We need an Explainer Video, who can help us?

You have come to the realization that you need to promote your product or service with an Explainer Video. Great! Hiring a Freelance animator or Motion Graphics Artist might be the solution.

In today’s digital landscape, marketing your product through video is one of the most effective ways to engage with your audience. A well-crafted video not only informs but also captivates and persuades potential customers to take action. If you’ve decided to market your product through an animated explainer video, hiring a freelance animator could be an excellent choice.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to successfully create a marketing video for your product by hiring a freelancer animator.

1. Define Your Product’s Key Message

Before you start looking for an animator, it’s crucial to define the core message of your video. What is the main point you want to convey to your audience? Whether it’s introducing a new product, explaining its benefits, or showcasing how it solves a problem, having a clear and concise message will help guide the entire video production process.

Key questions to ask:

- What problem does my product solve?

- How does my product benefit the customer?

- What is the unique selling point (USP) of my product?

- What action do I want viewers to take after watching the video?

Having a well-defined message will not only help in creating an effective script but also ensure that the freelancer animator can align their work with your business goals.

2. Set a Budget and Timeline

Next, determine how much you are willing to invest in your animated marketing video. Freelance animators typically offer different pricing models, such as hourly rates or project-based pricing. The cost will depend on factors like the complexity of the animation, the length of the video, and the animator's experience.

On average, an animated explainer video can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the quality and intricacy of the animation. 

Along with the budget, you should also set a realistic timeline. Most freelance animators will need anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to create a high-quality animated video. Be sure to account for scriptwriting, revisions, and final production when setting the timeline.

3. Search for the Right Freelance Animator

Once you have your budget and timeline sorted, it's time to find a freelance animator who is a good fit for your project. There are numerous platforms where you can hire experienced animators, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, or specialized animation agencies. 

When searching for an animator, look for the following qualities:

- Experience in animation style: Ensure the animator has a portfolio that reflects the style of animation you’re looking for, whether it’s 2D, 3D, motion graphics, or whiteboard animation.

- Understanding of marketing: An animator who has worked on marketing videos before will understand how to engage an audience, highlight the right product features, and maintain viewer interest.

- Clear communication: Choose an animator who can articulate their ideas clearly and is responsive to feedback, as you’ll likely need to make adjustments during the production process.

4. Review Animator Portfolios and References

Once you have shortlisted a few animators, take time to review their portfolios. A strong portfolio will demonstrate a variety of work across different styles and industries, giving you insight into their ability to adapt to your brand’s voice and aesthetic. Be sure to check if their work resonates with your product’s personality and if their animations are of high quality.

Additionally, ask for references or reviews from previous clients. A reliable animator will be able to provide feedback from other businesses they’ve worked with, ensuring they are dependable and professional.

5. Collaborate on Scriptwriting and Storyboarding

The script and storyboard are the backbone of your animated video. The script is where the message of your product will be conveyed, and the storyboard will lay out the visual sequence of the animation.

Many freelance animators offer scriptwriting as part of their service, but if you already have a script, that’s fine too. If you need help, work closely with the animator to ensure the tone, style, and pace of the script align with your product’s brand identity.

Once the script is ready, the animator will create a storyboard—a visual plan for how the video will unfold, frame by frame. The storyboard is a key step in the process as it outlines the flow of the video, helping you visualize how the final product will look.

Make sure you provide feedback at this stage to avoid significant revisions later.

6. Communicate Your Brand and Vision

During the production phase, it’s essential to communicate your brand’s vision to the animator. Provide the animator with:

- Brand guidelines: Include logos, color schemes, and fonts that reflect your brand identity.

- Visual style references: Share examples of animation styles you like, or give input on the type of animation you envision.

- Target audience insights: Provide information about the demographics and preferences of your audience so the animator can craft visuals that appeal to them.

Clear communication will ensure the final video is not only visually appealing but also in line with your branding and marketing goals.

7. Provide Feedback and Revise

Once the initial draft of the video is ready, you’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback and request revisions. Be specific with your feedback—pointing out what works and what doesn’t—so the animator can make the necessary adjustments.

It’s essential to be patient during this stage, as revisions can take time to ensure the video meets your standards. Typically, animators will offer two or three rounds of revisions as part of the project.

8. Optimize and Distribute Your Video

Once you’re happy with the final product, it’s time to optimize and distribute your video. Here are a few tips:

- Optimize for SEO: Add relevant keywords to the video’s title, description, and tags to make it easier for people to find.

- Distribute on social media: Share the video across your business’s social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

- Embed on your website: Include the video on your landing page or product page to increase engagement and conversion rates.

- Use in email campaigns: Incorporate the video into email newsletters or targeted email marketing campaigns to drive sales.

### 9. Track Results and Adjust Strategy

Lastly, once your video is live, monitor its performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics or social media insights. Track metrics such as views, engagement, click-through rates, and conversion rates to understand how well the video resonates with your audience. Based on the data, you can make adjustments to optimize your marketing strategy for future videos.

Conclusion

Creating an animated marketing video with the help of a freelance animator can be an excellent investment for showcasing your product. By clearly defining your message, setting a budget, and collaborating with the right animator, you can create a visually appealing and engaging video that effectively communicates your product's value to your target audience.

With the right freelance animator, you’ll not only have a video that brings your product to life but also a powerful tool to boost your marketing efforts and drive customer conversions.

This article was written by Jimmy Eriksson. Jimmy has 20 years experience of creating Explainer Videos, Commercials, Broadcast Graphics and much more. Since 2023 he´s running his own Studio where he helps companies to promote their products and services.

contact@jimmyeriksson.com

www.jimmyeriksson.com