The first session of the Finch and Flocksy Webinar series, Creativity Meets eCommerce Strategy, is complete! With over 90 registrants, we had attendees from across multiple industries and more than ten countries! 

Expert panelists teamed up on August 22nd to tackle one of the most critical aspects of eCommerce growth: collaboration. Speakers like Flocksy CMO, George Ryan and Fireside Founder, Drew Himel discussed how a well-coordinated team effort can create a seamless, positive customer experience from start to finish.

“Understanding the emotional triggers at each touchpoint can significantly impact consumer behavior,” George said. “We focus on identifying these triggers and tailoring our messaging and design to connect with the customer on a deeper level, driving more meaningful engagement.”

Mike Mardis, a marketing consultant with Finch, moderated the webinar. Discussing various stops on the customer journey, he emphasized the importance of ensuring equal effort in every area. 

“Any one of these touchpoints could be the one that’s kicking people out,” Mardis said. “All of these are very important. In order to make them work, you have to get input from all over your organization.”

Scott Brandley, founder and CEO of Shopper Approved, shared his insights into crafting your company’s customer journey. He said customer retention and loyalty can be the most cost-effective steps, especially compared to acquiring new customers.

Reviews and social proof, when properly levied by businesses, can be powerful tools to inspire this loyalty. He recommended ensuring that reviews and testimonials are consistent across a business’s web presence. 

“Show your social proof on the website,” he said. “They say, ‘I saw it on their review pages, and I’m seeing it again on the website. I’m in the right place.’”

Himel said his company uses several apps to reward its loyal customers with incentives and bonuses, which leads to customers ultimately spending more money with them.

“It’s so expensive to get customers, so taking care of them is a ‘two birds, one stone’ type of thing. 

Himel recommended eCommerce businesses’ first steps should be to lay a solid foundation across all aspects of their customer journey and in all departments, including sales. The next step, he said, was to find a couple of critical areas to focus on and look for improvements in those areas. 

Sarah Fitzgerald, head of marketing at Flocksy, said customers no longer want a strictly transactional experience with brands. They prefer to know they’re spending their money with real people who care about them. 

In response, she has crafted Flocksy’s social media to feature more personalized content, including how-to videos from creatives, free resources, and best practices for Flocksy clients, from Flocksy clients. 

“We’re fostering more of a relationship among those we call our Flock,” she said. “It’s a community of creatives who want to grow together and learn from each other.” 

Key Takeaways:

• Collaboration is Key: When marketing, sales, and customer service work together, the customer journey can be dramatically enhanced. By aligning goals and communication, teams can ensure that every touchpoint with the customer adds value.

• Optimizing Critical Touchpoints: Identifying and smoothing out friction points in the customer journey is essential for boosting satisfaction and reducing churn. A healthy journey is proactive, addressing potential issues before they become barriers.

• Actionable Strategies: Attendees walked away with practical tips on improving customer acquisition and retention through better teamwork. From streamlining processes to focusing on retargeting, these strategies are designed to make every step of the journey count.

Ready to turn your customer journey into a winning strategy? Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming webinars! To register for the next webinar on August 29, click here: https://flocksy.com/webinar/?blog1. 

About Finch and Flocksy: 

Finch specializes in crafting killer marketing strategies that remove friction from the customer journey, using the right people, processes, and technology. Since 2016, Flocksy has been the most affordable unlimited marketing materials platform, helping brands create high-quality, on-brand content that captivates audiences and drives real results. Together, we empower businesses and agencies to achieve growth by blending expertise, creativity, and seamless collaboration.

Marketing is essential for any business that wants to succeed.

That’s why you need to know how to market your brand in a way that gets it noticed on the internet and beyond.

However, with so many options and strategies available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

The following tips will help you learn how to do just that:

Get to Know Your Target Audience

The first step in any marketing strategy is to get to know your target audience. This will help you determine how to market your brand in a way that appeals to their needs and desires.

You’ll also be able to identify the best ways to reach them, whether it’s through social media or other online
channels.

Size Up Your Competition

Whether you are an established business or a startup, it is essential to understand your competition.

You need to know what they offer, how they market and where they are getting their customers from.

If you have an idea of what the other businesses in your industry are doing then it will be easier to formulate a plan that will set your business apart.

Leverage The Power Of Social Media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools in a business owner’s toolbox. By leveraging social media, you can reach your audience, build brand awareness and increase sales.

You can also use it to build relationships with your customers and get feedback on how well you’re doing from them.

However, social media is only as effective as the person using it. If you’re not using your personal Facebook or Twitter accounts correctly, then you may as well not have them at all.

This can be especially hard for small business owners who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to social media marketing.

Here are some tips to help you use social media effectively:

• Don’t just sell. Focus on providing value by sharing useful information, including stories from your business, news about the industry and helpful tips that relate to your customers’ lives.
• Use pictures! People love pictures; they make your posts more interesting and easier to digest.
• Share other people’s content. If someone has written an article that relates to something in your industry, then share it with your audience.

