The Power of How-to Videos

If you’re in the business of creating products, you might also need to be in the business of creating how-to videos for those products. We’ve worked with a ton of clients to make videos that show their audiences the ins and outs of how to use a product, who the product is for, what a product is capable of doing and so on. In a short, and not complete, list we’ve created videos for:

• Personal skin care products

• Key-less entry systems that are used in residential and commercial buildings

• Small appliances (air fryers to be exact)

• Ground-breaking photography systems

• S.A.A.S. (software as a service)

• Personal hair care products

• Enterprise-level password protection app

• A personal robot assistant

Almost anything can use a video that quickly describes and instructs in plain-speak.

Top Features of Good How-to Videos:

1. Clear and Concise Instructions: How-to videos offer a visual demonstration of product usage or a specific process, making it easier for customers to follow along and understand the instructions. Opt for close-ups and situations that your customers will encounter. Don’t leave anything to interpretation.

2. Engaging Visuals: Incorporating eye-catching visuals such as animations, graphics, and demonstrations in how-to videos enhances the overall viewing experience. They give more depth to your content as opposed to just standing on screen and talking. That can be good too, but it should be accompanied by demonstrations.

3. Step-by-Step Guidance: How-to videos break down complex tasks into simple, actionable steps, providing viewers with a clear roadmap to follow.

4: 360-degree Videos: These types of videos are perfect for showcasing products that are more than hand-held. For example, we’ve done 360 degree videos to show the interior of vehicles, and to show clients what the inside of a medical facility looked like. The vehicle videos helped sell the cars, and the medical facility videos helped calm and nervousness patients may have encountered when going to the facility for the first time.

5. P.O.V. Videos (see below): Sometimes there is no better way to demonstrate a product that showing the viewers POV (point-of-view). It can be hard to pull off, but once completed it is extremely helpful for showing customers how to work something.

This POV video put the viewer in the so-called driver’s seat to understand how easily and quickly the could use this app

Top Benefits of How-to Videos:

There are a ton of benefits to be had with creating and sharing how-to product videos. But these are the top three we’ve seen.

1. Increasing Customer Engagement: How-to videos actively involve customers in the learning process, improving their understanding of a product’s features and functionalities. This helps them enjoy all the benefits and features that come with the product. This means they’ll be stronger users and more engaged.

2. Increasing the Credibility of Your Brand: By sharing valuable knowledge and expertise, how-to videos position brands as trusted authorities in their respective industries. This credibility not only helps drive sales but also strengthens overall brand perception.

3. Higher Conversion Rates: How-to videos play a vital role in the customer journey, providing potential buyers with the confidence and information they need to make informed purchase decisions. As a result, conversion rates often see a significant boost.

4. Happy customers: Admit it - you’ve bought things or downloaded apps and just kind of gave up on using them because they 1) didn’t seem as good as you thought at first or 2) just couldn’t figure it out and it seemed like a PITA. Well, a good how-to video makes it all easier and makes happy customers that are glad they patronized your brand and product.

Top Use Cases:

1. Product Tutorials: These are the #1 use cases. These videos guide users through the setup, configuration, and optimal use of devices and apps. Don’t ever let a customer give up on your product ever again. A good how-to video demonstrates your brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction while showcasing the product’s capabilities.

2. DIY and Home Improvement: Home Depot is a prime example of a brand that has leveraged how-to videos effectively. Their videos provide guidance on everything from basic repairs to complex home improvement projects, positioning the brand as a trusted resource for DIY enthusiasts. One of the end results is that people go to Home Depot over and over again not only for the knowledge, but also the supplies needed for projects.

3. Cooking and Recipes: Food brands such as Tasty have revolutionized the cooking experience with their recipe videos. These short, visually appealing videos simplify complex recipes, making them accessible to novice and experienced cooks alike.

Top Ways How-to Videos are Used by Customers:

1. Troubleshooting and FAQs: How-to videos can address common customer issues and provide step-by-step solutions, reducing support requests and improving customer satisfaction.

