How to Create High-Converting Explainer Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Explainer videos are one of the most effective tools for communicating complex ideas in a simple and engaging way. Businesses use them to introduce products, explain services, and drive conversions. However, creating a high-converting explainer video requires careful planning, compelling storytelling, and professional execution.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the entire process of creating an explainer video that captivates your audience and boosts conversion rates.
Step 1: Define Your Goal and Audience
Before you start creating an explainer video, you must define your objectives. Ask yourself:
- What do I want to achieve with this video? (Brand awareness, lead generation, sales, education, etc.)
- Who is my target audience? (Demographics, interests, pain points, etc.)
- What problem does my product or service solve?
Understanding your audience helps tailor your message in a way that resonates with them. A well-defined goal ensures that every aspect of the video—script, visuals, and CTA—is aligned to drive the desired action.
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Script
The script is the foundation of any successful explainer video. A clear and concise script ensures that your message is delivered effectively.
Key Elements of a High-Converting Script:
- Identify the Problem – Start by addressing your audience’s pain points. Show that you understand their challenges.
- Introduce Your Solution – Present your product or service as the perfect solution. Keep it simple and easy to understand.
- Highlight Key Benefits – Instead of listing features, focus on how your solution improves the user’s life.
- Show How It Works – A brief step-by-step explanation of how your product/service works can help convince viewers.
- Strong Call to Action (CTA) – End with a compelling CTA, such as “Sign up today,” “Get a free demo,” or “Shop now.”
Pro Tips for Writing an Engaging Script:
- Keep it short and to the point (60-90 seconds is ideal).
- Use conversational language to make it more relatable.
- Focus on benefits rather than technical features.
- Read the script out loud to ensure it sounds natural.
Step 3: Choose the Right Video Style
There are various types of explainer videos, and choosing the right style depends on your brand, audience, and message.
Popular Explainer Video Styles:
- Animated Videos – Uses motion graphics, cartoons, or whiteboard animations to explain concepts. Ideal for SaaS, tech companies, and educational content.
- Live-Action Videos – Features real people and environments. Perfect for brands that want a more personal and authentic touch.
- Screencast Videos – Captures screen recordings with voiceovers to demonstrate software or online tools. Best for product tutorials and walkthroughs.
- Whiteboard Animation – Simulates hand-drawn illustrations to tell a story. Works well for educational and training videos.
Your choice of style should align with your brand identity and make it easy for viewers to understand your message.
Step 4: Create a Storyboard
A storyboard is a visual blueprint that outlines how your script will be translated into visuals. It includes sketches or rough drawings of each scene, along with notes on animations, transitions, and voiceovers.
Why Storyboarding is Important:
- Ensures a logical flow of information.
- Helps visualize the final product before production.
- Reduces revisions and saves time during the animation phase.
A detailed storyboard makes the production process smoother and helps bring your vision to life more efficiently.
Step 5: Produce High-Quality Visuals and Animations
Once the storyboard is ready, it’s time to create the actual video. The production phase includes:
1. Animation (For Animated Explainer Videos)
If you’re creating an animated video, use professional animation software like:
- Adobe After Effects
- Vyond
- Toonly
Make sure your animations are smooth, visually appealing, and match your brand’s style.
2. Filming (For Live-Action Videos)
If you’re using real footage, ensure high-quality production by:
- Using a professional camera and lighting setup.
- Hiring actors or featuring company representatives.
- Shooting in a clean, visually appealing environment.
3. Screen Recording (For Screencast Videos)
For software demos, use screen recording tools like:
- Camtasia
- OBS Studio
- Loom
Ensure the resolution is high, and the cursor movements are smooth for better clarity.
Step 6: Record a Professional Voiceover
A well-recorded voiceover enhances the overall effectiveness of your explainer video. Choose a voice that:
- Matches your brand’s tone (e.g., friendly, professional, enthusiastic).
- Is clear and easy to understand.
- Uses the right pacing to keep viewers engaged.
For professional-quality voiceovers, you can use:
- Fiverr or Voices.com to hire voiceover artists.
- Audacity or Adobe Audition for recording and editing.
A good voiceover can make a huge difference in audience engagement and retention.
Step 7: Add Background Music and Sound Effects
Music sets the tone for your video and makes it more engaging. Choose background music that:
- Aligns with your brand’s personality.
- Is not too loud or distracting.
- Enhances the video’s emotional appeal.
You can find royalty-free music on:
- Epidemic Sound
- AudioJungle
- Bensound
Sound effects, like button clicks or whooshes, can also enhance the viewing experience and make transitions smoother.
Step 8: Edit and Optimize Your Video
Editing is where everything comes together. Use video editing software like:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
Editing Tips for a High-Converting Explainer Video:
- Keep it short and engaging (ideally under 2 minutes).
- Use clear and readable text overlays when needed.
- Ensure smooth transitions and well-timed animations.
- Add subtitles to make it more accessible.
Once your video is polished and refined, it’s time to distribute it.
Step 9: Promote Your Explainer Video for Maximum Reach
Creating a high-quality explainer video is only half the battle. You must also promote it strategically to maximize conversions.
Best Platforms to Distribute Your Video:
- Website Landing Page – Videos on landing pages can boost conversion rates by up to 80%.
- YouTube – The second-largest search engine, ideal for SEO and brand awareness.
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok) – Shareable content can increase engagement.
- Email Marketing – Including a video in an email can improve click-through rates by 65%.
- Paid Ads – Run targeted video ads on YouTube, Facebook, and Google.
Using a call-to-action (CTA) in your video description or end screen (e.g., “Sign up now,” “Learn more,” “Get started”) encourages viewers to take the next step.
Conclusion
Explainer videos are an incredibly effective way to engage, educate, and convert your audience. However, creating a high-converting explainer video requires:
✔ A clear goal and audience understanding.
✔ A compelling script with a strong CTA.
✔ High-quality visuals, voiceovers, and animations.
✔ Strategic promotion for maximum reach.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can create an explainer video that not only looks great but also drives real results for your business.