Create A Customer Centered Website

If you are in business, chances are you have a website. If you don’t, then it’s time to get one!

A website is an essential tool in today’s competitive business world. It allows potential clients to learn more about your products and services and gives them the ability to purchase them with a few clicks of their computer or phone.

Your site should be mobile friendly since most people access the internet through their phones these days instead of desktop computers.

If your site isn’t optimized for mobile devices many potential customers won’t even bother exploring further because they won’t enjoy an awkward, clunky mobile experience.

Solidify Your Brand Identity

Brand identity is the personality of the brand. It’s not just about your logo or name, but also how you interact with your customers and present yourself as a company.

When customers think of your business, what do they see? Do they think about how it makes them feel? Or does it conjure up certain images in their head? These are all factors that contribute to brand identity.

It’s important to have a strong sense of brand identity because this will determine how people relate themselves to your company or product when they encounter it in any way possible.

For example: Coca Cola has built its entire success on being associated with happiness and fun times (and maybe even dating back from many decades ago). Their slogan “Open Happiness” conveys exactly what their brand stands for – happy times!

Dive Into Email Marketing

Email marketing is the most effective way to reach your customers. It’s easy to use and you can stay in touch with your customers without having to do a lot of work.

Email marketing is also great for generating leads and growing your brand. You should especially start using email marketing if you have an eCommerce store and are looking to sell more products online.

Email marketing can be automated, which means that all you have to do is set up an auto responder sequence so that every time someone purchases something from your store, they receive an email asking them if they wanted a refund or exchange instead of waiting on hold with customer service reps, who may not even be available right now because it’s after hours!

Start Working With Influencers

You can work with influencers to get your message across. Influencers are people who have a large following on social media, like Instagram or Twitter.

They help you reach new audiences and spread your message, which can boost credibility and increase sales.

In some cases, working with influencers could even save money since they often don’t charge as much as traditional advertising outlets such as TV commercials or newspaper ads.

Find The Right Audience With Paid Ads

Paid ads are a great way to find the right audience for your business. You can choose to target your message based on location, age, gender and even interests.

If you’re looking to attract more customers in the local area, then platforms like Google Ads or Facebook are great places to start.

The targeting options are extensive and provide plenty of data from which you can build a detailed profile of interested individuals.

This will ensure that only those who are likely to be interested in what you have to offer see your adverts – saving money on wasted impressions and clicks!

Run SMS Marketing Campaigns

Running SMS marketing campaigns is one of the best ways to reach your target audience. With SMS marketing, you can communicate with your customers in a personalized way by sending out bulk messages to people that have opted in to your campaign.

Create A Unified Brand Strategy

Your brand strategy is the foundation for your business. It ties your marketing messages together and positions you as a distinct entity in the marketplace, so it’s important to get it right.

Here are some tips for creating a successful brand strategy:

• Focus on the customer. You can’t build a strong brand without knowing who your customers are and what they care about. Once you know these things, think about how to use them in your messaging to make them feel connected with your company or product. Don’t just focus on what you want; focus on what they need too!
• It should be expressed through all marketing channels. Your branding efforts will be wasted if they’re inconsistent across platforms—so make sure that whatever design elements or language choices you make are used consistently throughout all of your materials (website copy, ads, social media posts).

Conclusion

There are many different ways to market your business successfully.

By implementing the tips we’ve shared, as well as experimenting with other strategies that may work better for your unique brand, you’ll be on your way to soaring above the competition and reaching new heights in success.

It is said that it takes seven times for a person to see or hear from a business before they make the decision to buy. For many marketers, figuring out the best way to repeatedly get a business in front of its audience without using pushy sales tactics, is a challenge.

There are many methods that come and go, some that work and stick around for a while, and others that are on the fast train to retirement. However, the newsletter consistently remains one of the best tools for marketing, as long as it is done well.

The thing about newsletters is that they have the ability to consistently reach your audience with something of value. They’re not just ads they stumble across, they’re not sporadic posts that they may see when scrolling their favorite social media site, they are literally a direct line straight to the consumer.

This gives businesses an opportunity to regularly present their leads with content that showcases their value and their expertise.

If you’re ready to start sending out impactful and engaging newsletters that help you connect with your audience, here are a handful of examples for inspiration:

69b Boutique

Popular eCommerce and physical store, 69b Boutique, sends out a regular newsletter to their audience that utilizes impactful features in their design.

The minimalist aspect combined with a stand out color scheme makes the newsletter readable and appealing.

The 69b Boutique newsletter also has a distinct structure that ensures a smooth flow for readers.

It moves seamlessly from an offer for free shipping to a highlight of new products and on from there, delivering value and relevance all the way to the bottom.

Penguin Random House

Top book publisher, Penguin Random House regularly sends out personalized emails, helping them connect with their audience and increase their conversions.

