Explainer videos are an essential tool for businesses to convey their message quickly and effectively. Whether you’re a startup trying to explain a new concept or an established company introducing a new product, an explainer video can be a game-changer.
They simplify complex ideas and make it easier for your audience to understand your products or services. But creating an effective explainer video requires expertise, creativity, and the right tools. That’s why many companies choose to hire an explainer video agency.
Finding the right agency can be a game-changer for your business. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. To help you navigate this process, here is the only checklist you need when hiring an explainer video agency.
Understand Your Needs
Before you even start looking for an agency, it’s important to understand what you need. Ask yourself:
- What is the purpose of the video? (e.g., product launch, brand awareness, service explanation)
- Who is your target audience?
- What is the key message you want to convey?
- What style of video do you prefer? (e.g., animated, live-action, whiteboard)
- What is your budget?
Having clear answers to these questions will help you communicate your needs effectively to potential agencies and ensure they understand your vision.
Check Their Portfolio
An agency’s portfolio is a window into its capabilities and style. Look for:
- Quality: Are the videos professionally made with high production values?
- Creativity: Do the videos stand out and are they engaging?
- Relevance: Have they created videos similar to what you have in mind?
- Variety: Can they handle different styles and types of videos?
A strong portfolio indicates that the agency has the experience and can deliver on its promises.
Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
Client testimonials and reviews provide insight into the agency’s reliability and the quality of their work. Look for:
- Positive feedback: Consistent positive reviews are a good sign.
- Case studies: Detailed case studies showing how they solved specific problems for their clients.
- Red flags: Be wary of any recurring negative feedback or unresolved complaints.
Assess Their Expertise
Creating an explainer video involves various skills, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, animation, voiceover, and editing. Ensure the agency has:
- A talented team: Check if they have experienced scriptwriters, animators, and voiceover artists.
- Technical expertise: They should be proficient in the latest video production software and techniques.
- Industry knowledge: Familiarity with your industry can be a bonus as it means they understand your market and audience better.
Evaluate Their Communication Skills
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. The agency should:
- Be responsive: They should reply to your queries promptly.
- Understand your vision: They should take the time to understand your needs and goals.
- Provide regular updates: They should keep you informed about the progress of your project.
Good communication ensures that the project stays on track and any issues are addressed promptly.
Discuss the Creative Process
Understanding the agency’s creative process will give you a clear idea of how it works. Ask about:
- Initial consultation: Do they offer a free consultation to discuss your needs?
- Concept development: How do they come up with ideas and concepts for the video?
- Revisions: How many rounds of revisions are included in the contract?
- Feedback: How do they incorporate client feedback into the project?
A transparent creative process indicates that the agency values your input and is committed to delivering a product that meets your expectations.
Consider Their Pricing
Budget is an important factor in any project. When discussing pricing, consider:
- Transparency: The agency should provide a clear breakdown of costs.
- Value for money: The cheapest option is not always the best. Consider the quality of work and the services included in the price.
- Additional costs: Be aware of any potential additional costs for revisions, voiceovers, or special effects.
Check Their Technical Capabilities
The agency should be equipped with the latest tools and technology to produce high-quality videos. Consider:
- Software: They should use industry-standard software for animation, editing, and special effects.
- Equipment: For live-action videos, they should have professional-grade cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
- Delivery formats: They should be able to deliver the final video in various formats suitable for different platforms (e.g., YouTube, social media, websites).
Look for Originality and Innovation
An explainer video should be unique and capture the essence of your brand. The agency should:
- Offer fresh ideas: They should come up with creative concepts that make your video stand out.
- Avoid templates: Custom-made videos are usually more effective than those made from generic templates.
- Be up-to-date: They should be aware of the latest trends in video production and animation.
Verify Their Timeliness
Timely delivery is crucial, especially if you have a strict deadline. Check if the agency:
- Provides a realistic timeline: They should give you a clear timeline for each phase of the project.
- Meets deadlines: Look for reviews or testimonials mentioning their punctuality.
- Has a contingency plan: They should have a plan in place to handle any unexpected delays.
Ensure They Offer Post-Production Support
Post-production support can be vital for making final tweaks and ensuring your video meets all your expectations. Ask about:
- Final revisions: Are additional revisions included after the final delivery?
- Technical support: Will they help if you encounter any issues with the video files?
- Future updates: Can they assist with updates or changes to the video in the future?
Consider Their Long-Term Viability
You may need more videos in the future, so consider whether the agency is a good long-term partner. Look for:
- Stability: Are they a well-established agency with a good track record?
- Growth potential: Do they have plans to expand their services or capabilities?
- Relationship building: Do they show an interest in building a long-term relationship with their clients?
Ask for a Detailed Proposal
Once you’ve shortlisted a few agencies, ask them for a detailed proposal. The proposal should include:
- A clear understanding of your needs: They should reiterate your goals and requirements.
- Creative approach: Their ideas and concepts for your video.
- Timeline: A detailed timeline for each phase of the project.
- Cost breakdown: A transparent breakdown of all costs involved.
- Terms and conditions: Any terms regarding revisions, payment schedules, and ownership rights.
Conclusion
Choosing the right explainer video agency can make a significant difference in the success of your project. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that you find an agency that understands your vision, meets your needs, and delivers a high-quality video that effectively communicates your message. Remember, a great explainer video is an investment that can pay off in terms of increased engagement, better understanding, and ultimately, more success for your business. Happy hunting!
Motionvillee stands ready to transform your ideas into compelling visual stories. With a commitment to creativity, professionalism, and client satisfaction, we deliver high-quality explainer videos that resonate with audiences. Trust Motionvillee for innovative solutions that elevate your brand and achieve your communication goals effectively.