2. Onboarding and Training: Companies often use how-to videos to train employees or onboard new customers. These videos save time, ensure consistency, and enhance the learning experience.

3. Showcasing Product Features: How-to videos can highlight specific features or use cases of a product, effectively demonstrating its value to potential customers.

Incorporating how-to videos into a successful product, marketing, and sales strategy is a smart move for businesses for a variety of reason. Every journey begins with one step. Embrace the power of how-to videos and unlock their immense potential for your brand’s growth.

Reasons Why Storyboard Group is the Go-To Partner for Exceptional Video

Top 5 Things Storyboard Media Group Brings to Your Project:

Storyboard Group stands out as a leading video production company that consistently delivers exceptional results. This listicle highlights the value that Storyboard Group brings to its customers, showcases its differentiators, highlights renowned clients, and explains how partnering with the company can help businesses create successful videos to elevate their product, marketing, and sales strategies.

1. Unmatched Expertise: With years of experience in video production, Storyboard Group possesses an exceptional understanding of the industry, ensuring high-quality and impactful video content.

2. Comprehensive Solutions: Storyboard Group offers end-to-end video production services, from concept development to final editing, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for their clients.

3. Strategic Approach: We always take a strategic approach to video production. We make sure we are aligning the content with the client’s brand identity, target audience, and marketing goals.

4. Creative Storytelling: We craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, helping you effectively communicate your message and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

5. High Production Value: We focus on quality. Quality client care, quality project management, and quality visuals. We utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment to produce visually stunning videos that leave a lasting impression on viewers. This high-quality also helps your brand stand apart out stand out.

5 Ways We Can Help:

• Concept - We take your raw ideas and translate them into true concepts that can be transformed into video and film.

• Script writing - Writing a script is an art form. So whether you have an outline or a start of a script, or need full-service to have a script written for you, we are your go-to agency.

• Talent and location scouting - If your film needs more than just members from your team, and if it needs to be somewhere other than your office, we bring the scouting that is needed to locate actors and locations.

• Filming, photography and editing - After all the planning has been completed, we’re behind the cameras (film, video, photo) and the editing software to finish the project completely.

• Distribution and use-cases - If you’re unsure how to use your content, where it can be used, and what file formats are needed, we can help you navigate those things. We’ll talk about it at the start of your project to make sure the direction things take match up with the end use cases.

Top 4 Benefits of Working with Storyboard Group:

1. Increasing Your Brand’s Awareness: We help businesses elevate their brand presence by creating captivating and shareable content that captures the attention of their target audience.

2. Enhanced Engagement: Our client’s videos are designed to captivate viewers, resulting in increased engagement, higher click-through rates, and improved conversions for businesses.

3. Improving SEO Rankings: Video content has a significant impact on search engine optimization (SEO). Storyboard Group’s videos are optimized for search engines, helping clients improve their online visibility and organic search rankings. And we can help you use your content in a way that is best designed for ROI.

4. Developing a Competitive Advantage: With our expertly crafted videos, our clients gain a competitive edge by showcasing their products and services in a visually compelling and memorable way.

Top Ways Storyboard Group Can Help Increase Value for Customers:

Customized Video Strategies: We develops tailored video strategies that align with each of our client’s unique goals, enabling them to maximize the impact of their video content.

ROI-Driven Approach: We prioritize return on investment (ROI) for our clients, ensuring that each video produced delivers measurable results and contributes to business growth.

Multichannel Video Distribution: Storyboard Media Group assists clients in distributing their videos across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, and email campaigns, maximizing their reach and engagement.

Measurable Analytics: We provide detailed video analytics and performance reports, allowing our clients to track the success of their videos and make data-driven decisions for future video marketing strategies.

Get to Know the Power of Brand Stories: Elevate Your Product, Marketing, and Sales

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, the importance of a compelling brand story cannot be overstated. When well-crafted, it has the potential to captivate your audience, differentiate your product, and drive sales and brand awareness.