By encouraging readers to choose their preferences, Penguin Random House has been able to customize newsletters that show their audience only the things they’ll likely be interested in.

The result is that fans of young adult books receive newsletters geared to new releases and sales in that genre, and so on.

Consumers are sure to click on these emails because they find them valuable and relevant. Personalization is a key tool when creating newsletters for your audience.

The Hustle

Business newsletter, The Hustle, is sent out regularly to readers who are looking for information in the business and tech industries.

The Hustle has gained notoriety due to the tone of its content. While sharing the valuable information that readers are looking for, The Hustle differentiates itself by including wit and humor. Its unique tone keeps readers coming back for more.

Fizzle

Creator website, Fizzle, follows a simplified newsletter tactic, keeping readers in the email instead of sending them all over the internet.

Fizzle fills their newsletter with great, relevant content that gives their audience the information they need in one easy place.

In the end, they provide a call to action for a free trial that readers can take if they feel compelled after reading the content in the email. This tactic makes things simple for the reader and is a great way to encourage conversion.

Calif Chicken Cafe

Los Angeles restaurant, Calif Chicken Cafe, uses the stand-out minimalist newsletter technique that quickly catches the eye of the reader.

The bulk of the newsletter is an attractive photo and great color palette that entices the reader to pay attention and sparks desire. The Calif Chicken Cafe newsletter is a great example that shows sometimes less is more.

Apartment Therapy

Home design website, Apartment Therapy, follows an image-heavy newsletter tactic that readers love.

In every newsletter they choose relevant, aesthetically pleasing images that fall in line with their articles and other content.

Since Apartment Therapy is a visual website, they follow suit in their newsletters to give readers a taste of what they will find when they visit.

Hack the Box

Hack the Box is a cybersecurity platform that sends their audience a streamlined newsletter filled with valuable information.

They use a model that showcases their new services, each with a button underneath that readers can click if interested.

After services showcases, they provide the reader with any relevant news and a recent article.

It’s a simple and seamless model that makes it easy for their audience to learn important information and take any actions they find valuable.

We Can Still Have Nice Things

Popular blog, We Can Still Have Nice Things, sends a weekly newsletter to subscribers that showcases happy and uplifting stories and topics.

The newsletter is conveniently divided into subjects making it simple for readers to find what speaks to them.

This blog newsletter has a small blurb from each article, an image, and a link, which builds up website traffic as readers click over to hear the rest.

Bloomscape

Houseplant to the door delivery service, Bloomscape, boasts of a beautiful newsletter that keeps customers coming back for more.

Their newsletters are replete with aesthetic photos of plants along with short descriptions and tips.

The look of their newsletter is impactful and feels like a visit to their website.

The entire look, color scheme, and tone of the Bloomscape newsletter helps readers engage and greatly encourages conversion.

Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed is one of those websites that everyone knows, filled with pop news articles, photos, and online quizzes. Designed to be a place for everyone, Buzzfeed sends out a newsletter with teasers to draw readers over to the site.

Their newsletters have a few top headlines with a short blurb that is designed to pique the interest of readers.

In order to learn more, readers click the link and find themselves on the Buzzfeed website. It’s the oldest email trick in the book but it continues to be quite effective.

Phrasee

Grammar website, Phrasee, sends out informative weekly emails that are fun and valuable for their audience.

They use lots of online jargon, emojis, images, and interactive GIFs to create an enjoyable experience.

While the Phrasee tactic is a bit simple, it’s also effective. It speaks clearly to the reader and has a humorous tone that ensures engagement.

Creative Bloom

Creative, artistic newsletters are rapidly becoming relevant to industry followers.

Creative Bloom is an arts and design magazine that has carefully crafted their newsletter to whet the appetite of readers who share that creative streak.

These types of newsletters are striking with imagery, illustrations, and articles on stimulating topics.

They are designed to draw in other creative types and therefore have a powerful artistic element.

In Conclusion

Sending out unique and relevant email newsletters is one of the best ways to engage with your audience and keep them connected to your brand.

You just want to make sure you’re not spamming them with irrelevant content that makes them hit the trash, or even worse, the unsubscribe button.

By following in the footsteps of some of the most unique and relevant newsletters out there today, you can start building a base of loyal subscribers.

Whether you’re new to marketing or are a seasoned veteran, every marketer needs to know how to make an explainer video.

Explainer videos are where you can come alongside your customers and give them the answer to their products in the form of your product or service.

They’re a way to show the conflict, turning point, and resolution in the buyer’s journey. But what if you’re stuck on what to do when making your explainer video?

It’s one thing to know the elements that go into one, but you’ll need some creative inspiration to keep your muse pumping for as long as you need it to.

Luckily, we’re here to help you. This blog post will discuss 10 examples of great explainer videos and why we like them so much.

1. Microsoft

Microsoft is one of the tech giants of the modern age, and their explainer video covers the dangers of cybersecurity threats and how Microsoft can help individuals, businesses, and companies better manage this problem.

