Ease Into Video Marketing by Creating a Storyboard

A guest post from Natalie Jones.

You’ve come up with a brilliant idea for a video as part of your social media marketing strategy, and you’re ready to start production. But before you can even think about picking up the camera, there is one crucial step you need to take: creating your storyboard. Vyond notes that a storyboard is an essential part of the pre-production process as it helps visualize your concept, set expectations for yourself, stay on budget, and keep track of what will be included in your video.

Emmanuel Fonte invites you to read on to learn how to create an effective storyboard for your social media marketing video.

Before Storyboarding

Before you start putting together your storyboard, there are some important steps you should take first. Researching similar videos that have done well in the past provides inspiration and helps inform which elements could work in your own video.

Brainstorming ideas with team members can also generate creative concepts and ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes time to produce the video. It’s also a good idea to create a quality video survey for your target audience. Such a video allows you to engage with your audience and gain valuable insights that can be used for storyboarding. You increase the chances of getting feedback by offering incentives with a gift card API, a digital convenience for you and them. Who wouldn’t appreciate a Visa or retail gift card for simply answering a few questions?

Finally, writing a summary of what the video will include will give you something solid to work off when creating your storyboard.

The Storyboard Structure

The structure of your storyboard is just as important as its contents. StoryboardThat suggests establishing the template for your storyboard, which includes frames that represent each shot and graphic elements you want to incorporate. Describe what is happening in each frame, add notes about camera angles and movement, and audio details such as music and sound effects, dialogue, or captions if necessary. Lastly, make sure to indicate where stock footage or graphics can be possibly utilized so they can be included post-production.

Script Writing Fundamentals

After creating a structure for your storyboard, you can begin to fill it with content by mapping out the key points of your script to each frame. Descriptions of the action in each scene, dialogue boxes or caption cards that match up with existing audio, and any necessary stock footage and graphics should all be factored in. Taking this extra step in pre-production helps ensure smooth post-production workflows, and you could end up saving on costs further down the line.

Stock Videos as a Savings Opportunity

If you’re looking to save on your video production costs, you can find video available instead of filming your own videos. Using royalty-free videos significantly reduces time spent on production, and you’ll also be able to access high-quality HD videos at a fraction of the cost. All that’s required is a subscription so you can securely access the footage whenever you need it.

The Best Platforms for Your Video

After putting all this hard work into creating an amazing business marketing video, it only makes sense that you want as many people as possible to watch it. Make sure you identify relevant social media channels, depending on where your audience hangs out online, then share away. Further, consider optimizing titles and descriptions across platforms so viewers get maximum exposure when searching for related topics online.

Having a detailed storyboard keeps everyone on track and provides your production team with clear expectations and goals. It also allows you to plan ahead, identify savings opportunities, and make changes if needed, which can save time and money in the long run. By having a well-thought-out storyboard, video makers can accurately map out their corporate messages, design aesthetics, visuals, and audio direction.

Image via Pexels

The Emmanuel Fonte blog introduces you to examples of my work and what makes me show up every day and my passion for music. Reach out today by calling (206) 713-3244!