Top Features of Brand Stories:

Brand stories are immersive narratives that connect with your target audience on a deeper level. They possess several key features that make them a powerful tool for conveying your brand’s essence:

Authenticity: Brand stories should reflect the genuine nature and values of your brand. They should resonate with your target audience and create an emotional connection.

Consistency: A strong brand story maintains consistency across all marketing channels - ensuring a coherent and unified brand image.

Compelling Stories Told By Your Team: By introducing team members and their investment in the organization, brand stories bring life to your brand and make it (and your team) more relatable to your customers.

Engaging: Brand stories need a compelling points (history, community involvement, the mission, other things that drive the brand) that grab the attention of your audience and keeps them invested in your brand’s journey.

Top Benefits of Brand Stories:

Implementing brand stories as part of your overall strategy yields numerous benefits that positively impact your product, marketing, and sales efforts:

Emotional Connection: When done right, they evoke emotions. They help customers forge a deeper connection with your brand, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy.

Differentiation: A unique brand story - one that only you can tell - sets you apart from the competition, enabling customers to perceive your product as distinctive and memorable.

Enhanced Brand Recall: A well-told brand story lingers in the minds of customers, making it easier for them to recall and choose your product when making purchasing decisions.

Trust and Credibility: Brand stories build trust by showcasing your brand’s values, history, and commitment to delivering on promises, establishing credibility among your target audience.

Top Use Cases and Examples of Brand Stories:

Brand stories find application in various marketing and sales initiatives, allowing potential customers to visualize your brand in action and understand its value proposition. Here are five examples of brands that have effectively used brand stories in their campaigns:

Apple - The iconic “Think Different” campaign narrated a story of innovation, empowering individuals to challenge the status quo and embrace their uniqueness.

Nike - Their “Just Do It“ campaign inspired millions with stories of athletes overcoming challenges and achieving greatness, positioning Nike as a brand that champions determination and excellence.

Coca-Cola - The classic “Share a Coke and a Smile“ campaign created personalized brand stories by featuring individual names on their bottles, fostering a sense of inclusivity and joy.

Airbnb - Through its “Belong Anywhere“ campaign, Airbnb shared stories of travelers immersing themselves in local cultures, promoting a sense of belonging and authentic experiences.

Dove - With its “Real Beauty“ campaign, Dove challenged beauty standards and shared inspiring stories of real women, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.

How Brand Stories Enhance Visualization and Value Proposition:

Brand stories provide unique ways to showcase your brand’s use cases and competitive differentiators in action, allowing potential customers to visualize the benefits and understand the value proposition.

Some effective methods include:

Case Studies: Sharing real-life examples and success stories of customers who have benefited from your product or service.

Video Testimonials: Creating compelling video testimonials featuring satisfied customers who share their experiences and how your brand positively impacted their lives.

Storytelling in Product Descriptions: Infusing storytelling elements in your product descriptions, highlighting the problems your product solves and how it enhances the lives of customers.

Interactive Content: Utilizing interactive formats such as quizzes, games, or virtual experiences that immerse customers in your brand story, making it more engaging and memorable.

Brand stories serve as the backbone of successful product, marketing, and sales strategies. You can create a compelling narrative that captures the hearts and minds of your target audience by remembering to keep your story authentic, consistent, and engaging while highlighting the unique aspects of your brand. Embrace the power of storytelling and witness its transformative impact on your brand’s success.

Filming Event Coverage Videos - What You Need to Know

Event coverage videos are a must-have if your organization is planning anything live - from small conferences to large-scale multi-day events. They all have a place in the video content world. They give your sales, social and marketing teams something to work with once the occasion has passed. You walk away with an important record of what was discussed, what was shown, who was there and why it happened. By capturing the essence and excitement of your events, you have a truly unique opportunity to engage, inform, and inspire your target audience.

