Use an explainer video! As a business, you are constantly attracting new people. Whether that’s new users, new staff members, new customers or a new audience, you want people to connect with your business. But how do you do that in a quick and easier way? The essence of an instruction or explainer is that you explain to the viewer how a product or process works. And they are more popular than ever. All of YouTube is full of “how to” videos.
The power of an explainer video
With an Explainer video, you get to the point quickly. People see right away what you do or what you have to offer. That attracts people and prevents a lot of misunderstandings in communication. Visual, substantive, short and powerful. An explainer sticks with the viewer, making them more likely to take action. But what exactly is an Explainer? Well, the word itself kind of gives it away. Simply put, an explainer video. And that can be an explanation of your company, your way of working, a service, a process or a service. You name it.
The power of an Explainer video is that it highlights a complex topic in a considerably short time, about 1 minute but often less than that. Since you remember images faster than text, the Explainer video helps get your message across quickly and well. Our videos for Wageningen University & Research about their Glasshouse Horticulture Business Unit fall within this type. In a short time we show what the specific department within the Business Unit is all about and what their main issues are.
Does an Explainer video have value for my business?
An Explainer video works no matter what industry you’re in. It is a valuable tool for making clear what you stand for. An Explainer ensures that you are quickly on the same page, which of course makes talking a lot easier. And since you do not have to explain what your company does, you save valuable time and can immediately go deeper. Well, that sounds pretty good such an Explainer video. But what should you pay attention to when you make one? We’ll explain that below. It comes down to three important points: target audience, planning and commitment.
Planning
Planning is everything. Preparation is the most crucial step in creating a video. So take the time to prepare your Explainer video. Preparation includes, for example, creating a script and shot list, as well as planning, choosing the right location and actor and, of course, the right props.
Target
It is important to know who you are creating the Explainer video for. Who do you want to attract with your video and what does that person need to do? For example, an audience of young adults responds to different stimuli than an older audience. So think carefully about who the video is for.
Deployment
You know who you want to reach and you’ve created the most effective video for them. Now the task is to make sure the video reaches people. Where you place the video is essential in its effect. Is your audience more on social media or do you link a digital newsletter to your video? Make sure you have a clear plan regarding deployment.
Creating the perfect instructional video
If people are curious about a particular application or method of use, these days they are more likely to turn on a video about it, rather than read an instruction manual. Instructional videos make following instructions so much easier and understandable. So a good instructional video is an indispensable tool if you want more interaction with your audience. An instructional video keeps you relevant and seen as an expert by your constituency. Giving clear instructions that everyone understands is not easy. A good instructional video can help you convey your instruction in a clear way. You take the viewer step by step through the process, where even the most complex issues can be explained easily.
Read all about instructional videos here!
Follow the tips for a clear instructional video
With an instructional video or explainer, the viewer immediately sees how to use a product or service. It makes the process the viewer has to go through understandable, avoids questions, makes the experience of your users and customers more positive, and it ensures that instructions are remembered faster than in written form. Those are many advantages over a written manual. But what do you consider when creating an instructional video? If you follow these three tips, you’ll be fine!
Tip 1: Ensure a logical structure
Even with an instructional video, a good start is half the battle. Make sure you know what you are going to say. Write out the video clearly in advance and make sure the points you mention make sense. Don’t skip a step. If you are fully into the subject matter yourself, you may sometimes think that certain steps are obvious. But take no chances and include these things in the video as well. And remember: the simpler the steps, the better people remember them.
Tip 2: Make it personal
It is important for a good instructional video to make it personal. By being in front of the camera yourself or using a presenter, you ensure that the viewer can better form a connection. This is important because it makes it easier for the viewer to understand, follow and remember the instructions. The human aspect is hugely important when creating an instructional video. If you decide to appear in front of the camera yourself in your instructional video, make sure that during your presentation, you take an active stance and where possible, demonstrate it yourself. This way you come across as more energetic, confident and trustworthy. This way, the instructions will be more quickly adopted by the viewer.
Tip 3: Short, powerful and concrete
At the end of the instructional video, you want the viewer to be able to perform your instructions flawlessly. You are trying to help the viewer with their question or problem. Therefore, make sure your instructions are short, but powerful. The more concrete you can describe, or better yet, show something, the better your viewer will understand what to do. Don’t include too much unnecessary information, keep the steps concrete and, above all, be clear in your explanation. The steps don’t have to be long at all, either. If you can name something in 10 to 15 seconds, that’s more than enough time.