The smooth graphics, informative speech, and excellent solution make this one of our favorite explainer videos.

See full video here Microsoft & SHI – Animated Explainer Video

2. Cisco

Cisco is another leading cybersecurity company here to showcase its explainer video.

This video details all the companies using their model to complement the threat-centric method, beginning with the concept of trust, the basis for an excellent customer-company relationship.

Because the idea of customer trust is so vital to the image of a functioning business, we’ve rated this explainer video pretty high up on the list.

See full video here Cisco Trusted Access Explainer Video

3. Ahrefs

Ahrefs, using the domain Semrush, is an SEO-keyword search engine. And they make use of that in their explainer video, too!

But, of course, the best way to make sure people know about you is to hook them in immediately with what they’re searching for, and they use that by opening with the phrase “Here’s the problem.” Take a look at their video today!

See full video here What is Ahrefs?

4. Paypal

Have you ever wanted to pay someone without having to give away all your bank account information? If so, Paypal is your site, and their explainer video captures customers’ attention.

The animation combined with live-action filming makes the fantasy of ease with money transfers a reality. The promise of convenience makes this explainer video a good one.

See full video here PayPal – People Rule 30 Second TV Commercial

5. Fonolo

The cute graphics and friendly voice make Fonolo one of the explainer videos we’d recommend to you.

First, the problem is introduced but given a silver lining – you have a thriving business. Still, you need a better call center to keep up with everything.

Then it offers the solution in a chipper tone: Fonolo. This device allows people to automatically be called back once an agent is available. The pleasant voice, layout, color palette, and music make this a great example.

See full video here Fonolo | Explainer Video by Animation Explainers

6. Slack

This explainer video takes a slightly different approach than the ones we’ve covered.

Still, it’s one of the best for that very reason. Rather than discussing the problem and only offering the solution after they remind the customer of their situation,

Slack shows the answer right off the bat. The video below depicts a happy world with a digital HQ so employees can communicate and invite you to join in.

See full video here Work, simplified. | Slack

7. Padmapper

Finding housing can be challenging, but Padmapper is here to help with this adorable commercial.

Using a handmade animation style and tons of visual and musical gags, this one shows the quirky and ridiculous nature of finding an apartment online.

Humor is always a good idea as long as it lands, and this explainer video gets the job done!

See full video here What is PadMapper?

8. Crazy Egg

Crazy Egg’s explainer video below taps into an issue that all marketers have: the need to analyze and expand their web traffic.

The problem is relatable, meaning they can discuss it in detail before moving on to the solution – getting one’s website analytics started with Crazy Egg. Look for yourself!

See full video here Crazy Egg

9. Litmus Email Previews

This site uses one of the coolest analogies ever to convey its message: ninjas!

Sometimes conjuring up an image of something extraordinary to get the customer’s attention works wonders.

Combine that with the fluid graphics and fun art style; you’ve got a great explainer video.

See full video here Litmus Email Previews in a Nutshell

10. Zendesk

Zendesk, like many other explainer videos described here, makes use of visually stimulating elements to deliver a compelling message about a product people desperately need.

For example, customer service is defined using shapes, in keeping with their brand redesign, and the analogy of puzzle pieces to people is kept as a theme throughout the video. Take a look to see what we mean.

See full video here Introducing The New Zendesk

Tired of the same old marketing tactics? With so much information out there, you must stand out to get noticed. It’s time to think outside the box!

Here are some innovative ways to freshen up your brand and make a memorable impact on your target audience.

1. Tease Your Audience with a Trailer

(Image source)

It works for movies, and it can work for you, too! A teaser trailer gives audiences a sneak peek of what your brand has to offer. Use one to welcome people to your YouTube channel, jazz up your landing page, or as a pinned post on Facebook or TikTok.

You can play up the cinema theme with an exciting supercut of your product, or take a more practical approach and show them around. Choose the concept that best suits your brand personality.

For example, Taco Bell has created a series of trailer-style commercials to promote its products, under the fake studio “Live Mas Productions.”

2. Launch a Social Media Challenge

(Image source)

Who doesn’t love a challenge? Choose an activity that makes sense for your target audience. Then, let your followers try it themselves. When promoted well, challenges can attract attention from other social media users. This creates a lot of potential for people to discover your brand!

Your challenge could be a physical action that people replicate (e.g. the ice bucket challenge), a problem they solve, or their twist on a theme. Think about what would entice your potential customers yet also drive them toward your product.

For example, Starbucks hosted a competition to see which city had the most Pumpkin Spice Latte fans. Customers were eager to share their PSL love!

3. Host Virtual Workshops

(Image source)

During the pandemic, stores such as Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics began offering online crafting classes. These helped them stay afloat while people were staying home.

And it turned out to be a great idea. Customers loved the opportunity to learn and have fun with crafting experts! See the full video here

What’s your brand’s area of expertise? Turn it into a virtual class or workshop. You can release sessions as an edited video or a live stream.