What kind of events can (or should) be filmed? There’s no rule except it should be anything you want a record of, and something you know people would find valuable. We’ve filmed trade shows, exhibitions, concerts, military conferences and more.

Include testimonials or interviews from your event for more reach on social, marketing and sales channels.

Top Features of Event Coverage Videos (or, What to Consider):

1. High Production Quality: Yes, as filmmakers we are biased - but it doesn’t change the fact that investing in professional video production ensures that your event coverage videos are visually stunning, with crisp audio and seamless transitions. A polished video showcases the professionalism and credibility of your brand, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

2. Dynamic Content Formats: Event coverage videos can be tailored to different platforms, allowing you to repurpose and maximize their impact. Whether it’s sharing snippets on social media, incorporating them into presentations, embedding them on your website, or using them in email campaigns to prospects, these videos offer versatile content that adapts to various marketing channels.

3. Real-Time Engagement: Incorporating live-streaming capabilities into your event opens up new avenues for engagement. Viewers can participate remotely, interact with your brand in real-time, and feel connected to the event, even if they couldn’t attend physically.

4. Multi-Perspective Coverage: Event coverage videos can incorporate multiple camera angles, interviews, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes footage. By showcasing different perspectives, you can provide a comprehensive view of your event, making viewers feel immersed and involved in the experience. This is a great way to ensure they find value in your content.

Top 4 Benefits of Event Coverage Videos:

1. Amplify Brand Awareness: Event videos are an excellent tool for increasing your brand’s visibility. By showcasing your organization’s presence at industry conferences, trade shows, or product launches, you can create buzz, generate interest, and attract new customers.

Capturing events professionally is an art.

2. Enhance Product Demonstrations: Video content from your event allows potential customers to witness your products in action. By showcasing product demos, customer testimonials, and real-world use cases, you provide valuable insights into the benefits and value proposition of your offerings.

3. Strengthening Your Brand’s Thought Leadership: Positioning your brand as a thought leader within your industry is crucial for establishing credibility and authority. Event coverage videos featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, or expert interviews help showcase your industry knowledge, thought-provoking insights, and innovative ideas.

4. Generate Social Proof: People trust recommendations from others, especially when it comes to making purchasing decisions. Event coverage videos featuring satisfied customers, industry influencers, or renowned speakers serve as powerful testimonials and social proof. When potential customers see others endorsing your brand, they are more likely to perceive your products or services as reliable and valuable.

Top 7 Use Cases for Event Coverage Videos (or, How to Put Them To Use):

1. Product Launches: Event coverage videos allow you to showcase the unveiling of new products or features. Make sure to highlight the excitement, reactions and interactions of attendees.

Live events offer one chance to get it right. There aren’t any do-overs when it comes to capturing them.

2. Conferences and Trade Shows: Capture the essence of industry conferences and trade shows. Showcase keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to demonstrate your brand’s active involvement and leadership within your sector.

3. Corporate Events: Whether it’s a company retreat, team-building exercise, or an awards ceremony, an event video will help capture the culture, values, and achievements of your organization. Share these videos internally to boost employee morale and externally to showcase your company’s unique personality.

4. Webinars and Virtual Events: In the era of remote work and virtual engagements, event coverage videos play a crucial role in virtual events and webinars. By combining live-streamed presentations, audience interactions, and on-demand video content, you can deliver a comprehensive virtual event experience that engages participants and generates leads.

The video production team’s view from the cameras.

5. Fundraising Events: Non-profit organizations can leverage event coverage videos to tell impactful stories, highlight success stories, and generate support for their cause. By showcasing the emotional connection between your organization and its mission, you can inspire donors and attract volunteers.

6. Brand Partnerships and Collaborations: Showcase brand partnerships and collaborations. By featuring joint events or initiatives, you can leverage the audience of your partners to expand your reach and tap into new customer segments.

7. Training and Education: Event coverage videos can also be used for training and educational purposes. Capture workshops, seminars, or expert-led sessions, and repurpose them into valuable training resources for employees, customers, or industry professionals.

