Also known as promo videos, explainers play a key role in growing your brand’s clientele. With a high-quality logo, branding is all about the initial impression your website visitors get. High-quality explainer videos give you the chance to tell your target what your company is all about and your mission. Perhaps you can say the same thing in several paragraphs, but a 3-minute explainer video can say more than an 800-word sales copy. Besides, explainer videos are more engaging, sharable, and streamlined than most types of content.
According to the video experts at Spiel, creating explainer videos isn’t challenging as long as you understand what’s expected. With the right guide, you don’t have to spend a lot of resources unnecessarily. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you create professional explainer videos.
Choose the right type of explainer video.
It is easy to think that producing explainer videos for your business is costly. This is not always the reality. You just need to know various options and choose what’s best for your business and fits your budget. There are different types of explainer videos, such as animated explainer videos, live-action explainer videos, screencast videos, and more.
Each type of explainer video is best targeted to a specific audience. For example, screencast explainer videos involve a screen recording and voice cover that can guide the viewer through how a product works, a complex concept, or a guide to doing anything else. These videos work best for technical products such as software. Keep in mind that each type of video is likely to have varying costs due to the specific equipment and skills you need.
Create a script and a storyboard for your videos
Now that you’ve decided the type of explainer video you need, it is time to write an excellent script and plan the visuals with a well-thought-out storyboard. Even when your script is a single pillow and your storyboard contains one scene, it is important to put everything down on paper and ensure it is well planned for. If you don’t know how to create a script or storyboard, it is in your best interests to work with an expert.
Having a script will make it easier to decide what characters you need and what they will say when filming your videos. Also, it can help solidify your vision and analyse your goals long before you create the video. That means your videos are likely to be relevant and informative to your target audience.
Choose your location wisely.
If you want to make live-action explainer videos, it is important that you find a location that resonates with your brand. This could be your factory floor, office, examination room, or any other place. Regardless of where you decide to shoot your videos, it is important to employ the iconography of your brand or profession. It would be best if you made it easy for your audience to associate what they see with your brand.
For example, a musician should have musical instruments, a lawyer should have a shelf of law-related books, and a doctor may want to have different instruments related to healthcare. It is essential to ensure that the video background is not too busy. Keep in mind that you’re the focus of the entire explainer video. So, it would help if you focused on what you’re saying rather than clattering the video background.
Gather the right pieces of equipment
It would be best if you had high-quality video recording and editing equipment. You probably don’t need the most expensive camera or fanciest microphone. However, it would help if you had a camera, microphone, lighting equipment, video editing software, and other tools that can get the job done. If you are not an expert in videography and photography, it is essential to consult with an experienced professional. This will increase your chances of creating excellent videos for your brand.
Light the scenes properly
Now that you have an excellent script, a well-thought-out storyboard, location, and the right video recording and editing tools, it is time to appropriately decorate and light the scene. The most useful for the versatile form of lighting, particularly for a single stationary subject, is three-point lighting. If you need other forms of complex videos that require various forms of lighting, it is best to work with an expert who can help you light scenes properly.
Summary
Creating explainer videos is not a challenging task, particularly if you already know what you need and how to create these videos. Keep in mind that the key to creating high-quality explainer videos is enough preparation. So, take the time to create a high-quality and relevant video script. Perfect the script and create a well-thought-out storyboard. Other issues that you must think about include the type of equipment you need, the specific location where you will be filming, and more.