Explainer Videos

Explainer videos have become a powerful tool for businesses looking to communicate their value propositions quickly and effectively. These short, engaging videos simplify complex ideas, making them easily digestible for viewers. Whether you’re launching a new product, explaining a service, or providing a company overview, explainer videos are a versatile medium that can capture attention and drive action.

For business owners, leveraging explainer videos as part of your marketing strategy can significantly enhance customer understanding, boost engagement, and increase conversion rates. By visually illustrating how your product or service works, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level, making your brand more relatable and trustworthy.

In the competitive digital landscape, where attention spans are short, and competition is fierce, explainer videos offer a unique advantage. They allow you to convey your message succinctly while leaving a lasting impression, making them an essential component of any modern marketing strategy. Whether shared on your website, social media channels, or through email campaigns, explainer videos can be a driving force behind your business’s success.

Explainer videos offer numerous advantages for businesses aiming to enhance their marketing efforts. Here’s how they can benefit your business:

• Enhanced Customer Understanding: Explainer videos break down complex concepts into easily digestible content, making it easier for potential customers to understand your product or service. By visually demonstrating how your offering works, you can clarify its benefits and functionality, leading to better-informed purchasing decisions.
• Increased Conversion Rates: Businesses that use explainer videos often see higher conversion rates. The engaging and concise nature of these videos helps keep viewers’ attention, leading to increased interest in your product or service. A well-crafted explainer video can guide potential customers through the buyer’s journey, from awareness to decision-making, ultimately encouraging them to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting more information.
• Improved SEO and Online Visibility: Search engines favor content that engages users, and explainer videos are highly effective at boosting engagement. When visitors spend more time on your site watching videos, it signals to search engines that your content is valuable, improving your search rankings. Additionally, videos are more likely to be shared on social media and other platforms, further enhancing your online visibility and attracting new audiences.
• Versatility Across Marketing Channels: Explainer videos can be used across various marketing channels, including your website, social media platforms, email campaigns, and paid advertising. This versatility allows you to reach a broader audience and reinforce your message through multiple touchpoints. Whether embedded on your homepage, shared in a Facebook post, or included in a YouTube ad campaign, explainer videos help ensure your brand’s message is consistently communicated across all platforms.

By incorporating explainer videos into your marketing strategy, you can effectively communicate your brand’s value, engage your audience, and drive conversions, making them an invaluable asset in your digital marketing toolkit.

Creating an effective explainer video requires a thoughtful blend of strategy, creativity, and technical execution. A well-crafted explainer video can succinctly convey your brand’s message, captivate your audience, and drive them to take action. Here’s a detailed guide to help you create explainer videos that resonate with your target audience and achieve your marketing objectives.

Defining Objectives and Target Audience: Before you begin the production process, it’s crucial to clearly define the objectives of your explainer video and identify your target audience.

• Setting Clear Objectives: Ask yourself what you want to achieve with this video. Are you introducing a new product, explaining a complex service, or increasing brand awareness? Your objective will guide the content and structure of the video. For instance, if your goal is to increase conversions, the video should highlight the benefits of your product and include a strong call to action.
• Identifying Your Target Audience: Understanding who your audience is will help you tailor the content, tone, and style of your video. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, interests, and pain points. A video aimed at tech-savvy millennials will differ greatly from one targeted at senior decision-makers in the corporate world. Knowing your audience allows you to create a video that speaks directly to their needs and motivations.

Scriptwriting and Storyboarding: The script is the backbone of your explainer video. It’s where you outline the key messages, structure the narrative, and craft the dialogue or voiceover.

• Crafting a Compelling Script: A successful explainer video script is clear, concise, and focused on the viewer’s needs. Start with a hook to grab attention, such as a question or a relatable problem. Then, introduce your product or service as the solution, highlighting its benefits and unique selling points. Use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure the message is accessible to all viewers. Finally, include a strong call to action, encouraging viewers to take the next step, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a demo, or making a purchase.
• Storyboarding: Storyboarding is the process of planning out each scene in your video. It’s essentially a visual script that shows how the story will unfold. Each frame of the storyboard represents a different shot or scene, detailing what will be shown on screen, what the voiceover will say, and any accompanying text or graphics. Storyboarding helps you visualize the flow of the video, identify any gaps or inconsistencies, and make adjustments before production begins. It also ensures that everyone involved in the project, from the scriptwriter to the animator, is on the same page.

Design and Animation: The visual elements of your explainer video are critical to its effectiveness. Design and animation should complement the script, enhancing the message and engaging the viewer.

• Choosing the Right Design Style: The design style of your video should reflect your brand’s personality and resonate with your target audience. Common styles include:
• Whiteboard Animation: This style mimics the experience of watching someone draw on a whiteboard. It’s great for educational content or explaining complex ideas in a simple, engaging way.
• 2D Animation: This is one of the most popular styles for explainer videos. It involves creating characters, objects, and environments in a two-dimensional space. 2D animation is versatile and can be used to tell almost any kind of story.
• Motion Graphics: Motion graphics involve the use of animated graphics and text to convey information. This style is often used for more abstract or technical topics, where characters or traditional narratives might not be as effective.
• Live-Action: If you want to showcase real people using your product or provide a behind-the-scenes look at your company, live-action might be the best choice. It adds a personal touch and can help build trust with your audience.
• Animation Techniques: Once the design style is chosen, the animation process brings the storyboard to life. Animation should be smooth and fluid, with a pace that matches the tone of the script. Key animation techniques include:
• Keyframe Animation: This involves creating key points in the animation sequence and filling in the movements between them. It’s widely used in 2D and motion graphics animation.
• Character Animation: If your video includes characters, they should be animated in a way that expresses emotion and personality. This helps viewers connect with the story on an emotional level.
• Transitions and Effects: Transitions between scenes and visual effects can add polish to your video. However, they should be used sparingly and only when they enhance the storytelling, rather than distracting from it.

