A whiteboard video (sometimes called an explainer video) is a unique and visual way to highlight your audience’s problem and show how your product or service can provide a solution.
This type of video is created by moving the viewer around a whiteboard to explain a difficult concept or how something works. The main reason these videos work so well is because information is given in small chunks rather than all at once like a flyer or poster. So your audience isn’t overloaded with details and can understand how you can solve their problem.
The videos use fun doodle type images combined with photos, logos, text, a voiceover and music. This combination of imagery and spoken voice really help these videos to be engaging and improve the recall of information.
A whiteboard video can be any length but if you’re looking to use one on social media it needs to be kept short. Most videos on social media are between 20 seconds and 1 minute and sometimes it can seem like quite a challenge to fit all you want to say into such a short video. Your audience on social media have a very short attention span and will quickly move on if they are not engaged.
To enable us to start design work on your video, we require a script from you which we use to plan a storyboard. Read on to find out our 5 steps to writing your short video script.
- What is your message?
If your whiteboard video is around 1-minute or less in length it should have just one clear and concise message. The video should encourage the viewer to learn more rather than tell them everything straight away.
A great format to follow for your script is;
- What is your audience’s problem
- Introduce your product/service as the solution
- Briefly explain how it works
- Include a call to action
- How many words should I use?
For a video of 1-minute you’ll require approx. 100 words. Remember you won’t need to write everything – sometimes a picture will suffice.
Try to use short simple sentences and write as though you are speaking with a friend as it tends to be more conversational and flows better.
- Who is your target audience?
By working out who your target audience is you can make your message appeal directly to them. If you understand their age, gender, interests and how much they may already know about your product or service this will help you to craft your message with the right words and tone of voice. Have you answered your audience’s FAQs within your video?
- How are you going to include a call to action?
Make sure you tell your audience what action to take after watching your video. This part needs to be really clear or you could miss out on sales. Should they visit your website to find out more, go to a link to buy your product service or get in touch with any questions by email/phone etc.
- Have you read your script out loud?
Reading your script out loud helps you to hear whether it sounds right and whether the points are in the correct order. Sometimes having too many words beginning with the same letter can make it difficult to read. Try reading it out loud even if you are having a professional create the voiceover as it is much easier to make changes at this stage.
If you require further help on writing your script, or you would like more information on our whiteboard videos please get in touch with rosanne@silverstonedesignsolutions.com