Why Your Startup Needs an Explainer Video
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Starting a new business isn’t easy. You have to develop a unique product or service, establish a customer base, and compete with established brands. One way to make the process easier is by creating a startup explainer video.
An explainer video is a short, animated video that explains your product or service to your audience. This article will explain the basics of creating a startup video, the benefits of using one, and how to promote it.
The Basics of Startup Explainer Videos
Before diving into the benefits of using a startup explainer video, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. A startup explainer video is typically a 60-90 second animated video that explains your business, product, or service to your target audience. They’re designed to capture the attention of viewers quickly, and convey a lot of information in a short amount of time.
Definition and Characteristics of a Good Startup Explainer Video
To create a good startup explainer video, it’s important to understand the characteristics that make them effective. A good explainer video should:
Be short and to the point:
You only have a few seconds to capture your viewer’s attention, so keep it short and sweet. Your explainer video should convey your message in under 90 seconds.
Be visually engaging:
Animated visuals are a great way to grab your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. Use bright colors, interesting visuals, and creative animations to help convey your message.
Have a clear message:
Your startup video should be focused on a single message or idea. Be clear and concise with your message so that your viewers know what you’re trying to convey.
Speak directly to your target audience:
Your video should speak directly to your target audience. Understand their needs, desires, and pain points so that you can craft a message that resonates with them.
Types of Explainer Videos
There are several different types of explainer videos that you can create, depending on your needs and goals. Some of the most prevalent types include:
Animated Explainer Videos:
Animated explainer videos are the most common type of startup explainer video. They use animated graphics and characters to convey your message.
Whiteboard Explainer Videos:
Whiteboard explainer videos are created by drawing images and text on a whiteboard, and then recording the process. They’re a unique and engaging way to convey your message.
Live-Action Explainer Videos:
Live-action explainer videos use real people, settings, and props to convey your message. They’re a great way to build trust with your audience and showcase your product in action.
Length and Format of Explainer Videos
The ideal length for a startup explainer video is between 60 and 90 seconds. This gives you enough time to convey your message without losing your audience’s attention.
The format of your video will depend on your target audience and the message you’re trying to convey. Some common formats include:
Problem and Solution:
This format focuses on a problem that your audience is facing, and then presents your product or service as the solution.
How-To:
This format explains how to use your product or service and walks viewers through the process.
Storytelling:
This format uses a story to convey your message. Using it can be an effective method to establish an emotional connection with your audience
Common Elements of Startup Explainer Videos
No matter what format you choose, there are a few common elements that should be included in your startup explainer video:
Introduction:
Introduce your business and explain what problem you solve or how you can help your audience.
Explanation:
Explain how your product or service works and how it can benefit your audience. Use visuals, graphics, and animation to help illustrate your message.
Call-to-Action:
End your video with a clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells your audience what to do next. This could be to sign up for a free trial, schedule a demo, or visit your website.
Benefits of Startup Explainer Videos
Now that we’ve covered the basics of startup explainer videos, let’s dive into the benefits of using one.
Effective Communication of the Startup’s Value Proposition
The primary benefit of using a startup explainer video is that it effectively communicates your value proposition. It can be challenging to explain your product or service in a way that is clear and concise, especially if you’re trying to do it through written content or a static image.
A startup explainer video allows you to visually demonstrate your product or service in action, which can help to clarify your message and make it more memorable.
Enhanced Brand Awareness and Recognition
Another benefit of using a startup video is that it can enhance your brand awareness and recognition. A well-crafted explainer video can help to establish your brand identity and make your business more memorable to your target audience.
If your video is shared on social media or other platforms, it can help to increase your brand’s visibility and reach a wider audience.
Increased Engagement and Conversions
Startup explainer videos are also effective at increasing engagement and conversions. Studies have shown that videos are more likely to be shared, liked, and commented on than other types of content. Additionally, video content can increase conversions by up to 80%.
By creating an engaging and informative startup explainer video, you can increase your audience’s engagement with your brand and improve your conversion rates.
Improved SEO
Finally, startup explainer videos can improve your search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines like Google prioritize video content over other types of content, so having a startup explainer video on your website can help to improve your search engine rankings.