Voiceover and Sound Design: The audio elements of your explainer video, including voiceover and sound effects, play a crucial role in setting the tone and reinforcing the message.

• Selecting the Right Voice Talent: The voiceover should match the tone of your video and resonate with your target audience. Consider factors such as gender, age, accent, and tone of voice. For example, a friendly, conversational tone might be appropriate for a consumer-facing product, while a more authoritative tone could be better suited for a B2B service.
• Consistency with Brand Voice: The voiceover should align with your brand’s overall voice and messaging. If your brand is known for being fun and quirky, the voiceover should reflect that. If your brand is more formal and professional, the voiceover should match that tone.
• Clarity and Pacing: The voiceover should be clear, with proper enunciation and a pace that allows viewers to absorb the information. Avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly. The pacing should match the flow of the video and give viewers time to understand each point before moving on to the next.
• Sound Effects and Background Music: Sound effects and music can enhance the viewer’s experience by adding emotion, emphasizing key points, and maintaining engagement.
• Sound Effects: Use sound effects to highlight important actions or transitions in the video. For example, a subtle “whoosh” sound can make a transition between scenes more dynamic. However, be careful not to overuse sound effects, as they can become distracting.
• Background Music: The background music sets the mood of the video. Choose music that complements the tone of the script and the pace of the animation. The music should be subtle, supporting the voiceover without overpowering it.
• Balancing Audio Levels: Ensure that the voiceover, music, and sound effects are balanced, so no single element overwhelms the others. The voiceover should always be clearly audible, with the music and sound effects providing support in the background.

Testing and Feedback: Before finalizing your explainer video, it’s essential to test it with a sample audience and gather feedback.

• Internal Review: Start by sharing the video with your internal team, including marketing, sales, and any stakeholders involved in the project. Look for feedback on the clarity of the message, the effectiveness of the visuals, and the overall impact of the video.
• Focus Groups: If possible, conduct focus groups with members of your target audience. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into how the video is perceived and whether it resonates with viewers.
• A/B Testing: If you’re launching your video across multiple channels, consider creating two versions with slight variations (e.g., different calls to action or different opening scenes). A/B testing can help determine which version is more effective at achieving your objectives.
• Revisions and Refinements: Based on the feedback received, make any necessary revisions to the video. This could involve tweaking the script, adjusting the animation, or refining the audio mix. The goal is to ensure the final product is polished, professional, and ready to deliver the desired impact.

Distribution and Promotion: Once your explainer video is finalized, the next step is to distribute and promote it effectively across the right channels.

• Website Integration: Embed the explainer video on key pages of your website, such as the homepage, product pages, or landing pages. Videos on landing pages can increase conversion rates by providing immediate, engaging information to visitors.
• Social Media Sharing: Share the video across your social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Tailor the video’s format and length to suit each platform’s best practices, and use compelling captions to encourage sharing.
• Email Marketing: Incorporate the explainer video into your email campaigns. Videos in emails can increase open rates and click-through rates, making them an effective tool for engaging your subscribers.
• Paid Advertising: Use paid advertising platforms like YouTube, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads to promote your explainer video. Target your ads to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring your video reaches the right audience.
• SEO Optimization: Optimize your video for search engines by including relevant keywords in the video title, description, and tags. Hosting the video on platforms like YouTube, which is owned by Google, can also improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Measuring Success: After your explainer video has been distributed, it’s essential to measure its success and understand its impact on your marketing goals.

• Key Metrics to Track: Monitor metrics such as view count, engagement rate, click-through rate (CTR), and conversion rate. These metrics will help you assess the video’s performance and determine whether it’s achieving its objectives.
• Audience Feedback: Pay attention to viewer feedback, including comments, likes, and shares. Positive feedback indicates that the video resonates with your audience, while negative feedback can provide insights into areas for improvement.
• ROI Analysis: Calculate the return on investment (ROI) by comparing
• your video’s production and distribution costs with the revenue generated or the number of conversions driven by the video. This analysis will help you understand the financial impact of your explainer video and guide future investments in video content.
• Continuous Improvement: Use the insights gained from your metrics and feedback to refine future explainer videos. Whether it’s adjusting the scriptwriting process, experimenting with different animation styles, or targeting different audience segments, continuous improvement ensures that your explainer videos remain effective and aligned with your business goals.

By following these steps, you can create explainer videos that not only convey your message clearly but also engage your audience and drive tangible results for your business. Whether you’re tackling the project in-house or with professional support, a well-crafted explainer video is a valuable asset in today’s digital marketing landscape.

Promoting your explainer video effectively is crucial to ensuring it reaches the right audience and achieves your marketing goals. Here’s a detailed guide on how to maximize the impact of your explainer video through a variety of promotional strategies.

Social Media Integration: Social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting explainer videos due to their vast user base and engagement opportunities. Each platform offers unique features that can be leveraged to reach your target audience.

