How to Plan a Successful Explainer Video Production in 5 Simple Steps
A step-by-step guide to planning a successful explainer video production—from scripting and visuals to audience engagement and marketing integration.
Creating an explainer video production isn’t just about producing engaging content—it’s about having a clear plan that ensures your message resonates with the right audience. Without the right preparation, even the most well-designed videos can fall flat.
A successful explainer video production follows a structured process, from setting goals to defining your target audience and ensuring the final product aligns with your brand’s messaging. This guide will take you through five simple yet essential steps to help you plan an explainer video that drives results.
Define Your Video’s Goals
The first step in any explainer video production project is determining what you want to achieve. A clear objective will guide every decision throughout production, from scripting to final edits.
Are you trying to introduce your brand to new audiences? Do you need to break down a complex product or service? Are you looking to drive sign-ups, downloads, or purchases? By clarifying your goal, you’ll create a focused, results-driven video.
Beyond defining your objectives, consider how success will be measured. Will you track engagement, watch time, or conversion rates? Establishing these benchmarks early on will help you gauge the video’s effectiveness once it goes live.
Understand Your Target Audience
Knowing who you are speaking to is just as important as what you are saying. An explainer video production tailored to your audience’s pain points, preferences, and interests will be far more engaging than a generic video with broad messaging.
To ensure your video connects with viewers, research their demographics, behaviors, and challenges. What are their biggest concerns? What language and tone resonate with them? A deep understanding of your audience ensures your message is both relevant and compelling.
Additionally, consider the platforms where your audience consumes content. A video designed for social media will have a different structure than one intended for a website’s homepage. This insight will influence everything from video length to visual style.
Craft a Script That Tells a Story
A compelling script is the foundation of any great explainer video production. It should be clear, concise, and structured in a way that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
Instead of simply listing features, focus on storytelling. Present a problem your audience faces, introduce your product or service as the solution, and conclude with a strong call to action. The more relatable and engaging your script, the better your audience will connect with the message.
Simplicity is key—explainer videos work best when they are straightforward and easy to follow. Keep sentences short, avoid jargon, and maintain a natural, conversational tone.
Choose a Visual Approach That Enhances the Message
Once the script is complete, the next step is deciding how to visually present the information. Every element, from color schemes to typography, should reinforce the video’s message while aligning with your brand identity.
Consider whether a live-action approach will better connect with your audience, or if a more stylized, illustrative format will be more effective. A visually engaging explainer video production should complement the script rather than compete with it, ensuring the focus remains on the key takeaways.
Integrate a Strong Call to Action
A well-crafted explainer video production isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about prompting the audience to take action. The final moments of your video should leave viewers with a clear next step.
Whether you want them to visit your website, sign up for a free trial, or contact your team, the call to action should be simple and persuasive. Be direct, ensure the next step is easy to follow, and create urgency by highlighting the benefits of taking action immediately.
Why a Structured Planning Process Matters
Planning an explainer video production goes beyond just having a good idea. A structured approach ensures every part of the video serves a purpose, from the initial hook to the final call to action. Without proper planning, a video can easily become unfocused, missing the opportunity to fully engage viewers.
A well-thought-out plan helps streamline production, preventing unnecessary revisions and keeping the project on schedule. It also guarantees that the final product aligns with brand messaging and meets the intended marketing goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Explainer Video Planning
Many businesses rush into production without fully thinking through their video strategy. This often leads to videos that feel disconnected from their overall marketing efforts.
One common mistake is overloading the video with too much information. Explainer videos should be concise, focusing on one core message rather than trying to cover everything at once. Another pitfall is neglecting audience engagement—if the video is too promotional, it can come across as a sales pitch rather than a valuable piece of content.
By taking the time to refine messaging, structure, and objectives, you can avoid these common missteps and create a video that leaves a lasting impact.
How Explainer Videos Fit Into a Broader Marketing Strategy
An explainer video production is powerful on its own, but it is even more effective when integrated into a broader marketing strategy.
A well-placed explainer video can boost landing page conversions, improve email engagement rates, and enhance social media ad performance. To maximize reach, consider repurposing the video into different formats—short clips for social media, GIFs for email campaigns, and extended versions for presentations.
When planned strategically, an explainer video production becomes more than just a marketing asset—it becomes a tool that drives sustained audience engagement.
Bring Your Explainer Video to Life
Now that you have a clear roadmap for creating a successful explainer video, it’s time to bring your vision to life. If you want a compelling, high-quality video that captivates your audience and drives action, our expert team is ready to help.
Let’s craft an explainer video that turns complex ideas into engaging, memorable content that delivers results. Start your project today and make your brand’s message unforgettable.
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Written by James Bryant Video strategist and co-founder for Venture Videos — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.