process of putting together a script. You'll want it to be your main focus in this process. What is something that turns potential customers away from your brand? Are there technical terms that are confusing to your potential buyers? If you haven't already spent time as a company determining how to talk through these types of questions, now is the ideal time to do so. Not only will it benefit your video script but the bigger picture of your company.

As a general outline, here is a script format that we recommend:

1. Provide a quick overview of your product or service and what it does to capture the viewer's attention
2. Introduce the problem
3. Address the problem with a solution
4. Provide a call to action such as signing up for a free trial
5. Showcase your trustworthiness through awards, reviews, etc.

Step 2. Decide on the Type of Your Video

With an explainer video script in place, now you'll be able to determine the type that suits your needs the best. Don't become distracted by all of the potential that your startup explainer video has; make sure that the script can support your larger vision. For example, if your business sells a physical product, you'll want at least some portion of your explainer video to have live-action footage that showcases it. If you're a software company, you can use both live-action and animation when putting your video together. Don't get caught up in trying to make your video go viral or about how fancy you can make it. Instead, focus on how you can best present your value proposition.

Step 3. Create a Storyboard for Your Video

The next stage of explainer videos is storyboarding. This acts as a blueprint for your video. Each slide of the storyboard should have a sentence from your script as well as a rough idea of what the scene will look like. You could also include a list of instructions for motion designers so they understand how you want various on-screen elements to be animated and the necessary assets for each one.

Step 4. Filming Live Action/Voiceover + Animation

As soon as the storyboard is approved, you can start to develop the audio elements of your explainer video. Consider reaching out to voiceover talent from freelance sites or using someone in-house if they're qualified.

Art is the next step if you will be using animation. Animators may start by taking one or two key scenes from your video and illustrating it using multiple styles. Use this opportunity to make any adjustments or tweaks to the art and share any feedback that you have.

Finally, all of the elements are in place to move forward with animation. As soon as your first draft is ready to be reviewed, make sure to share it with your startup or even sub-sections of your target audience. You'll want to make sure that everything makes sense and resonates in the way that it should. If needed, your animation team can make small tweaks before officially wrapping up production.

Step 5. Explainer Video Production

There are various options to consider regarding the actual creation and production of your explainer videos. For example, you can reach out to a professional video production company that can help elevate your overall video. This means that the company will help you with every step of the process. This is the best option if you're interested in investing in startup explainer videos that will have the most impact on your audience. Keep in mind that this will be an investment that’s well worth it in the long run.

Another option would be to shoot the explainer video yourself on an iPhone. DIY filming can be ideal for those sticking to a tighter budget. Many online resources can help you outline the process of how to use your phone.

Hiring freelancers is another option. You can look on various freelance sites to find different professionals in your area, see their examples of work, and understand their rates.

Conclusion

As you can see, video for your startup is more important than ever before. It allows you to connect with your audience and outlines your product or service in a meaningful and memorable way. An explainer video can be the difference between where you are and where you want to be in terms of company growth.

Our video production company at Gillespie Productions is ready to help you put together videos that are perfect for your brand. If you're interested in hiring us or learning more about how we can help, please reach out to us today to get started. 

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