• Facebook: Share your explainer video directly on your business’s Facebook page. Use Facebook’s targeting options to boost your post to specific demographics, such as age, location, and interests. Additionally, consider using Facebook Stories to share shorter clips of your video, driving traffic to the full version.
• Instagram: Instagram is a visually driven platform, making it ideal for promoting explainer videos. Post snippets of your video on your feed and Instagram Stories, and utilize hashtags to increase visibility. If your video is under 60 seconds, you can share the entire video as an Instagram post or IGTV. Additionally, collaborate with influencers to reach a broader audience.
• LinkedIn: For B2B marketing, LinkedIn is an excellent platform to share your explainer video. Post the video on your company page, share it in relevant LinkedIn Groups, and include it in your personal profile’s featured section. LinkedIn’s professional network allows you to connect with decision-makers and industry leaders, making it a valuable channel for video promotion.
• Twitter: Use Twitter to share your explainer video with concise, engaging captions. Take advantage of Twitter’s fast-paced nature by posting multiple times throughout the week, experimenting with different hashtags and calls to action. Engaging with your followers through replies and retweets can also boost visibility.
• YouTube: YouTube is the second-largest search engine, making it a critical platform for video promotion. Optimize your video title, description, and tags with relevant keywords to improve searchability. Create a compelling thumbnail and consider creating a dedicated playlist for explainer videos on your channel. YouTube’s community tab and stories feature also offer additional avenues for promotion.

Website and Landing Pages: Your website is a central hub for your marketing efforts, and integrating your explainer video into key areas can significantly enhance user experience and engagement.

• Homepage: Featuring your explainer video prominently on your homepage can capture visitors’ attention and communicate your value proposition quickly. Consider using autoplay (with the sound off) to draw viewers in, or place a clear play button in a central location.
• Product Pages: Embed your explainer video on relevant product or service pages to provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of what you offer. Videos on product pages can increase conversions by helping potential customers visualize how your product or service meets their needs.
• Landing Pages: If you’re running a specific marketing campaign, create a dedicated landing page with your explainer video as the focal point. This page should be designed to drive a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter, requesting a demo, or making a purchase. Use a strong call to action (CTA) and minimize distractions to keep visitors focused on the video and the desired outcome.
• Blog Posts: Integrate your explainer video into relevant blog posts to enhance the content and keep readers engaged. A video can complement a blog post by providing a visual explanation of complex topics or reinforcing the points discussed in the text.

Email Marketing: Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for reaching your audience directly. Incorporating explainer videos into your email campaigns can lead to higher open rates, click-through rates, and overall engagement.

• Including Videos in Newsletters: Add your explainer video to your regular newsletters to provide subscribers with valuable content. Use an enticing subject line that highlights the video, such as “Watch Our New Product in Action!” or “See How Our Service Can Help You.”
• Video Thumbnails: While not all email clients support video playback within emails, you can include a clickable thumbnail image of the video that links to the full video on your website or YouTube channel. Ensure the thumbnail is visually appealing and includes a play button to encourage clicks.
• Personalized Video Campaigns: For a more targeted approach, create personalized video email campaigns for different segments of your audience. Tailor the video content and messaging to address the specific needs and pain points of each segment, making the communication more relevant and impactful.
• Drip Campaigns: Use explainer videos as part of a drip campaign to nurture leads over time. For example, you could send a series of emails that gradually introduce prospects to different aspects of your product or service, with each email featuring a short explainer video.

Paid Advertising: Paid advertising can significantly expand the reach of your explainer video, ensuring it gets in front of the right audience.

• YouTube Ads: Leverage YouTube’s TrueView ads, which allow viewers to skip the ad after a few seconds. This format ensures that you only pay for engaged viewers who choose to watch the entire video. You can also use YouTube’s targeting options to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.
• Google Ads: Google Ads allows you to promote your explainer video across the Google Display Network, which includes millions of websites, apps, and videos. You can create video ads that appear before, during, or after YouTube videos, as well as on other partner sites. Use targeting options to reach potential customers based on keywords, topics, and interests.
• Facebook and Instagram Ads: Facebook and Instagram offer robust video ad formats, including in-feed videos, Stories ads, and carousel ads. These platforms’ advanced targeting options allow you to reach specific audience segments based on location, demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can also retarget users who have previously interacted with your brand.
• LinkedIn Ads: LinkedIn’s video ad format is ideal for B2B marketing, allowing you to reach professionals and decision-makers in your industry. Use LinkedIn’s targeting options to narrow down your audience by job title, industry, company size, and more.

Collaboration and Influencer Marketing: Partnering with influencers and other brands can amplify the reach of your explainer video and tap into new audiences.

• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers in your industry who have a large and engaged following. Provide them with your explainer video and ask them to share it with their audience, either as part of a sponsored post or an organic recommendation. Influencers’ endorsement can add credibility to your brand and increase trust among their followers.
• Co-Branding Opportunities: Partner with complementary brands to co-create and promote your explainer video. For example, if you sell fitness equipment, you could partner with a nutrition brand to create a video that highlights how your products work together to achieve better health outcomes. Both brands can share the video with their respective audiences, doubling the reach.
• Content Syndication: Syndicate your explainer video across various platforms and websites that cater to your target audience. This could include industry blogs, online magazines, or video-sharing platforms like Vimeo. Syndication can help you reach a broader audience and drive more traffic to your website.

Webinars and Live Events: Integrating your explainer video into webinars and live events can enhance the value of your presentations and engage your audience more effectively.

• Webinar Integration: Use your explainer video as an introduction or key segment in your webinars. It can serve as a concise way to explain your product or service before diving deeper into the content of the webinar. This approach not only sets the stage for the webinar but also ensures that all attendees have a clear understanding of your offering.
• Live Events and Trade Shows: If you’re presenting at a live event or trade show, showcase your explainer video on large screens or at your booth. The video can attract attendees to your booth and provide them with a quick overview of your product or service, making it easier for your sales team to engage with interested prospects.
• Virtual Events: In the age of virtual events, explainer videos can be a powerful tool to capture attention in online environments. Whether it’s part of a virtual conference, an online product launch, or a live-streamed event, incorporating your video can enhance the experience for attendees and convey your message more effectively.

Utilizing Customer Touchpoints: Maximize the impact of your explainer video by integrating it into various customer touchpoints throughout the buyer’s journey.