4. Use Guerrilla Marketing

Named for independent fighters with unconventional methods, guerrilla marketing means popping up in unexpected places.

For example, instead of posting handbills, you’d paint a mural advertising your brand. You could also do impromptu street demos or flash mobs to grab attention.

Here’s a branded crosswalk from Bic:

(Image source)

The sky’s the limit. Just be sure to get proper permits! When in doubt, stick to sidewalk chalk.

5. Make People Laugh

(Image source)

If it suits your brand identity, spice up your marketing with a bit of comedy. Insurance giants GEICO and Progressive have both become cultural icons thanks to their whimsical and absurdist commercials.

But you don’t need a huge advertising budget to make your audience laugh. Try making a humorous skit to release on your social channels. You could even poke fun at yourself if it makes sense for your brand personality.

Here’s an example of how Mint Mobile owner, actor Ryan Reynolds, uses his offbeat comedy to promote the business.

Witty copywriting, the whimsical mascot, and the funny quote from Reynolds help forge Mint Mobile’s silly yet relatable brand identity.

6. Quiz Your Audience

(Image source)

Everyone likes to feel smart. Give your audience a chance to show off their trivia knowledge. A quiz could be a fun piece of social media content to boost engagement.

And don’t forget personality quizzes! These are perfect for engaging your potential customers and making them feel special. For example, you could let people find out their “hair personality,” and then drive them to your haircare products.

Above is a great example from ILoveJeans.com that encourages visitors to find their body shape before browsing the shop.

7. Rethink Your 404 Pages

Affirm your brand identity and keep wayward customers engaged with customized 404 pages. Following a broken link is frustrating. But if you get creative with your 404 page design, you turn a mistake into a marketing opportunity!

Here’s a great example that uses some humor:

(Image source)

It also points users toward more products, so the 404 page doesn’t have to be a dead end!

8. Sponsor Another Brand

(Photo by Yomex Owo on Unsplash)

Need to expand your customer base? Try putting your name somewhere unexpected. In addition to pop up advertising (see idea #4), you could sponsor a product, organization, or event that aligns with your brand values.

For example, banking giant Santander sponsors these city bikes that residents can rent. This gets their name all around town, literally!

9. Meme Your Brand

(Image source)

Memes are the bread and butter of the internet, right up there with funny cat videos. If it makes sense for your brand, create some memes! You could poke fun at a relatable situation, portray your brand in a humorous way, or show what happens without your product.

Here’s a funny example using the popular “Distracted Boyfriend” meme format. It not only plays on the word “hot” but also jokes that people would ignore their significant other for Ruffles chips.

Before creating a meme, make sure you understand the origin of the meme format and how to use it. Otherwise, you may seem out of touch, inauthentic, or even cringey.

10. Ask for Captions

(Image source)

Invite your social media followers to caption an image. This could be an interesting photo from behind the scenes, an image of your product in action, or simply a funny image that relates to your brand.

National Geographic makes its traditionally sophisticated brand more engaging and humorous with this post.

11. Produce an Event

(Image source)

Event marketing allows consumers to immerse themselves in your brand. This is an amazing way to build recognizability.

Who could forget a fun contest, pop up fair, or food truck experience? If your brand name is on it, people associate that with their good memories.

For example, to promote the show “9-1-1 Lone Star” in New York City, Fox TV set up food trucks and handed out Texas style chili and cornbread. After all, the quickest way to someone’s brand loyalty is through their stomach!

12. Publish User Generated Content

(Image source)

No time to create new social media posts? No problem. User generated content (UGC) strengthens your brand by showing off your loyal community. There are three main ways to collect UGC:

• Run a contest, such as a photo competition, then publish the winner. Check out the #ChipotleCreator Challenge for a great example. Chipotle asked customers to compete for the best burrito combination.
• Host a social media challenge (see idea #2) or promote a hashtag, and ask people to contribute. For example, Kodak will republish photos tagged with #MadeWithKodak, and Minnidip will round up pictures of cute dogs in their inflatable pools.
• Monitor hashtags related to your brand and request permission to repost photos and videos. Starbucks is known to republish posts tagged with #starbucks or #starbuckscoffee.

Posting UGC on your brand channels proves that you care about your customers. Plus, it saves you tons of time!

Wrapping Up

See any ideas on this list that you like? With a bit of creativity, you can turn your marketing from mediocre to magical.

If you need some help creating designs or writing copy for your new clever marketing campaigns, sign up for Flocksy! Our diverse team of creatives is eager to bring your vision to life.

Need a hand making an explainer video for your business? You’ve come to the right place.

An explainer video can assist with business, advertising, and marketing in several ways. What is an explainer video, you might ask? Well, an explainer video is a short film explaining your product to the consumer and why they should buy it.

Generally, explainer videos are used as both advertising and explanation of your product, and they tend to be phrased in a problem-solution manner.

However, creating a good explainer video can be a bit daunting!

