Running a business is a juggling act. You’re managing operations, marketing, sales, and a million other things. Finding the time and resources to effectively communicate your value proposition can feel overwhelming. That’s where explainer video production comes in. A well-crafted explainer video can do the heavy lifting for you, explaining your product or service clearly and concisely, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your business. This post will explore the benefits of explainer videos, the different types available, and how to choose the right production company to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, explainer videos can be a powerful tool for growth.
Key Takeaways
- Explainer videos drive business growth: They boost engagement, clarify your message, and ultimately help convert viewers into customers. Choose the style that best reflects your brand, from 2D animation to live action.
- A clear process leads to better results: From concept and script to final delivery, a structured production process ensures a smooth and successful outcome. Collaborate closely with your production team for the best results.
- Promote strategically and measure impact: Distribute your video across multiple platforms and track its performance. Use data-driven insights to refine your strategy and maximize your video’s reach and effectiveness.
What Are Explainer Videos and How Can They Benefit Your Business?
What is an Explainer Video?
An explainer video is a short video, typically used for marketing, that highlights a company’s product, service, or business idea clearly and engagingly. Think of it as your elevator pitch, brought to life with visuals and sound. Instead of reading paragraphs of text, potential customers can quickly grasp your value proposition in a minute or two. These videos are incredibly versatile and can be used on your website, social media platforms, and even in sales presentations. At Anthony Animates, we specialize in creating explainer videos that not only explain but also persuade, turning viewers into customers. See how we bring ideas to life through our 2D explainer video services.
Key Benefits for Businesses
Explainer videos are more than just pretty pictures; they’re a powerful tool for business growth. One of the biggest advantages is increased engagement. People are far more likely to watch a video than read a wall of text. This increased engagement translates directly into higher conversion rates. Adding a video to your landing page can increase conversions by a significant margin. Whether you’re a startup making a splash or a local business connecting with your community, explainer videos offer a strong return on investment. They can also improve your search engine optimization and build stronger brand recognition. Ready to explore how an explainer video can help your business? Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you craft a video strategy that aligns with your goals and target audience.
Types of Explainer Videos: Choosing the Right Style
Finding the right explainer video style is key to connecting with your audience and achieving your marketing goals. Each style offers a unique approach to storytelling and visual appeal. Let’s explore some popular options:
2D Animation Explainer Videos
2D animation is a versatile and popular choice for explainer videos, offering a balance of creativity, engagement, and affordability. Think of those classic cartoon styles, but modernized and tailored to explain your business. This style excels at simplifying complex ideas, making them digestible for your audience. 2D animation allows for a high degree of customization, letting you develop characters and visuals that perfectly match your brand. If you’re looking for a flexible and engaging format, 2D animation might be the perfect fit. See how we bring your vision to life with our 2D explainer video services.
3D Animation Explainer Videos
Want to create a truly immersive experience? 3D animation offers a level of realism and visual depth that can captivate viewers. This style is particularly well-suited for showcasing products with intricate details, like tech gadgets or machinery. Imagine giving your audience a virtual tour of your product before they even buy it! 3D animation can make your product tangible, even in a digital space. While often more resource-intensive than 2D, the impact of 3D animation can be substantial, especially for businesses looking to highlight the intricacies of their products or services. Learn more about our 3D animated explainer video services.
Whiteboard Animation Explainer Videos
Whiteboard animation offers a simple yet effective way to explain complex concepts. The hand-drawn style, often created in a time-lapse format, gives a sense of immediacy and personal touch. This approach is excellent for educational content, breaking down intricate processes step by step. Whiteboard animation can be particularly effective for businesses offering services, allowing you to visually demonstrate how your service works and its benefits. If you’re looking for a clear and concise way to explain your business, consider our whiteboard animation explainer video services.
Live-Action Explainer Videos
Live-action explainer videos use real people and settings to connect with your audience on a personal level. This style can build trust and authenticity, especially when showcasing your team, company culture, or customer testimonials. Think of it as inviting your audience behind the scenes. Live-action is a powerful way to humanize your brand and build rapport with potential customers. If you’re looking to create a genuine connection and showcase the human side of your business, live-action might be the right choice. Contact us to discuss your live-action video needs.