• Customer Onboarding: Include your explainer video in your customer onboarding process to help new users understand how to use your product or service. This can reduce support queries and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that customers get the most out of your offering from the start.
• Sales Presentations: Arm your sales team with your explainer video to use during presentations and meetings with prospects. The video can serve as a compelling introduction to your product or service, making it easier for sales representatives to explain complex concepts and answer questions.
• Customer Support: Use explainer videos as part of your customer support resources. For example, if customers frequently ask about a specific feature, create a video that walks them through how to use it. Embedding these videos in your help center or FAQ page can enhance the customer experience and reduce the burden on your support team.

Measuring and Optimizing Video Performance: After launching your explainer video, it’s essential to track its performance and optimize your promotional efforts for maximum impact.

• Key Metrics to Monitor: Track metrics such as views, engagement rate, click-through rate (CTR), and conversion rate. These metrics provide insights into how well your video is performing and whether it’s achieving your goals. Analyze these metrics across different channels to identify which platforms are delivering the best results.
• A/B Testing: Conduct A/B testing with different versions of your explainer video to see which performs better. This could involve testing different CTAs, thumbnails, or video lengths. The insights gained from A/B testing can help you refine your video content and improve future campaigns.
• Audience Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your audience, whether through comments, shares, or direct messages. Positive feedback can reinforce what’s working, while constructive criticism can guide adjustments.
• SEO Optimization: If you’re hosting your explainer video on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, make sure it’s optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords in the title, description, and tags. This optimization can help your video rank higher in search results, leading to more organic views.
• Iterating and Improving: Based on the data collected, continuously refine your promotional strategies. Whether it’s tweaking the video content, adjusting the distribution channels, or changing the targeting parameters in paid ads, iterative improvements ensure that your explainer video continues to deliver value over time.

Promoting an explainer video requires a multifaceted approach, leveraging various platforms and strategies to ensure maximum reach and engagement. From social media integration to paid advertising and collaboration with influencers, each promotional avenue offers unique benefits that can contribute to the overall success of your video marketing efforts.

By effectively distributing and promoting your explainer video, you can increase brand awareness, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately achieve your business goals. Remember, the key to success lies not only in the quality of the video itself but also in how effectively you share it with your target audience.

Taking a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approach to creating explainer videos can be a cost-effective and rewarding way for business owners to produce high-quality content. While it requires some time and effort, the process allows for complete control over the creative and production aspects of the video. Here’s a detailed guide on how to successfully create an explainer video on your own.

Planning and Conceptualizing: The first step in the DIY approach is thorough planning. Start by defining the purpose of your explainer video and identifying the key message you want to convey. This phase involves several critical steps:

• Identify Your Objective: Are you introducing a new product, explaining a service, or trying to increase brand awareness? Clearly define the goal of your video to guide the content and structure.
• Understand Your Audience: Research your target audience to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. Tailoring your message to resonate with your audience is crucial for the effectiveness of the video.
• Create a Script Outline: Outline the structure of your script, focusing on the problem your product or service solves, how it works, and its benefits. Keep the content concise and focused to maintain viewer engagement.
• Storyboard Your Ideas: A storyboard is a visual representation of your video, frame by frame. It helps you visualize the flow of the video, plan transitions, and ensure that each scene effectively communicates the intended message.

Scriptwriting: The script is the foundation of your explainer video, and it needs to be clear, concise, and engaging.

• Keep It Simple: Avoid jargon and complex language. The goal is to make your message easily understandable for a broad audience. Aim to convey the core message within the first 30 seconds.
• Create a Hook: Start with a compelling hook to grab the viewer’s attention. This could be a question, a surprising fact, or a relatable problem that your audience faces.
• Focus on Benefits: Highlight the benefits of your product or service rather than just listing features. Explain how it solves a problem or improves the viewer’s life.
• Call to Action (CTA): End with a strong CTA that directs viewers on what to do next—whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or purchasing a product.

Tools and Software for DIY Video Creation: There are numerous tools and software available that make it easier to create professional-quality explainer videos without the need for advanced technical skills.

• Animation Tools: If you’re interested in creating animated explainer videos, tools like Powtoon, Animaker and Vyond offer user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop features, pre-made templates, and customizable characters. These platforms allow you to create animations without needing in-depth knowledge of animation software.
• Video Editing Software: For those creating live-action or hybrid videos, video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro or iMovie provides powerful editing capabilities. These tools allow you to cut, trim, and sequence video clips, add transitions, and overlay text and graphics.
• Screen Recording Software: If your explainer video involves demonstrating software or an online tool, screen recording software like Camtasia or OBS Studio can be incredibly useful. These tools allow you to capture your screen, add annotations, and record voiceovers to guide viewers through the process.
• Voiceover Recording: A good voiceover can significantly enhance your explainer video. Use software like Audacity for recording and editing your voiceover. Ensure that the audio is clear and free from background noise. Consider using a quality microphone to improve sound quality.

Design and Visual Elements: The visual design of your explainer video plays a crucial role in capturing and maintaining viewer interest.

• Choose a Consistent Style: Whether you’re using animation, live-action, or a combination of both, maintain a consistent visual style throughout the video. This consistency helps reinforce your brand identity.
• Use Brand Colors and Fonts: Incorporate your brand’s colors, fonts, and logos into the video to ensure it aligns with your overall branding. This consistency helps build brand recognition and trust.
• Leverage Visual Metaphors: Visual metaphors are an effective way to simplify complex ideas. For example, if you’re explaining a financial service, you might use a visual of a growing plant to symbolize growth and prosperity.
• Include Subtitles: Adding subtitles can make your video more accessible, especially for viewers who may be watching without sound. Subtitles also enhance comprehension and engagement.

Production Tips: The production phase involves recording and assembling all the elements of your video.

