In the dynamic realm of digital content, explainer videos and whiteboard animations have become go-to tools for businesses aiming to simplify complex concepts and engage their audiences effectively. Video content has been consistently increasing in popularity, with the State of Video Marketing report finding that 93% of marketers who use video consider it an important part of their marketing strategy.
Video has proven itself a sturdy vessel that can bring you and your message into the crowded shipping lanes of YouTube, while navigating the open oceans of Google and standing out in the stormy seas of social media. Not just any ship will do, a rowing boat wouldn’t be much good in the Southern Ocean and a cruise liner can’t just pull into any small-town harbour.
It’s the same with the whiteboard videos we create, and choosing the right explainer video production company is crucial. To guide you through this selection process, here are five essential tips to keep in mind.
1 - Dive Into Their Explainer Video Portfolio
No one wants to set sail and find a leak, and no one wants to commission a whiteboard video only to receive it and notice glaring errors. One of the best ways of avoiding this is by doing some research. Start by exploring the company's portfolio, paying close attention to their collection of explainer videos and whiteboard animations. A diverse and impressive portfolio not only showcases their artistic prowess but also provides insight into their ability to convey messages clearly and creatively. Look for a production company whose previous work aligns with the level of clarity and engagement you envision for your explainer video.
Another great way to measure the quality level of a whiteboard video production company is by looking at the companies they’ve worked with before and what those companies have said. These testimonials won’t tell you everything however, so don’t hesitate to ask them direct questions. This is the perfect way to get a feel for a whiteboard video production company. Not only do you get to find out more about your area of concern, but the speed and tone of the company’s response says a lot about the company culture and how you can expect to be treated as a client.
2 - Communication is key
As you get further into the enquiry process, it’s important to note a company’s listening skills. These skills are as essential as any of their whiteboard video production skills. Do they take time to understand your company and the story you want to tell? Do they listen to you as you explain your plans for the whiteboard video and the audience you want to reach?
A well-defined production process is a hallmark of a professional explainer video company. Inquire about their workflow, from initial concept development to final delivery. A structured process ensures that the project stays on track and that you are involved in key stages such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, and revisions. Additionally, effective communication is crucial. Choose a company that values your input, provides regular updates, and is responsive to your questions and feedback.
3 - Scripting Brilliance
The backbone of any successful explainer video is its script. A top-notch whiteboard video production company should excel not only in animation but also in the art of storytelling. Assess their capability to transform intricate ideas into concise, compelling narratives. A well-crafted script ensures your explainer animation not only captures attention visually but also effectively communicates your message, making it memorable for your audience.
As you assess each explainer video production company’s abilities, ask yourself:
Do they do their research?
Will they tailor scripts to your audience?
Do they understand storytelling and narrative structure?
How do they tackle your call to action?
4 - Budget-Friendly Explainer Video Packages: No Hidden Costs
Understanding the financial aspect of your explainer animation project is crucial. Seek a production company that offers transparent pricing with clear breakdowns of costs, avoiding any hidden fees. Budget-friendly explainer video packages can help you plan effectively and ensure that your project stays within financial constraints. Look for a company that values transparency, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved.
This is essential! When you work with a whiteboard animation production company, you are investing in your audience, your brand and in the impact of your message. That final whiteboard animation incorporates a lot of value, and you start to get a return on that investment from the very first meeting, so it’s crucial that you choose your explainer production company wisely.
5 - How much does the production company know about accessibility?
Whiteboard videos, like ships, only really work if people can get onboard with them. Once onboard, these explainer videos are incredible - bringing your message to life, engaging viewers and staying with them long after viewing. Your message or audience might require your whiteboard video to have extra accessibility features. If this is the case, it’s important to check that the whiteboard video production company’s services are up-to-scratch.
Accessibility could take several forms, the company you are talking with may need the whiteboard video to be translated into other languages. There are a few ways to do this, from the light touch of a re-recorded voiceover to the thorough re-design of on-screen text and images.
Building in accessibility for people with disabilities and impairments is essential and requires specialist technical knowledge. It could be subtitles that can be toggled on and off or may need to be baked in, or audio descriptions. All these considerations might have an influence on the fundamental design of the video. Of course, the accessibility needed may be around the network or setting the video is going to be used in - perhaps you will need trailers for social networks in specific dimensions.
Choosing the right explainer video company can make a significant difference in how effectively you communicate your message and engage your audience. By defining your goals, evaluating portfolios, checking testimonials, assessing processes, and considering your budget, you can find a company that will create an explainer animation that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Whether you opt for a versatile explainer video company or a specialized whiteboard animation production company, these tips will help ensure that your investment results in a powerful and impactful video.
Bringing ideas, messages and stories to new audiences is our passion, and we’d love to speak with you if you have a project that needs high-quality visual storytelling. Let’s talk.
When done well, the ingredients in an explainer video combine to create powerful animations that inform, entertain, inspire and stay with viewers. In this post, we look at how they are made.