The Explainer Video Production Process: From Concept to Delivery
Creating a compelling explainer video involves a structured process. Understanding each stage, from initial concept to final delivery, ensures a smooth and successful outcome. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when working with a professional explainer video company like Anthony Animates:
Develop a Concept and Script
Every great video starts with a solid concept. This phase involves brainstorming ideas, defining your target audience, and establishing the core message. Think about the problem your product or service solves and how to best communicate that. Once the concept is clear, scriptwriting begins. A concise, engaging script is crucial. Grab attention with a strong hook, clearly explain the problem and your solution, and end with a compelling call to action. Clarity is key—your audience should easily grasp your message.
Create Storyboards and Visuals
After finalizing the script, visual storytelling begins. Storyboarding is like a comic book version of your video. It maps out each scene, outlining visuals, characters, and on-screen text. This stage brings your script to life. Use visuals strategically, focusing on graphics that enhance understanding and engagement, rather than simply mirroring the words. Leveraging customer data like keyword research and social media comments helps pinpoint relevant visual elements for your target audience.
Animate or Film
This is where the magic happens. Depending on the style of your explainer video—2D animation, 3D animation, whiteboard animation, or live-action—the production team will either start animating or filming. Video length is a key consideration. Shorter is often better for holding viewer attention. Aim for 60-90 seconds to maximize impact without losing your audience.
Add Voice-Over and Sound Design
With the visuals in place, it’s time to add audio. A professional voice-over artist brings your script to life, adding personality and emotion. Carefully selected background music and sound effects enhance the viewing experience, creating atmosphere and emphasizing key moments. The right voice-over and sound design significantly elevates your video’s impact.
Make Final Edits and Deliver
The final stage polishes the video. This includes editing visuals, fine-tuning audio, and adding any necessary special effects. Engaging content is important, but avoid unnecessary filler. Respect your audience’s time by keeping the message concise. Once the final edits are approved, the video is ready for delivery and integration into your marketing strategy. Share your explainer video across various platforms, from your website to social media. Ready to get started? Contact Anthony Animates to discuss your project or send your ideas for a video.
What Do Explainer Videos Cost?
Budgeting for an explainer video can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ll break down the factors that influence cost and offer practical tips for startups and local businesses. Understanding these elements will help you make informed decisions and get the best value for your investment.
Factors Influencing Explainer Video Costs
Several factors play a role in determining the final price of your explainer video. Think of it like building a house—the more complex the design and the higher-end the materials, the greater the expense. Similarly, video length, animation style (like 2D or 3D), and production method all contribute to the overall cost. A short, simple 2D animated explainer video will naturally be more affordable than a lengthy, complex 3D animation.
The production method you choose also matters. DIY videos using stock footage and free software can save money, but they may lack the polish and professionalism of a video created by an experienced animation studio. Factors like a larger crew, specialized equipment, and complex character design will also increase the cost. Finally, consider the experience and reputation of the production company. Established companies with a proven track record often command higher rates.
Typical Price Ranges for Different Styles
To give you a ballpark figure, explainer videos can range from a few hundred dollars for basic DIY projects to tens of thousands of dollars for high-end productions. For professional animated explainer videos, you might see prices starting around $5,000 and going upwards of $200,000 for premium services, as highlighted by Synthesia. Companies like Yum Yum Videos, known for their quality work, typically charge between $7,000 and $15,000 per video, while studios like Demo Duck start at $16,000 for a 60-second video. Remember, these are just averages, and the actual cost will depend on your specific needs and the complexity of your project. At Anthony Animates, we offer competitive pricing tailored to the unique requirements of startups and local businesses. Get in touch for a personalized quote.
Budgeting Tips for Different Business Sizes
Whether you’re a bootstrapped startup or an established local business, planning your video budget wisely is crucial. Start by defining your marketing goals and target audience. This will help you determine the type of video that will be most effective. For startups with limited resources, a shorter, simpler video focused on a core message might be the most strategic approach. Consider exploring DIY options or working with smaller production companies to manage costs. You can also explore options like whiteboard animation which can be a cost-effective way to explain complex ideas.
As your business grows, you can invest in more sophisticated videos to expand your brand reach and explore different animation styles. For established local businesses, investing in high-quality explainer videos can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and drive conversions. Remember, a well-crafted explainer video is a valuable asset that can yield long-term returns. Request a quote from Anthony Animates to explore how we can help you create a compelling video within your budget.