• Recording Live Footage: If your video includes live footage, ensure you use good lighting, stable camera work, and clear audio. Shoot in a quiet environment to minimize background noise, and consider using a tripod to avoid shaky footage.
• Animating Scenes: When animating, pay attention to the pacing of the animation. Ensure that movements are smooth and transitions are seamless. Use motion to guide the viewer’s eye to important elements on the screen.
• Adding Voiceover: Sync the voiceover with the visuals to ensure that the audio complements the action on screen. Avoid long pauses or overly fast narration—aim for a natural, conversational tone.
• Incorporating Background Music: Choose background music that complements the tone of your video without overpowering the voiceover. Many royalty-free music libraries offer a wide range of tracks suitable for different types of videos.

Editing and Refining: Editing is where your video comes together. It’s the phase where you refine your footage, add effects, and ensure everything flows smoothly.

• Cutting and Sequencing: Trim any unnecessary footage to keep the video concise. Sequence the scenes in a way that logically progresses the narrative.
• Adding Transitions: Use transitions to move smoothly from one scene to the next. While transitions like fades and wipes can add a professional touch, they should be used sparingly to avoid distracting the viewer.
• Color Correction: If your video includes live footage, color correction can enhance the visual quality. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to ensure the footage looks polished and professional.
• Final Review: Watch the video multiple times to check for any errors, inconsistencies, or areas that need improvement. Consider sharing it with a few colleagues or friends for feedback before finalizing.

Publishing and Promoting: Once your explainer video is complete, it’s time to share it with the world.

• Uploading to Platforms: Choose the right platforms to upload your video. YouTube is the most popular choice due to its wide reach and searchability. However, consider also uploading it to Vimeo, your company’s website, and social media channels.
• SEO Optimization: Optimize your video for search engines by including relevant keywords in the title, description, and tags. Write a compelling description that includes a link to your website or landing page.
• Social Media Sharing: Share your video on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Tailor your post captions to each platform’s audience and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
• Embedding on Website: Embed the video on key pages of your website, such as the homepage, product pages, or blog posts. This not only enhances user experience but also can improve your site’s SEO.
• Email Marketing: Include the video in your email campaigns. Video thumbnails in emails can significantly increase click-through rates. Use an engaging subject line that highlights the video content.
• Analyzing Performance: After publishing, monitor the performance of your video using analytics tools. Track metrics such as view count, engagement rate, click-through rate, and conversion rate. Use this data to assess the video’s effectiveness and inform future video projects.

Continuous Learning and Improvement: The DIY approach to creating explainer videos is a learning process. As you create more videos, you’ll develop new skills and discover what works best for your audience.

• Stay Updated with Trends: The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new tools, techniques, and trends emerging regularly. Stay informed by following industry blogs, watching tutorials, and experimenting with new styles and formats.
• Learn from Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your audience, whether through comments, likes, or shares. Positive feedback can reinforce what’s working, while constructive criticism can guide adjustments.
• Iterate and Improve: Use the insights gained from your video analytics and audience feedback to refine your approach. Continuously experiment with different video lengths, formats, and promotional strategies to optimize your video marketing efforts.

Creating an explainer video using a DIY approach is entirely feasible for business owners, especially with the wealth of tools and resources available today. By following a structured process—from planning and scriptwriting to production and promotion—you can produce a high-quality explainer video that effectively communicates your message and drives results.

While the DIY approach requires time, effort, and a willingness to learn, it offers complete control over the creative process and can be highly rewarding. As you gain experience, you’ll become more adept at creating engaging, professional-grade videos that resonate with your audience and support your business goals.

While the DIY approach to creating explainer videos offers flexibility and cost savings, enlisting professional support can elevate the quality of your video and ensure it achieves your marketing goals. Professional support comes in various forms, including video production agencies, freelance creators, and even building an in-house team. Each option has its unique benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your business’s needs, budget, and long-term objectives.

Hiring a Video Production Agency: Video production agencies are full-service companies that handle every aspect of video creation, from conceptualization to final editing. Here’s how working with an agency can benefit your business:

• Comprehensive Services: Agencies offer end-to-end services, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, animation, live-action filming, voiceover recording, editing, and post-production. This all-inclusive approach ensures consistency and quality throughout the video creation process.
• Access to Expert Talent: Agencies employ a team of specialists, including creative directors, animators, videographers, and sound engineers. These professionals bring a high level of expertise and creativity to the project, ensuring that your video stands out in a crowded market.
• High Production Quality: With access to state-of-the-art equipment and software, agencies can produce videos with high production values, including crisp visuals, clear audio, and smooth animations. This level of quality can significantly enhance the credibility and professionalism of your brand.
• Time Efficiency: Creating a video requires a significant time investment, especially for businesses that are new to the process. An agency can streamline the process, handling all the details while allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
• Project Management: Agencies typically have project managers who oversee the entire video production process, ensuring that deadlines are met, budgets are adhered to, and the final product aligns with your brand’s vision.
• Custom Solutions: Agencies can tailor their services to meet your specific needs. Whether you require a single explainer video or a series of videos for a larger campaign, an agency can create a custom solution that fits your goals and budget.

How to Choose the Right Agency: Selecting the right video production agency is crucial to the success of your explainer video. Here are some tips on how to make the right choice:

• Portfolio Review: Review the agency’s portfolio to assess the quality of their work and see if their style aligns with your brand. Look for examples of explainer videos they’ve created for other clients, and consider whether their approach resonates with your target audience.
• Client Testimonials: Read client testimonials and case studies to understand the agency’s track record and client satisfaction. Positive feedback from previous clients is a good indicator of the agency’s reliability and effectiveness.
• Industry Experience: Consider whether the agency has experience working with businesses in your industry. An agency familiar with your sector will have a better understanding of your audience, competitive landscape, and unique challenges.
• Creative Process: Ask about the agency’s creative process, including how they develop ideas, collaborate with clients, and ensure the final product aligns with your vision. A transparent and collaborative approach is essential for a successful partnership.
• Budget Considerations: Discuss your budget upfront and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. Ensure that the agency’s pricing aligns with your budget and that there are no hidden fees. Some agencies offer packages or tiered pricing based on the scope of the project.

