Whether you have a new business, or one that’s been around for a while, marketing and branding is a never-ending job. You’ll always need to find the best ways to connect with customers, and convince them that your products and services will solve their problems. One of the most successful ways to do this is with starter explainer videos (check out our explainer video guide explaining video examples). We took the liberty of sourcing some pretty good ones for you to draw inspiration and learn from. Here are the top explainer videos that made the list.
Hubspot
Hubspot is a leader in inbound marketing, so it goes without saying that their explainer video would be powerful and objective. This one does a great job explaining the consumer’s problem, and then showing how Hubspot can meet their needs. The script doesn’t contain any fluff, and they’ve kept the video under three minutes (which is very important when it comes to viewer attention spans).
Content Marketing Institute
Content Marketing Institute is another powerful leader in inbound marketing. Their explainer video doesn’t have the catchy animations, but it does a great job of explaining who they are, and their position in the content marketing industry. This video is a perfect example of how to produce a non-animated startup video.
Basecamp
This is one of the best startup videos that we’ve seen so far. It’s simple, contains laser focused content, and answers one question. The folks at Basecamp managed to paint a very clear picture of what they have to offer, all in 56 seconds. It’s a teaser video that makes viewers want to learn more about what the company has to offer, and an awesome prototype of what you can produce in less than a minute.
Capital Media
If you aren’t convinced that Facebook marketing could help your business grow, you will be after watching this video. Capital Media has produced an in depth startup explainer video on using Facebook to reach more customers. The script queues up well with the visuals, and the storyline is simple. The production clearly presents both the problem and the solution to the viewer, and it doesn’t hurt that the narrator has a cool European accent.
Freshdesk
Here’s another one that we would consider one of the best startup explainer videos. Not only does the video explain how the company helps customers in need of accounting software, they inject a bit of humor in the process, which is always a hit with viewers. Freshdesk managed to deliver a rock solid sales message- all in less than two minutes. Not bad.
EnergyNOW!
This is an explainer video of a different type. It illustrates light bulb technology in a fun and interesting way. It’s not your typical startup explainer video, but a shining example of how you can use animated productions to teach a complex process that most people could care less about. We actually learned a lot about light bulbs with this one.
InTouch CRM
Here’s another laser focused startup video with a flawless script. It does a great job of identifying the customers main problem, and presents the solution in a clear and concise manner. The graphics are impeccable, and many business owners could definitely relate to the characters (even though they’re animated). When a viewer watches a cartoon and sees himself in the storyline, it’s bound to be successful.
Mighty Call
Startup videos should make you want to learn more about a product or service, or at the very least, make you think about how their services will fit into your business. Mightycall delivers in this area by asking a question near the beginning of the video. They describe a dilemma that countless business owners face, and offers a remedy that any budget could justify. This one makes our list because it’s creative, highly targeted, and very convincing.
Freshbooks
When you’ve been around as long as Freshbooks, you’re expected to get it right when it comes to startup explainer videos, and (as usual) they nailed it with this one. It’s short, very professional, and small business owners can definitely relate to Mike’s (the characters) experience. The script explains the story of the founder, and shows how the product was created out of frustration and need. It appeals to some emotions, and definitely makes you want to learn more.
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
Old Republic Title helps buyers understand what to expect during the closing process with this explainer video. It’s not aimed at selling, but rather serves as an informational video that consumers can look to for answers. This type of production can help position you as a leader in your business niche by offering value to consumers. People will more than likely remember your company if they learn something from you.
InMotion Hosting
Every business needs a web hosting service, but may not know exactly what that means. This is not the typical sales explainer video, but at the same time, it can be used as a sales tool. It’s highly informational, and a good example of how you can gain a customer by describing the intricacies of your business and not selling so much. If they need hosting, they’ll remember what they learned, and where they learned it from.
Constant Contact
Explainer videos don’t always have to sell or explain a product or service. With this production, Constant Contact uses fun graphics to give the viewer tips on email marketing. It’s easy to follow, and the tips can be implemented by anyone regardless of what email service they’re using. It’s a subtle way of coaxing the viewer to visit their website.
Pinnacle Cart
This is video explains how online payments work. With unique graphics, and a simple yet detailed script, viewers get a clear understanding of how the online payment systems operate, and can decide if Pinnacle Cart is right for them. This is another sample of how educational videos can double as a sales tool.
Live Plan
Live plan comes out the gate identifying the customer and their needs in this animation. The company offers a service that helps entrepreneurs easily prepare their business plans online. The video is short and sweet, but does an outstanding job convincing the viewer about the value of their service; another one marked as one of the best explainer videos so far.
Zoho
Zoho is another company that you just expect to get it right, and yes, they nailed it. The explainer video introduces their website builder product. The script is easy to follow, and includes some stats that viewers may find interesting. Custom graphics and fun narration help to make this one both interesting and convincing.
Quickbooks
Quickbooks helps business owners get more done, and that’s the message that they display here. In less than two minutes, viewers are presented with several tasks they could complete with the software, and the benefits of utilizing the service are undoubtedly clear in the video. The production is short, direct, and well written.
Boom Town
Here’s one more example of how to create an awesome explainer video without animation. In this production, real estate professionals are presented with a common problem, and Boom Town saves the day with their highly targeted service. The video is short enough to not agitate the viewer, and just long enough to make the sale. This is definitely one of the better explainer videos for startups.
That Tutor Guy
Explainer videos are good for professionals in the educational field too. That Tutor Guy convinces both parents and students that he is the right person to help with their studies. In the presentation, he focuses on meeting their needs by identifying their prime reasons for frustration with their studies. By showing that he understands the origin of the problem, he presents himself as the best option to solving their dilemma.
Oracle
This video by Oracle is top notch. The graphics, narration, and script are just enough to convince the viewer that Oracle is among the best in the business. The sales approach here is to first point out where their competitors got it wrong, and then present a custom solution to the customer. This is a successful sales tactic used in explainer videos all over the web, but not everyone does it as good as it’s done here.
Mimecast
This video is simple, and clearly explains the benefits of utilizing Mimecast. It starts with outlining the risks of not securing your email, and then proceeds to show how their product can safely provide a viable solution. It’s just over two minutes long, but is rich with content that helps the viewer understand the value of the service.
Businesses use explainer videos to sell, educate and entertain their customers. That’s why it’s important to choose your explainer video production company wisely. You want someone that has experience, and a diverse, creative portfolio. These are just a few examples of what you can create with the right team. If you plan to tackle this project on your own, do your research and take your time. First impressions are lasting, and your startup video is your introduction to the world.
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