How to Choose the Right Explainer Video Production Company
Finding the perfect explainer video production company can feel overwhelming. But with a little research and the right questions, you can find a partner who understands your vision. Here’s what to look for:
Evaluate Portfolios
A company’s portfolio offers a glimpse into their creative style and capabilities. Think of it as a first impression—you’re getting a feel for their work and whether it aligns with your brand. Do their videos tell compelling stories? Look for a range of examples showcasing different animation styles and industries. At Anthony Animates, we showcase our 2D, 3D, and whiteboard animation work directly on our site so you can see what we offer. Take the time to review potential partners’ portfolios—it’s a crucial step in finding the right fit.
Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
Client testimonials and reviews provide valuable, candid feedback. They offer insights into what it’s like working with a specific company. Look for comments about professionalism, communication, and the final product’s quality. Were clients satisfied? Did the company meet deadlines and budgets? Honest feedback from previous clients can reveal a company’s reliability and commitment to client satisfaction.
Assess Communication and Collaboration Approach
Creating an explainer video is a collaborative effort. You need a partner who listens, understands your brand, and keeps you informed throughout the project. Ask about their communication style and project management process. Do they provide regular updates? How do they handle feedback? A strong partnership built on clear communication is essential for a successful video production. At Anthony Animates, we prioritize close collaboration with our clients from initial concept to final delivery.
Consider Industry Experience and Expertise
While a generalist video production company might work, partnering with a team that understands your industry can be invaluable. They’ll grasp your market’s nuances and be better equipped to create a video that resonates with your target audience. Look for companies with experience creating videos for similar businesses. This targeted expertise can significantly impact your video’s effectiveness.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Explainer Videos
Creating an explainer video that truly resonates with your audience involves more than just stringing together animated clips. Here are some best practices to ensure your video hits the mark:
Keep It Short and Engaging
Grabbing and holding attention online is a challenge. Think of your audience’s time as a precious commodity. Aim for an explainer video length between 60-90 seconds. As Venture Videos points out in their discussion of common explainer video mistakes, anything longer risks losing viewers. A concise video delivers your message efficiently and respects your audience’s time. Consider using quick cuts, dynamic visuals, and a punchy voiceover to maintain engagement.
Focus on the Problem and Solution
A great explainer video clearly identifies a pain point your target audience experiences and then presents your product or service as the solution. Start by establishing the problem. Then, as suggested by Epipheo’s best practices guide, seamlessly guide viewers toward your offering as the natural answer. This problem-solution framework provides a clear narrative that viewers can easily follow and connect with.
Use Compelling Visuals and Characters
Visual storytelling is at the heart of every successful explainer video. Use high-quality graphics and animation to enhance your message, not just reiterate it. Forbes emphasizes the importance of using visuals to add depth and understanding. Consider incorporating memorable characters that embody your brand’s personality and resonate with your target audience. Whether you choose 2D animation, 3D animation, or whiteboard animation, ensure your visuals are polished and professional.
Write a Clear and Concise Script
Your script is the foundation of your explainer video. It should be clear, concise, and engaging, just like the video itself. Cognitive’s guide to crafting compelling explainer videos recommends starting with a strong hook to capture attention immediately. Follow this with a brief explanation of the problem and how your solution addresses it. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and focus on delivering your message effectively.
Include a Strong Call to Action
Every explainer video needs a clear call to action. What do you want viewers to do after watching? Whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a free trial, or contacting your sales team, make sure your call to action is prominent and easy to follow. Lovo highlights the importance of a strong call to action in any marketing effort. A compelling call to action can significantly impact your video’s effectiveness and drive results. If you’re ready to discuss your video ideas, contact us or request a quote.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Explainer Video Production
Creating a compelling explainer video involves more than just stringing together animated clips. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your video effectively communicates your message and achieves your marketing goals. Contact us at Anthony Animates to discuss your next explainer video project.
Overcomplicating the Message
When it comes to explainer videos, simplicity is key. Remember, your audience’s attention span is limited. Venture Videos advises keeping your video concise, ideally between 60-90 seconds. Resist the urge to cram in every single detail about your product or service. Instead, focus on a single core message and deliver it clearly. A shorter, focused video will keep viewers engaged and make them more likely to absorb your key information. Think elevator pitch, not documentary. Check out our 2D explainer video services for inspiration.