Engaging a Freelancer: Freelancers offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to agencies. They are often specialists in a particular area of video production, such as scriptwriting, animation, or editing. Here’s why hiring a freelancer might be the right choice for your business:

• Flexibility: Freelancers can be hired for specific tasks or entire projects, allowing you to scale up or down based on your needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
• Specialized Skills: Many freelancers focus on a specific area of video production, such as animation, voiceover, or editing. If you need a particular skill set, a freelancer with expertise in that area can deliver high-quality results.
• Cost-Effective: Freelancers typically charge lower rates than agencies, making them a more affordable option for businesses with smaller budgets. Additionally, you can avoid the overhead costs associated with working with an agency.
• Direct Communication: When working with a freelancer, you communicate directly with the person responsible for creating your video. This direct line of communication can lead to faster decision-making and a more personalized service.
• Agility and Speed: Freelancers can often start work quickly and deliver results in a shorter timeframe than agencies. This agility is advantageous for businesses that need to produce content on a tight schedule.

How to Find and Hire the Right Freelancer: Finding the right freelancer requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of your project’s needs. Here are some steps to help you find the ideal candidate:

• Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com are popular places to find freelancers. These platforms allow you to browse profiles, read reviews, and view portfolios to evaluate a freelancer’s skills and experience.
• Portfolio Evaluation: Review the freelancer’s portfolio to assess the quality of their work and see if their style matches your vision. Look for examples of explainer videos or similar projects they’ve completed.
• Client Reviews and Ratings: Read client reviews and ratings to gauge the freelancer’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to meet deadlines. Positive reviews from previous clients are a good sign of a freelancer’s competence.
• Interviewing Candidates: Conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates to discuss your project in detail. Ask about their creative process, how they handle revisions, and their approach to meeting deadlines. This conversation will give you a sense of their communication skills and compatibility with your project.
• Trial Projects: If you’re unsure about hiring a freelancer for a large project, consider starting with a smaller trial project. This approach allows you to assess their work quality and reliability before committing to a more significant investment.

Building an In-House Team: For businesses with ongoing video production needs, building an in-house team can be a strategic investment. An in-house team allows for greater control over the creative process and ensures that video production is closely aligned with your brand’s overall marketing strategy.

• Greater Control and Consistency: An in-house team works exclusively for your business, ensuring that all video content is consistent with your brand’s voice, style, and messaging. This control allows for a more cohesive marketing strategy across all platforms.
• Cost Efficiency Over Time: While the initial investment in building an in-house team may be higher, it can be more cost-effective in the long run if you have a continuous need for video content. You’ll save on agency fees and have the flexibility to produce content as needed.
• Faster Turnaround Times: With an in-house team, you can produce videos more quickly since there’s no need to go through the hiring process for each new project. This speed is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive campaigns or when you need to respond quickly to market trends.
• Tailored Expertise: When building your team, you can hire specialists who are experts in areas critical to your video production needs, such as animation, editing, or scriptwriting. This tailored expertise ensures that your videos are of the highest quality.

Key Roles in an In-House Team: When building an in-house video production team, consider hiring for the following key roles:

• Creative Director: Responsible for overseeing the overall vision and creative direction of your videos. The creative director ensures that all content aligns with your brand’s messaging and goals.
• Scriptwriter: Develops the scripts for your videos, ensuring that the messaging is clear, engaging, and aligned with your marketing objectives.
• Animator/Video Editor: Handles the technical aspects of video production, including animation, editing, and post-production. This role is crucial for ensuring that your videos are polished and professional.
• Videographer: If your videos include live-action footage, a videographer is responsible for filming, lighting, and ensuring the visual quality of the footage.
• Voiceover Artist: Provides the voice for your videos, ensuring that the narration is clear, engaging, and appropriate for your target audience.

How to Build and Manage an In-House Team: Building an in-house team requires careful planning and a commitment to nurturing talent. Here’s how to get started:

• Define Your Needs: Determine the types of videos you’ll be producing regularly and the skills required to create them. This assessment will help you identify the key roles needed for your team.
• Recruitment: Use job boards, professional networks, and industry events to find candidates with the necessary skills and experience. Consider offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.
• Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration within your team by fostering a creative and supportive work environment. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops can help ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common goals.
• Invest in Training: Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to keep your team’s skills sharp and up to date with the latest trends and technologies in video production.
• Manage Workloads: Ensure that workloads are manageable and that deadlines are realistic. This approach helps maintain the quality of your videos and prevents burnout among team members.

Whether you choose to work with a video production agency, hire a freelancer, or build an in-house team, professional support can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your explainer videos. Each option offers unique benefits, and the right choice will depend on your business’s needs, budget, and long-term goals.

By carefully selecting the right professional support, you can ensure that your explainer videos are not only visually compelling but also strategically aligned with your marketing objectives, driving engagement and conversions for your business.

Case studies and examples provide real-world insights into how businesses have successfully leveraged explainer videos for marketing, customer engagement, and sales growth. Below are some detailed examples showcasing the effectiveness of explainer videos across different industries:

Dropbox

• Challenge: Dropbox, a file storage and sharing service, was relatively unknown when it launched and needed to explain its concept in a simple and engaging way to drive user adoption.
• Solution: Dropbox created a simple, animated explainer video that clearly demonstrated how the service works, focusing on ease of use and the key benefits of using Dropbox over traditional methods like USB drives or email attachments.
• Results: The video was highly effective in conveying the value proposition and quickly went viral, contributing to Dropbox’s rapid growth. Within a few years, the video helped Dropbox grow its user base from 100,000 to over 4 million. The simplicity and clarity of the explainer video were key factors in driving conversions.

