Your big idea matters.
The problem is, you already know that, but the rest of the world might not. So how can you elevate your impact by sharing your message with as many people as possible?
You’re trying to reach big audiences, and in this digital age, the channel you’re looking for is the internet. In 2023, you cannot afford to overlook the web space when it comes to advertising or marketing your message.
But how do you stand out? Attracting attention across saturated social media and overflowing email inboxes requires creativity.
We’ve created video marketing projects for big box stores as well as local nonprofits. Check out some of our best work here.
Video marketing is a proven strategy for far-reaching impact AND standing out among the crowd.
Our 12 years in the business of creating custom explainer videos has proven time and again that video marketing works – whether you’re a big box store selling a product, or a nonprofit team doing outreach for your most recent campaign.
We know that explainer videos can make an enormous difference. From shaping public policy to closing big sales, making sure that they reach the right audience at the right time is crucial.
How can I use video marketing to elevate my message?
Effective video advertising requires solid strategy.
Having a strategy helps your idea excel.
With careful planning, your team won’t be wasting resources on content that’s irrelevant to your audience.
Likewise, strategy prevents you from showcasing remarkable content in spaces where your target viewers won’t see it.
Our video projects always start with a strategy-building kickoff call. Learn more about our process in this video.
So, what goes into an effective video marketing strategy? We’re here to share 10 key suggestions based on our expertise to help you create a fool-proof strategy for your next video marketing campaign.
10 Elements of an Effective Video Marketing Strategy
1. Start with your mission statement
Your advertising should align with your mission.
Your company values, or the specific goals of a project or campaign, are a great jumping-off point for what matters and what doesn’t when it comes to advertising.
Check out this blog post we wrote about using animation to explain your mission.
2. Define your target audience
While your concept might resonate with a broad audience, refining your target demographic can dramatically amplify engagement.
Think about what makes them unique and how your idea is their ultimate problem solver.
Spot the Difference: we created 3 videos for Clark Pacific to advertise the ‘Infinite Facade.’
Can you notice the ways each video was customized to speak to different target audiences?
3. Get clear on your call to action
Your CTA, as we call it in the biz, is the thing you want your audience to do after they watch your video.
A persuasive CTA is the rudder steering your audience towards action. Be it signing a petition, purchasing your product, or visiting your website, a compelling CTA is the catalyst for converting viewers into participants.
4. Make a branding guideline
If you don’t have a whole graphic design department to put together a design guide, you can still put together a mood board of colors, fonts, or other visual inspiration.
Think about the tone you want the video to have – playful? Dead serious? Heart-warming? Urgent? This information will be super helpful when it comes to partnering with a production company.
5. Consider style
Here at Next Day Animations, we know that 2D is a better fit for some companies, and Whiteboard is a better fit for others. Want to know what style is right for you? We have thoughts.
6. Set a budget
How much you’re willing to budget on your video will heavily influence your video advertising strategy. Whether you’re thinking of doing a DIY animation or you’re evaluating the costs of hiring professionals, budget is an imperative consideration.
Budget also will influence the kind of digital advertising you invest in once your video is complete.
7. Set expectations
Is your team ready to commit to a production process? Working with an outside company can actually be easier than doing it yourself when you consider your time and how many other things are on your plate.
But even with someone else managing the timeline, being clear about what you need to do when is key.
8. Timelessness vs. Timeliness
Is your message evergreen, or specific to a moment in time or a particular campaign?
Take the time to carefully decide whether this video will be the life of the current campaign or if it needs to be a more permanent fixture in your marketing. This choice shapes how long your masterpiece shines.
9. Make your roll-out plan
What’s the plan?
Are you going to share your video on social media? Via Email? Internally? Externally?
All of these choices can affect your strategy. Check out our post to get inspired for some different creative ways you can employ your video.
10. The joy factor
Have fun! Seriously – having fun can be the most crucial part of your video advertising strategy. Why? Well, having fun makes for better videos. We promise.
In conclusion…
These are ten things to consider as you hone your video advertising strategy – and if we were to add an eleventh, it would be “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Brainstorm with team members or give us a call to talk through your project.