Neglecting the Target Audience
Before you even start storyboarding, identify your target audience. An explainer video designed for everyone resonates with no one. Motion Gility emphasizes the importance of tailoring your video to a specific audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and pain points. What language resonates with them? What are their priorities? Understanding your audience will help you craft a message that speaks directly to them and motivates them to take action. Learn more about creating targeted videos on our services page.
Skimping on Production Quality
High-quality visuals are essential, but don’t overlook audio. Poor audio can instantly turn viewers off, no matter how impressive your animation is. Sharp Eye Animation recommends working with professional voice actors. A trained voice actor can deliver your script with clarity and engaging inflection, giving your video a professional touch. Investing in quality audio is an investment in your brand’s image. Explore our 3D animation services to see the impact of professional quality.
Forgetting the Call to Action
What do you want viewers to do after watching your video? Visit your website? Request a quote? Make sure your video includes a clear and compelling call to action. Lovo.ai highlights the importance of a strong call to action in any marketing effort. Tell your audience exactly what steps to take next and make it easy for them to follow through. A well-crafted call to action can significantly impact your video’s conversion rate. Send us your ideas for a video and let us help you create a compelling call to action.
Measure and Promote Your Explainer Video
Creating a high-quality explainer video is a fantastic first step, but it’s only half the battle. To truly reap the rewards, you need to measure its effectiveness and actively promote it to your target audience. This section will guide you through that process.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Before launching your video, decide which metrics matter most to your business goals. Are you aiming for brand awareness, lead generation, or increased sales? Common key performance indicators (KPIs) include:
- View count: The total number of times your video has been viewed. This provides a basic measure of reach.
- Play rate: The percentage of visitors who click “play” on your video. A low play rate might indicate issues with your video thumbnail or placement.
- Engagement rate: This measures how viewers interact with your video, including likes, comments, and shares. High engagement suggests your content resonates with your audience.
- Conversion rate: If your video aims to drive specific actions (like signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase), track how many viewers complete those actions.
- Audience retention: This shows how long viewers watch your video. Drop-off points can highlight areas for improvement in pacing or content.
- Click-through rate: If you include clickable elements in your video or its description, track how many viewers click through to your website or landing page.
Understanding these KPIs will help you assess your video’s performance and make data-driven decisions. The cost of producing an explainer video can vary, so tracking your return on investment through these KPIs is essential.
Tools for Tracking Video Performance
Several tools can help you monitor your video’s performance. If you’re hosting your video on YouTube or Vimeo, their built-in analytics dashboards provide valuable data. For videos embedded on your website, Google Analytics can track views, engagement, and conversions. Social media platforms also offer insights into video performance on their respective channels. Remember, including a video on a landing page can significantly improve conversion rates, so close monitoring is key.
Effective Promotion Strategies
Once your video is live, strategic promotion is crucial for maximizing its reach. Explainer videos are a powerful marketing tool, but they won’t magically solve all your marketing challenges. Consider these promotional tactics:
- Social media marketing: Share your video across relevant social media platforms, tailoring your message to each audience. Engage with viewers in the comments and encourage sharing.
- Email marketing: Include your video in email newsletters and targeted campaigns to reach your existing subscribers.
- Website integration: Embed your video on your website’s homepage, product pages, or blog posts where it aligns with the content. For example, if you offer 2D explainer videos, feature a relevant video example on that service page.
- Paid advertising: Use targeted ads on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to reach a wider audience.
- Influencer marketing: Partner with relevant influencers in your industry to promote your video to their followers.
- Public relations: Reach out to media outlets and bloggers who might be interested in featuring your video.
Remember to use customer data to inform your promotional strategies. Understanding your audience’s interests and online behavior will help you target your efforts effectively. If you’re a local business like a plumber, focus your promotion on local online communities.
Leverage Social Media and SEO
Social media and SEO are powerful tools for expanding your video’s reach. On social media, eye-catching visuals and engaging storytelling can significantly increase shareability. For SEO, optimize your video title, description, and tags with relevant keywords to improve its visibility in search results. For example, if you create whiteboard animation videos, use keywords like “whiteboard animation,” “explainer video,” and terms related to your clients’ industries. Presenting a clear problem and solution not only captivates viewers but also aligns your content with search intent, further boosting your SEO efforts. Consider adding captions or transcripts to your video to improve accessibility and searchability.