Dollar Shave Club

• Challenge: Dollar Shave Club, a subscription service for razor blades, needed to differentiate itself in a competitive market dominated by established brands.
• Solution: The company produced a humorous, direct-to-camera explainer video featuring the CEO walking through a warehouse, explaining the benefits of Dollar Shave Club’s service. The video used a conversational tone, humor, and clear messaging to appeal to its target audience.
• Results: The video became an overnight success, generating 12,000 orders within the first 48 hours of its release. It helped Dollar Shave Club build a strong brand identity, leading to exponential growth and eventual acquisition by Unilever for $1 billion. The video is often cited as a classic example of how a well-crafted explainer video can lead to explosive brand growth.

Crazy Egg

• Challenge: Crazy Egg, a website heatmap tool, needed to explain its complex product to potential customers in a way that was easy to understand and demonstrated the tool’s value.
• Solution: Crazy Egg created a short, animated explainer video that visually showed how the tool works and the benefits it offers, such as identifying where users click on a website. The video was designed to simplify a complex topic and make it accessible to a broad audience.
• Results: After launching the explainer video, Crazy Egg saw a 64% increase in conversion rates. The video was instrumental in educating potential customers about the product and driving sign-ups. This case demonstrates how explainer videos can be particularly effective for complex or technical products.

Mint

• Challenge: Mint, a personal finance app, needed to attract users to its platform by explaining its unique features and benefits in a crowded market.
• Solution: Mint produced a clean, animated explainer video that walked viewers through the app’s features, focusing on ease of use, security, and how it could help users manage their finances more effectively. The video used simple animations and a clear voiceover to guide viewers through the app’s capabilities.
• Results: The explainer video played a significant role in Mint’s growth, helping the app acquire 20,000 users within six months of launch. The video’s success was due to its ability to demystify financial management and present it as an easy, accessible solution. Mint was eventually acquired by Intuit for $170 million.

Spotify

• Challenge: Spotify, a music streaming service, needed to introduce its concept to new users and explain the benefits of its premium subscription service.
• Solution: Spotify created a series of explainer videos that highlighted different features of the platform, such as playlist creation, offline listening, and personalized recommendations. These videos were designed to be both informative and visually engaging, using a mix of animation and live-action footage.
• Results: The explainer videos were instrumental in driving sign-ups for Spotify’s premium service. By clearly communicating the benefits and features, Spotify was able to convert free users into paying subscribers, contributing to its global growth and dominance in the music streaming industry.

Zendesk

• Challenge: Zendesk, a customer service software provider, needed to explain its suite of tools to potential customers in a way that demonstrated the software’s benefits and ease of use.
• Solution: Zendesk produced an explainer video that used animation to walk viewers through the customer service challenges businesses face and how Zendesk’s tools could solve these issues. The video was designed to resonate with customer service professionals and decision-makers.
• Results: The explainer video helped Zendesk significantly increase its lead generation and customer acquisition efforts. It became a key asset in Zendesk’s marketing toolkit, contributing to the company’s growth and success in the customer service software market.

Key Takeaways from the Case Studies

These case studies highlight several key takeaways for businesses considering using explainer videos:

• Clarity and Simplicity: The most effective explainer videos are those that clearly and simply explain the product or service. This approach helps potential customers quickly understand the value proposition.
• Engagement Through Storytelling: Many successful explainer videos use storytelling techniques to engage viewers and make the content more relatable. Whether through humor, a narrative, or visual metaphors, storytelling helps make the content more memorable.
• Targeted Messaging: Tailoring the video’s content to the specific needs and pain points of the target audience can significantly increase its effectiveness. By addressing the viewer’s concerns directly, the video is more likely to resonate and drive action.
• Measurable Impact: The success of these videos is often reflected in measurable outcomes such as increased conversion rates, user sign-ups, and sales growth. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of investing in a well-crafted explainer video.

Explainer videos are a powerful tool for businesses across various industries, providing a clear, engaging way to communicate complex ideas, showcase products, and drive conversions. The case studies and examples above illustrate how strategic use of explainer videos can lead to significant business growth, making them an essential component of modern digital marketing strategies.

Explainer videos have proven to be a versatile and powerful tool for businesses looking to communicate their message clearly and effectively. Whether you are introducing a new product, simplifying complex information, or enhancing brand awareness, an explainer video can bridge the gap between your business and your audience. By investing in high-quality production—whether through a DIY approach or professional support—you can create compelling content that resonates with viewers and drives measurable results. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, incorporating explainer videos into your marketing strategy is not just beneficial but essential for staying competitive and engaging your audience effectively.

Creating and promoting explainer videos effectively requires access to a range of tools, platforms, and learning materials. Below is a comprehensive list of resources that can help you at every stage of the explainer video production process, whether you’re taking a DIY approach or seeking professional support.

Video Creation Tools: These tools are essential for crafting high-quality explainer videos, offering everything from animation capabilities to video editing and screen recording.