In this guide, I’ll give you ten tips on how you can make an awesome explainer video for your business in order to drive up sales and show others how you stand out uniquely from the rest of the crowd.

1. Know Your Audience.

Knowing who you’re marketing to is incredibly important in order to craft a good explainer video. Different age groups, ethnic groups, and genders prefer different things to be in their advertising.

For example, if you plan on selling a men’s deodorant, focusing on the dainty smell of perfume and the soft feeling of the smell against their smooth skin would not be ideal.

Conversely, an elderly couple is not going to be particularly impressed by the idea of TikTok references in an advertisement about the ideal arthritis medication for people their age.

Below is a video from the YouTube Creators themselves about how you can know and understand your audience for the content you’re making.

2. Script Writing.

A good video can’t take off without a good script! Scripts should explain what the problem is that the product is aiming to solve, possible pitfalls that other products may cause, and the solution: your product.

It’s best to keep these scripts entertaining (another reason you should know your audience well!), brief, and clear. Without these things, you’ll have a hard time keeping your viewership engaged, and the quality of your work could suffer.

Here’s a video from Eduard Stinga on the topic.

3. Clarity.

As discussed above, clarity both in the script and in the visuals is essential for a good explainer video!

A good script leaves no room for errors or confusion and is easy to recount without having to write down notes, and should be structured in an orderly fashion so potential customers can keep track of what you’re saying easily.

The explainer video should include the most important information about your product, what it does, and what needs it fulfills, rather than being a novel about everything in detail. For tips on this, you can view Biteable’s video on how to create a clear and enticing script.

4. Brevity.

Just as important as clarity is the issue of brevity. It can seem like a daunting task to keep the word count down enough to fit into a focused, minute-or-two-long video.

You should always have a thesis statement and supporting statements when discussing your product, and the elimination of the extra word fluff is a must.

This way, you can capture customers in their busy lives or with their short attention spans and get your information across in an easy-to-read, concise manner.

Jazza explains this concept below, but there are many resources available to help you accomplish this goal.

5. Include FAQs.

Picture this: you’ve followed all the tips above, and you still can’t seem to get audience members to stick around or engage with your product.

If this is you, you’ll want to provide a frequently-asked-questions section in order to avoid confusion with your audience.

These questions can be polled from the audience directly, or you can anticipate beforehand which questions they might ask.

This will improve clarity if you find that the brevity of your video is impeding your outreach. The Collaboration Coach has a way to make an FAQ page that balances the need for conciseness with the need for clarity.

6. Include A Call To Action.

At the conclusion of your explainer video, you should always include a call to action.

Calls to action are the bread and butter of advertising; that’s what gets customers buying your products!

A call to action can be phrased as a question (“So what are you waiting for?”), or statements (“Call us today to order your first subscription!”).

If you find yourself having a hard time writing a call to action, not to worry! Sleeknote has you covered in this department.

7. Ensure Accessibility.

If your market audience is human (which they will be!), there’s a strong possibility that people with disabilities will be viewing your explainer video.

Including captions or a transcript is a must for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, and you should always ensure that your audio is stellar for those with a visual impairment.

And if you’re marketing to disabled folks directly, pay extra-close attention to these things!

An overstimulating visual palette will drive away the autistic, and if you’re selling something to dyslexic people, make sure you use their preferred font and colors so as to make it readable to them.

Some people need a little extra help, and it’s your job to provide that so they can see how awesome your product is!

Below, Aquent Gymnasium explains how to accomplish these things.

8. Magical-Tier Video Production.

Even if you have the most glorious script ever to grace mankind, that won’t mean anything unless you can put the rubber to the road and make that video look beautiful!

Your advertisement should include engaging graphics, well-designed fonts, and interesting scenarios.

Hire the right actors for the role if it’s a live-action production, or get someone to make you some wondrous animated content for the role.

There are many ways to accomplish a professional, engaging, and entertaining blog post.

Below, Parker Walbeck is just the guy to help you.

9. Serenading Sound Quality.

Now, we’re onto the final stage of production: the sound production.

Music, funny voices and company jingles can cement your explainer video in a customer’s mind as interesting, unique, and most of all, helpful.

Music should never drown out voice over, and if you want a captivated audience, you’ll use music that’s appropriate for the advertisement’s tone and genre.

Remember to keep your audience in mind when choosing the sound production! Monkey Pixels has some tips for us all on how to accomplish a gorgeous sound reel for your next commercial.

10. Influence the World!

Now that you’ve got an amazing script, video, and sound scene, it’s time to share your explainer video with the world.

One of the many ways you can accomplish this is by paying influencers to advertise your content in their videos.

Many companies such as Hello Fresh and Dollar Shave Club do this in order to maximize their audience while those people are watching videos anyway.

But there are numerous tips you can employ in order to accomplish this same goal.

Don’t take my word for it – Matt Byrom’s got us covered with eleven tips on how to slay it with your perfect, informative, amazing explainer video!