The Power of Modern Explainer Videos

Over the past several years modern Explainer videos have emerged as a game-changer for brands, and have revolutionized the way businesses communicate with their target audience.

When done correctly, they capture the attention of potential customers and deliver key messages in a concise and engaging manner. Companies can leverage their top features, benefits, and use cases, and their product, marketing, and sales strategies, to drive new conversions, increase brand awareness, and foster customer engagement. .

Explainer videos can combine an on-camera person (to make a human connection) as well as graphics (to visually deliver the information) to create compelling video content.

This video was created to introduce a brand new startup, and to on-board new team members and prospective team members.

Top 5 Features of Modern Explainer Videos:

1. Clear and Concise Script: Start with a compelling script that conveys your core message clearly. This is an Explainer video so there should be no question about your product once people have watched it.

2. Animated Visuals: Utilize captivating animations and illustrations to simplify complex concepts for your audience in an easy-to-understand way.

3. Professional Voiceover: Complement your video and engage your viewers with a well-paced (not too fast, not too slow), articulate voiceover. A good voiceover adds personality and professionalism, while a bad one can make the whole project a failure.

4. Branding Elements: Incorporate your brand’s elements. Use logos, colors, and fonts to maintain consistency and reinforce brand recognition.

5. Call-to-Action (CTA): Make sure to include a CTA at the end of the video to drive viewers to take the desired action whether it’s visiting a website, subscribing to a newsletter, or making a purchase.

In a series of 4 videos, we helped our client show the benefits of their new product line, how to use them, and how safe they are for the entire family.

Top 5 Benefits of Using Explainer Videos:

1. Increased Conversion Rates: Explainer videos have proven to be highly effective in converting viewers into customers because they simplify complex information and make it easier for the audience to understand the value proposition.

2. Enhanced Engagement: The combination of visuals, audio, and storytelling in explainer videos keeps viewers engaged and more likely to absorb the information presented.

3. Improved Brand Awareness: Through strategic placement on websites, social media platforms, and video sharing sites, explainer videos can significantly boost brand visibility and recognition.

4. Greater Retention of Information: Studies have shown that people remember visual content better than text alone. Explainer videos leverage this by presenting information in an easily digestible format, leading to improved information retention.

5. Enhanced SEO and Online Presence: Explainer videos can improve search engine rankings, increase website traffic, and generate backlinks when shared across various online platforms.

Animated explainer videos are a great way to make information ‘pop’ and keep things fun. Visuals break down complex things into digestable bites.

Top 5 Use Cases of Explainer Videos:

1. Product Demonstrations: Explainer videos showcase the features, functionality, and benefits of a product, allowing potential customers to visualize it in action and understand how it addresses their pain points.

2. Onboarding and Training: Explainer videos are an effective tool for on-boarding new customers or training employees. They simplify complex processes making it easier for viewers to grasp new concepts.

3. Brand Storytelling: Explainer videos can communicate a brand’s unique story, values, and mission in a captivating way, establishing an emotional connection with the audience and fostering brand loyalty.

4. Customer Testimonials: Incorporating customer testimonials in explainer videos adds credibility and trust, as real people share their positive experiences with the product or service.

5. FAQs and Troubleshooting: Explainer videos can address common customer questions and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting, reducing support requests and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Our client needed a video for a new product launch. It was important to show all the features of the product, how to use it, its benefits and use-case scenarios. The 1 minute video we created was also broken into smaller pieces for social channels, and e-commerce sites.

Visualizing the Value Proposition:

1. Demonstrating Product Functionality: Explainer videos can showcase how a product works, highlighting its unique features and demonstrating its benefits in action.

2. Depicting Real-World Use Cases: By presenting relatable scenarios, explainer videos allow potential customers to envision themselves using the product or solution to solve their specific problems.

3. Simulating Before-and-After Scenarios: Explainer videos can effectively illustrate the transformation that customers can experience by utilizing a particular product or service, emphasizing its value proposition.