Video content is generally more likely to be shared and linked to than other types of content, which can also improve your SEO.
Creating a Startup Explainer Video
Now that you understand the benefits of using a startup explainer video, let’s dive into the process of creating one.
Identifying the Target Audience and Their Needs
The first step in creating a startup explainer video is to identify your target audience and their needs. To create a video that resonates with your audience, it is crucial to understand their preferences and interests.
Consider factors like their age, gender, interests, and pain points, and use that information to craft a message that speaks directly to them.
Crafting a Compelling Script
Once you’ve identified your target audience, it’s time to craft a compelling script. A successful script should be engaging, clear, and concise.. Focus on the benefits of your product or service, and make sure to include a strong call-to-action at the end.
Choosing the Right Visuals and Animations
The next step is to choose the right visuals and animations to bring your script to life. Use graphics and animation to illustrate your message and make it more engaging. Choose colors and visuals that align with your brand identity and appeal to your target audience.
Selecting the Right Voice-Over and Background Music
Choosing the right voice-over and background music can also make a big difference in the effectiveness of your startup explainer video. Consider the tone and style of your video, and choose a voice-over artist and background music that complements that tone.
Hiring a Professional or DIY Approach
Hiring a professional production company to create your startup explainer video is an option if you have the budget. A professional company will have the experience, expertise, and equipment to create a high-quality video that meets your needs.
However, if you have a limited budget, you can create a startup explainer video on your own using software and tools like Adobe After Effects, Powtoon, or Animaker.
Tips for Creating an Effective Startup Explainer Video
Regardless of whether you hire a professional production company or take a DIY approach, there are some tips you can follow to ensure that your startup explainer video is effective.
Keep it Brief And To The Point
One of the most important tips for creating an effective startup explainer video is to keep it brief and and to the point. Your video should be no more than 2-3 minutes long to avoid losing your audience’s attention. Focus on the key information and avoid adding extraneous details to ensure that your message is clear and concise.
Use Storytelling Techniques
Using storytelling techniques can also make your startup explainer video more effective. Incorporate a narrative that connects with your audience on an emotional level. Use relatable characters and situations to illustrate your message.
Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition
Your startup explainer video should highlight your unique value proposition. Clearly communicate how your product or service solves your audience’s problems and what makes it different from your competitors.
Add a Clear Call-to-Action
Finally, make sure to include a clear call-to-action at the end of your startup explainer video. Tell your audience what you want them to do next, whether it’s to sign up for a free trial or schedule a demo. Make it easy for them to take the next step by including a link or button to your website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, startup explainer videos are a powerful tool for communicating your value proposition, enhancing brand awareness, increasing engagement and conversions, and improving SEO.
By adopting the tips outlined in this article, you can create a professional and effective startup explainer video that resonates with your target audience and drives results for your business.
Remember to keep your video short, use storytelling techniques, highlight your unique value proposition, and include a clear call-to-action. With these elements in place, your startup explainer video is sure to be a success.
5 Common FAQs
How much does it cost to create a startup explainer video?
The cost of producing a startup explainer video can fluctuate based on several factors, including the video’s complexity, length, and production quality.. Hiring a professional production company can cost several thousand dollars, while creating a video on your own using software can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
How long should a startup video be?
The ideal length for a startup explainer video is between 1-3 minutes. The video should be long enough to effectively communicate your message but short enough to keep your audience’s attention.
What are some examples of software/tools for creating startup explainer videos?
There are several software and tools available for creating startup videos, including Adobe After Effects, Powtoon, Animaker, and VideoScribe.
How can I measure the effectiveness of my startup explainer video?
You can measure the effectiveness of your startup video by tracking metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and website traffic. Analyzing these metrics can give you insights into how your video is performing and how you can improve it.
Can I create a startup video in-house or should I hire a professional production company?
It depends on your budget and resources. If you have the budget and want a high-quality video, it may be best to hire a professional production company. However, if you have limited resources, you can create a video on your own using software and tools. Just make sure to follow the tips outlined in this article to ensure that your video is effective.
Article by Nicole Delgado 2023 | CMO | Explainer Video Company | Explainer Videos For Business