However, its efficiency is determined by various factors. If the message, language, and media do not suit the target market. The marketing communication approach will flop. Here are some tips to improve your marketing communications.

Develop A Good Marketing Plan

A sound marketing plan is comparable to a road map, indicating a starting point and the steps necessary to reach the end goal. Launching a marketing campaign without first developing a clear marketing strategy is a surefire way to fail. A marketing plan should include,

• Extensive marketing research.
• The intended audience.
• Advertising platforms.
• A thorough dive into the competition’s marketing communication strategies.

All of these things have an impact on your communication style. For example, for youth, it may be OK to use slang, but for the older generation, it is not.

Seek Guidance From An Expert.

In all honesty, hiring someone to assist you with marketing is not always an easy decision, especially for small businesses. This could be due to financial constraints or the belief that you are the only one who understands what your company is all about, which is understandable. Juggling things on your own, on the other hand, may throw you off your game.

Suppose you employ a professional and share your vision with them. In that case, you will spend more time managing the business and coming up with new ideas while they are out looking for solutions to your marketing communication problems.

Take A Marketing Or Communication Course.

Starting a business does not demand a business degree, but having one is highly beneficial. It’s the same with marketing. You might know how to conduct market research and other basics of the field, but do you know how to effectively convey a message or put together a compelling Facebook post or an email?

You could accomplish so much more and faster if you took a few lessons. Marketing comprises more than just having an idea who to market to, it also entails understanding consumer psychology, such as grasping which phrases are likely to prompt a client to purchase and which are not.

Demonstrate Some Personality

Nowadays, the majority of businesses mimic what their competitors are doing. Even though it is beneficial to draw inspiration from your opponent, it is also important to identify methods to set yourself apart from the competition. Being different can be a positive thing.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to inject some personality into your marketing communications. It could be the tone of your advertisements or the content you post, how your business interacts with customers and potential customers, whether on social media or in person. It Makes clients feel like they have a personal connection to your company.

Build Trust For Your Brand

Suppose Clients are to believe that you are the top hairstylist or baker in town. You have to prove it to them. Don’t mislead your customers by giving them inaccurate information. Offer free samples, post real client testimonials, and encourage your consumers to evaluate and review your business. People need to believe in what you’re selling. Increased sales are the result of a good brand.

Modify Your Marketing Tactics

Have you struggled to get likes and comments on your social media posts, despite posting regularly? or are visitors not flocking to your website? It could be disheartening to see the marketing communication approach you had so much faith in, with which you had invested resources and time, provide such disappointing results.

However, do not give up yet. Attempt alternative ways or make minor adjustments here and there. You could also experiment with paid Google Ads, Facebook Ads, a podcast, free testing fair, or even paying influencers to promote your products or services rather than simply posting content on social media pages.

Regular Results Monitoring

Every marketing communication strategy must include an assessment. Did it promote awareness, inform customers about a new product, or a sale? A competent assessment system is required to determine the effectiveness of marketing communications tactics and if they should be used in a future campaign. What parameters can you use to evaluate the effectiveness of a marketing strategy?

With most marketing conducted online, it’s pretty simple because Google and social media platforms provide insights. You can see the number of people who viewed or commented on your ad, how much traffic your website received as a result of the ad, and how many people signed up for newsletters, and so forth.

Share Helpful Information

You can’t just throw anything out there. Always view your marketing communications from the perspective of the customer. If you don’t understand what customers want to hear about your business, review your social media postings to see which ones had the most engagement and go with that. You could also share content that sparks discussions or captivates customers’ interest, encouraging them to be honest about what they expect from you.

Ultimately, when devising a marketing communication strategy, know your target audience well. Then, based on the findings, customize your communication model to the customer profile.

Featured Team Member of the month:

How to Improve Your Email Open Rate

How To Set Small Business Goals

Five Steps For Achieving Diversity And Inclusion In The Workforce

by Flocksy writer David Galstyan
  To get a sharper picture on society it’s important to increase diversity among our professional circles by thinking outside the box about who fits into our social groups.    continue

How To Have Secure Passwords

It’s safe to say that if consumers spend nearly a fourth of their day on an activity, it behooves businesses to make contact with them there. Social media has become one of the most important places for businesses to connect with consumers.

It’s vital that those businesses approach customers honestly. It’s important to build a healthy relationship that’s entertaining, transparent and responsible.

There are seven sure ways businesses can build trust on social media. These methods aren’t silver bullets that work in a day, but they’re good habits that help guarantee success.

1. Provide Quality Content

Having a good product is always a good place to start. In terms of information, your product is your content. Whether the intention is to entertain or inform, the content needs to be of a quality that shows visitors your business is serious.

That means text must be well written, well placed and properly sourced. Images and sound must be clear and pertinent, with all rights cleared. The content should be useful to visitors. It should engage them in a way that makes them expect and want more.

Having good content makes a business appear to be an authority on a given subject. If done properly it can make that business appear to be a leader, a resource that outdoes its competitors.

