Building a successful Explainer Video Business: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating and managing a successful explainer video business requires dedication, strategic planning, and a distinct understanding of the entertainment and marketing landscape. This article will walk you through the essential steps and key components to build, develop, and sustain a thriving explainer video production business.

Team Assembly and Roles

The foundation of any successful explainer video business is a dedicated and skilled team. You’ll need to assemble a team of:

Writers: To create engaging and informative scripts that resonate with the client's target audience. Illustrators and Storyboard Artists: To visually represent the script with compelling storyboards that capture the essence of the story. Animators and Videographers: To bring the visual scripts to life with smooth, professional animations and videography. Sales and Marketing Experts: To ensure the business attracts clients and builds a strong web presence through effective SEO and marketing strategies. Project Managers: To oversee the project from start to finish, ensuring timelines and budgets are adhered to.

While these are the core skills, having an all-inclusive team can lead to efficiency and reduced workload, allowing you to focus on client satisfaction and business growth.

Building a Portfolio and Web Presence

In the early days, the importance of building a robust portfolio cannot be overstated. Your portfolio is your first and last impression on potential clients. It should showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and consistent quality:

Ensure your portfolio website is optimized for SEO with relevant keywords and meta descriptions. Display a diverse range of clients and their projects to showcase your versatility. Provide testimonials and case studies to build credibility and trust.

Creating and maintaining a strong web presence with solid SEO is crucial. Use keywords such as your services (e.g., explainer video service, video production service) in your website content, meta tags, and blog posts. Regular updates with fresh content, such as blog articles and client success stories, can help improve your SEO ranking.

Expanding the Script with Storyboards

The pre-production phase is where the real creativity and storytelling happen. The following process can help you effectively communicate the planned video with your client:

Pre-Production Tasks

Develop a Concept and Script: Work closely with the client to understand their business and target audience. Write a compelling script that meets the client’s needs and engages their target market. Illustrate and Develop Storyboards: Create thumbnails or sketches for each scene in the script to visualize the narrative. This phase is crucial for client approval and feedback.

By visualizing the final product early in the process, you can address any concerns and make necessary adjustments. This also serves as a roadmap for the video production phase, streamlining the process and ensuring a smooth execution.

Video Production and Post-Production

After the pre-production phase, the video production and post-production phases require meticulous planning and execution. Although the specific steps may vary depending on the complexity of the video, the general process includes:

Video Production

Assemble a Crew: Depending on the project's requirements, you may need a director, cinematographer, sound engineer, and other crew members to capture high-quality visuals and audio. Shooting: Capture the raw footage following the storyboards and the client’s vision.

Post-Production

Editing: Use video editing software to assemble the footage, adding effects, transitions, and finalized elements. Narration and Music: Record voice-overs and include background music or custom animations as needed. Distribution and Marketing: Once the video is complete, distribute it to the client and their target audience through various channels such as social media, email marketing, and the client's website.

The Upsides and Challenges of Explainer Video Production

Producing explainer videos can be highly rewarding, but it also requires a great deal of creativity, marketing, and communication skills. Here are a few upsides and challenges to consider:

Benefits

High Client Retention: Once a client sees the value of your services, they often become loyal clients and refer others, leading to a steady stream of work. Broader Client Base: Explainer videos can be used for various types of businesses, from startups to established corporations, making for a diverse clientele.

Challenges

Complex Projects: Explainer videos, especially those with high production values, can be time-consuming and require coordination among multiple team members. Market Competition: The explainer video market is highly competitive, requiring you to continuously innovate and adapt to stay ahead.

By setting clear goals, assembling a skilled team, and staying agile, you can build a successful and profitable explainer video business that generates value and brings business clients.