• Powtoon: A user-friendly platform for creating animated explainer videos. Powtoon offers a variety of templates, characters, and animations that make it easy for beginners to create professional-looking videos without needing advanced skills.
• Animaker: Another popular choice for animated videos, Animaker provides a wide range of assets, including backgrounds, props, and characters. It’s particularly useful for businesses looking to create engaging, visually appealing content on a budget.
• Vyond: Vyond is ideal for businesses that need a more advanced animation platform. It allows for greater customization and offers a variety of styles, including whiteboard animation and infographics. It’s perfect for creating detailed, informative videos that align with your brand’s aesthetics.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: A professional-grade video editing tool, Adobe Premiere Pro is widely used in the industry for editing both live-action and animated videos. It offers extensive features for cutting, editing, color correction, and adding special effects.
• Final Cut Pro: Similar to Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro is a powerful video editing tool designed for Mac users. It’s favored by professionals for its robust features and user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for businesses that want to produce high-quality videos in-house.
• Camtasia: Ideal for businesses looking to create screen recordings, Camtasia offers a simple, intuitive interface for capturing and editing video footage. It’s particularly useful for software tutorials and educational videos.
• Audacity: A free, open-source audio editing software, Audacity is excellent for recording and editing voiceovers. It’s compatible with a wide range of file formats and offers features like noise reduction and audio effects, making it a valuable tool for ensuring high-quality sound in your explainer videos.

Scriptwriting and Storyboarding Resources: Creating a compelling script and storyboard is crucial for ensuring that your explainer video is clear, engaging, and effective.

• Celtx: Celtx is a comprehensive scriptwriting and storyboarding tool that’s popular in the film and video production industry. It allows you to write scripts, create storyboards, and manage production schedules, making it a valuable resource for planning your explainer video.
• Final Draft: Known as the industry standard for scriptwriting, Final Draft offers advanced features like formatting assistance, revision tracking, and collaboration tools. It’s ideal for businesses that want to ensure their scripts are professionally written and polished.
• Storyboard That: A web-based tool that helps you create detailed storyboards for your explainer videos. It offers a drag-and-drop interface with customizable scenes, characters, and text, making it easy to visualize your video before production begins.
• Plotagon: For those interested in creating simple, animated storyboards, Plotagon offers an intuitive platform where you can create and animate characters, write dialogues, and visualize your script.

Voiceover and Sound Resources: High-quality audio is a key component of a successful explainer video. These resources can help you find voiceover talent and background music.

• Voices.com: One of the largest online marketplaces for voiceover talent, Voices.com allows you to search for and hire professional voice actors for your explainer videos. The platform offers a wide range of voice styles, languages, and accents.
• Fiverr: Fiverr is a platform where you can find freelancers offering voiceover services at various price points. It’s a great option for businesses looking for affordable yet professional voiceover talent.
• AudioJungle: A vast library of royalty-free music tracks and sound effects, AudioJungle is perfect for adding background music to your explainer videos. You can find music in a variety of genres to match the tone and mood of your video.
• Epidemic Sound: Another popular source for royalty-free music, Epidemic Sound offers a subscription-based service where you can access a wide range of high-quality music tracks and sound effects.

Hosting and Distribution Platforms: Once your explainer video is complete, you’ll need to host and distribute it to reach your target audience.

• YouTube: The most widely used platform for video hosting and sharing, YouTube is essential for businesses looking to reach a broad audience. It’s also a powerful search engine in its own right, making it an important platform for SEO and content discovery.
• Vimeo: Vimeo offers a more professional platform for hosting videos, with advanced privacy settings, high-quality streaming, and customization options. It’s ideal for businesses that want to maintain a polished brand image.
• Wistia: A video hosting platform designed specifically for businesses, Wistia offers features like detailed analytics, customizable video players, and integration with marketing tools. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that want to track the performance of their videos and integrate them into their broader marketing strategy.
• Brightcove: A leading video hosting and distribution platform, Brightcove offers enterprise-level features like live streaming, video monetization, and advanced analytics. It’s suitable for large businesses with extensive video marketing needs.

Learning and Development Resources: Continuous learning is essential for mastering the art of explainer video production. The following resources offer courses, tutorials, and insights to help you improve your skills.

• Udemy: Udemy offers a wide range of online courses covering all aspects of video production, from scriptwriting to editing. Courses are available for all skill levels and often include practical exercises and projects.
• Skillshare: Similar to Udemy, Skillshare provides video-based courses on various topics, including animation, video editing, and content marketing. It’s a great platform for learning new techniques and improving your video production skills.
• Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning): Lynda.com, now part of LinkedIn Learning, offers professional courses on video production, animation, and marketing. The platform is known for its high-quality content and expert instructors.
• YouTube Tutorials: YouTube is a treasure trove of free tutorials on virtually every aspect of video production. Whether you’re looking to learn about a specific software tool or general tips on creating effective explainer videos, you’ll find countless resources on YouTube.

Marketing and Promotion Resources: Promoting your explainer video effectively is just as important as creating it. These resources can help you with video marketing strategies and tools.

• HubSpot Video Marketing Blog: HubSpot’s blog offers a wealth of information on video marketing strategies, trends, and best practices. It’s a great resource for learning how to integrate explainer videos into your overall marketing plan.
• Vidyard Blog: Vidyard specializes in video marketing for businesses and provides insights, tips, and case studies on how to use videos effectively for marketing, sales, and customer engagement.
• Google Ads: If you’re interested in using paid advertising to promote your explainer video, Google Ads is a powerful platform for reaching your target audience through video ads on YouTube and the Google Display Network.
• Facebook Ads: Facebook Ads allows you to promote your explainer video across Facebook and Instagram, using advanced targeting options to reach specific demographics and interests.
• SEO Resources: To ensure your explainer video is discoverable online, use SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner and Moz to research keywords and optimize your video’s title, description, and tags.

These additional resources provide the tools, platforms, and learning materials you need to create, distribute, and promote high-quality explainer videos. Whether you’re taking a DIY approach or seeking professional support, leveraging these resources will help you produce videos that effectively communicate your message and drive results for your business. By continuously learning and adapting your strategies, you can ensure that your explainer videos remain a powerful component of your marketing toolkit.