Maximize ROI: Integrate Explainer Videos into Your Marketing Strategy
Creating a great explainer video is just the first step. To truly maximize your return on investment, you need to integrate it effectively into your overall marketing strategy. Think of your explainer video as a powerful tool to amplify your marketing efforts across various channels.
Align Videos with Marketing Goals
Before you even start storyboarding, ask yourself: what do I want this video to achieve? Are you trying to drive traffic to your website, generate leads, or increase brand awareness? Understanding your goals will inform every decision you make about your video, from the script and visuals to the distribution strategy. For example, if lead generation is your goal, your video should include a clear call to action, like visiting a landing page or signing up for a newsletter. Use your existing customer data—things like keyword research, social media comments, and site search data—to pinpoint topics that resonate with your audience. As Forbes highlights, effective explainer videos use visuals to enhance understanding, not just to mirror the narration. At Anthony Animates, we work closely with our clients to ensure their videos align perfectly with their specific marketing objectives. Contact us to discuss your goals and how an explainer video can help you achieve them.
Distribute on Multiple Platforms
Once your explainer video is polished and ready, share it with the world! Don’t limit yourself to a single platform. Think about where your target audience spends their time online and make sure your video is there. Your website is a natural home for your explainer video, perhaps on your homepage or a dedicated product page. Social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer huge potential for reach and engagement. VideoScribe emphasizes the importance of a multi-platform approach to maximize visibility. Consider incorporating your video into email marketing campaigns to nurture leads and engage existing customers. The more places your video lives, the more opportunities you have to connect with potential customers.
Repurpose Video Content
Don’t let your explainer video gather dust after its initial launch. Repurposing your video content is a smart way to extend its lifespan and reach a wider audience. Create shorter snippets or teasers for social media, turning your longer video into bite-sized content that’s perfect for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels. These shorter clips can also be used in email newsletters or embedded in blog posts. As Lovo.ai points out, respecting your audience’s time is crucial. Shorter, focused clips can be more effective than a full-length video in certain contexts. Think creatively about how you can repurpose your video to get the most mileage out of it.
Improve Continuously Based on Data
Just like any other marketing initiative, you should track the performance of your explainer video and use data to make improvements. Use analytics tools to monitor key metrics like watch time, engagement, and conversion rates. Cognitive recommends starting your video with a strong hook and ending with a clear call to action. Pay attention to how viewers interact with your video. Are they dropping off at a certain point? Is your call to action effective? Use this data to inform future video projects and optimize your existing content for better results. Continuously analyzing and refining your approach will help you create explainer videos that truly resonate with your audience and deliver a strong ROI. Ready to get started with explainer video production? Request a quote from Anthony Animates today.
Related Articles
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- How Product Animation Videos Can Transform Your Marketing Strategy – Explainer Video Services
- Corporate Video Production Guide for Local Businesses
- Explainer Video Services Startups | Simplify Your Story
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the typical length of an explainer video?
While explainer videos can vary in length, the sweet spot is generally between 60 and 90 seconds. Keeping it concise helps maintain viewer engagement and deliver your message effectively. Longer videos are fine if the content warrants it, but always prioritize delivering value quickly.
How much does an explainer video cost?
The cost of an explainer video depends on several factors, including the length, animation style (2D, 3D, whiteboard, etc.), and the production company’s experience. Simple DIY videos can be created on a smaller budget, while high-end productions can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For professional animated explainer videos, expect prices to start around $5,000. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
What’s the best way to use an explainer video on my website?
Placement depends on your goals. If you want to introduce your company, placing the video on your homepage makes sense. For product-specific information, embed the video on relevant product pages. Using a video on a landing page can also significantly improve conversion rates. Experiment with different placements and track results to see what works best for your business.
How do I choose the right animation style for my explainer video?
Consider your brand, message, and target audience. 2D animation is versatile and engaging, while 3D animation offers a more immersive experience. Whiteboard animation is great for simplifying complex ideas, and live-action adds a personal touch. Review examples of each style to see which best aligns with your vision and budget.
What’s the process for creating an explainer video with a production company?
It typically starts with a consultation to discuss your goals and target audience. Then, the company develops a concept and script, creates storyboards and visuals, and moves into production (animation or filming). Voice-over and sound design are added, followed by final edits and delivery. Clear communication and collaboration throughout the process are key to a successful outcome.
