So you’ve decided you need an animated explainer video! In our (only slightly biased) opinion, this is a great idea. You’re investing in a resource that you can use to strengthen your communications strategy for months or years to come. So don’t just share it once and forget about it – let’s talk about what you can do to get the most out of your video.
Start With Strategy
When you’re starting your video, it helps to have a specific goal in mind. What do you want people to do when they see your video?
When you know what your goal is, we can work with you to design a video that makes the biggest impact possible.
Know your audience
Once you know what you want people to do, you need to know who you want to do it. Are you targeting millennials? Working mothers? Gender non-conforming CEOs of tech startups? All of the above?
Watch out for the trap of making everything about you. If you find you’re using “us” and “we” a lot in your messaging, take a step back and think about what your audience cares about.
The biggest strength of video is its power to connect on an emotional level. So focus on the details that will make your audience care about this issue, or will help it resonate in terms of their own emotional experience.
Post it EVERYWHERE!
Once you reach your target audience and call them to action, it’s time to start sharing this video everywhere! Post it on your website, your Facebook page, your YouTube Channel, your Twitter, send it to your e-mail lists, or project it on the side of the Empire State Building! Don’t limit yourself to only using it on a landing page.
Animated explainer videos can serve as a great introduction, you might want to embed it in your email signature so that every message from you (or forwarded from you) comes with your video.
As they say about videos, “Share me once, and you’ll be lost in the stream. Share me over and over again, and you’ll make a lasting impression.”
Make it evergreen
What do a pine tree and a great animated explainer video have in common? They stay fresh for a very long time.
How can you keep it evergreen? Make sure to avoid references to the current year or other information that is bound to change. If your product might change down the line, then rather than listing current features, focus on the benefits that will always stay true.
Invest in the Internet
One of the best ways to get new people engaged with your video is by advertising on the internet. Don’t be scared – investing just a little extra in advertising can go a long way.
You’ve got lots of options, including YouTube Pre-Roll Ads, Google AdWords, and Promoted Posts on Facebook or Twitter. With targeted advertising, you can find supporters you never even knew you had.
Repurpose that Video!
Once you’ve squeezed as much value out of your video as you think you can get, it’s time to start thinking about how you can repurpose it. Could you turn it into a blog post, chop it up into shareable GIFs, or use still frames as multi-purpose images?
An explainer animation is the gift that keeps on giving. As long as it stays relevant, engaging and useful, people will love to take a minute or two and learn more about your issue or organization.
Call us about an explainer video today, and see how you can start making waves!