2. Encourage Interactions

Don’t make communication a one way street. Use the interactive capabilities of social media to engage, inform and instruct consumers. Respond to questions quickly and encourage debate. Have a strategy in place to take advantage of your interactions. Lead generating ads and email campaigns are ways to develop a relationship.

Ask users for their opinions, and let their responses become a source of valuable content for you. Stay engaged by posting visitor reviews and client testimonials. When your customers see they have an actual place in your world, they’re more likely to trust you. A sense of community builds quickly when you’re involved in a dialogue that includes multiple interactions with your patrons.

3. Maintain Transparency

Let your customers know what you’re doing. Be upfront with them about what drives you. Tell them where you get your supplies and information. People don’t expect your intimate details, but they don’t want you to keep important secrets from them.

If you’re having troubles that are making your business suffer, let people know about it. They can’t stick with you through the hard times if they don’t know you’re having them. On the other hand it’s a good idea to be vocal about your successes. If your company worked hard and got another round of funding, let people know.

Spread the word when a windfall comes to you; let customers know when your business performs unusually well. People like a winner and enjoy being part of something that works. It’s not that you’re looking for a pat on the back; it’s just good to let customers know where you stand in relation to the rest of the field.

4. Display A Consistent Brand

Trust is built by consistency. You can’t be cold one day and hot the next. If you’ve shown you support a product, methodology or service, you can’t simply make it unavailable unexpectedly. If people come to you and see you have a certain way of doing things, you mustn’t suddenly adopt a whole new approach.

Even if you upgrade or relaunch your business, customers should still be able to identify your brand. Likewise, don’t say one thing but then do another. Your actions have consequences, and so do your words.

A business builds its brand over time, and the power of time is consistency. Once you become known for a way of doing business, people know they can trust you to deliver.

5. Be Original

Trust your own thoughts and your own ideas. No matter what sources or materials you use, the way you do business will be unique. Even a franchise duplicating a process used by thousands of venues will speak in the voice of its owners. Let the personality of your business shine through.

Social media is made for exhibiting a certain persona. The more your business takes direct ownership of its branding and presentation the more visitors will believe what they see is the real you.

6. Show Social Responsibility

Let people know you care about the world you inhabit. This can be anything from championing social causes to advocating changes in your industry. Consumers say time and again they prefer dealing with a business that shares their core values.

More than seventy eight percent of the public wants businesses to be involved in social issues. Another eighty seven percent make purchasing choices based upon shared beliefs with a company.

7. Work Openly With Colleagues

Get like minded businesses to partner with you and speak on your behalf. Praise from a third party carries more weight than tooting your own horn. Do joint ventures with other businesses, especially if it provides a benefit to your customers.

These liaisons paint your business as a thought leader and influencer. More importantly, the combined Internet linkage of the participating businesses carries your brand further than it can travel alone.

The backbone of a company is its customers and thus, a company’s livelihood is based on how they value their audience.

To expand your customer base, it is important to stay in consistent contact with potential and existing customers. The more you get your business seen and keep your content fresh, the more interest your business will maintain, thus leading to an increase of sales.

Below are 6 simple ways to increase your customer base.

1. Offer Free Monthly Newsletters

When you offer a free newsletter, you are informing your potential customers that you are committed to keeping communication regarding your business open, as well as showing that you appreciate their support. Look into doing monthly, free newsletters that get sent directly to your customer’s inbox to provide them with a free update on your business and anything new that you have coming up.

2. Try Direct Mail Marketing 

There is still much visibility and benefits that “traditional” marketing will bring for your business. Bring your company to your customer’s physical mailbox by investing in a direct mail campaign. You can include an advertisement in a popular local publication, send out postcards advertising exclusive events, or mail coupons to new customers.

3. Maintain The Highest Level Of Customer Service

Great customer service skills reflect positively on your business. Treat each customer with respect and take appropriate action. A happy customer is likely to tell at least three friends about a positive experience and is even more likely to keep coming back to buy more of your product. Great customer service leads to increased sales.

4. Keep Your Website Content Fresh

Your website is the online “storefront” for your business and should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and updated with fresh content daily. Informative and eye-catching content is one of the main elements that pull in new visitors and potential customers. Keep your customers coming back to your site by publishing a blog that writes about the latest updates with your business and hot topics within your industry. 

5. Use Social Media For Promotion 

Perhaps the easiest way to grow your business and customer base is to create your own social media channels. From Facebook to Instagram and Twitter, there is no better way to connect with customers and promote your brand for free than on these social networks. Create hashtags that will give you “free” marketing by allowing your customers to promote our brand for you. 

6. Speak At An Industry Event 

If you have some experience in the field of your business, you can get involved in the community by speaking at a local event that’s within your knowledge of expertise. By sharing your experience and getting involved in your industry at a local level, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your connections within  your community, as well as your reputation as a legitimate leader in your industry.