7 Steps to creating a compelling storyboard for your marketing video

If you’re crafting a video for your small business, it’s essential to have a storyboard to map out the key points you want to cover. A storyboard is a sequence of illustrations or images that tell the story of the video and organize each scene in the order they will appear.

From Root of Pi, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a storyboard that will help bring your vision to life.

List the main points

To begin, list the main points you want to include in your video. For example, if you want to create a promotional video, it should include an introduction, an overview of services and benefits, customer testimonials, and a call to action.

Break them down into smaller subpoints

To tell a great, detailed story, break down your main points further into smaller, easier-to-digest chunks. Doing just that can spell the difference between tedious and exciting content.

To divide your storyboard into bite-sized pieces, use key points as guides for each section. Focusing on one point at a time within your larger narrative gives audiences valuable moments to connect with the material. So take that original outline of ideas, break it down into subsections, and watch as your ideas transform from an abstract concept to an engaging piece of visual communication.

Write scene descriptions

Once you have identified each section of the storyboard, describe each subpoint using dialogue, action, and visuals. Being descriptive will help clarify the type of footage needed for each scene and provide direction for your production team. Keep in mind who or what needs to be focused on in each segment, as well as any props or locations that need to be included.

Time each scene

Next, determine how much time each scene should last based on how long it takes for the message or point being conveyed to reach its conclusion or peak. This helps ensure that there is enough time allotted for the essential elements of your marketing video while still keeping within budget and time constraints.

Put together visuals

After you have written out your scenes, use rough sketches or collages to create visuals for each section. Visuals help bring clarity and organization to your storyboard since it can be difficult to describe scenes and elements with words alone. It also allows you to visualize how different scenes will fit together, which is key when creating videos that mix multiple elements like interviews and b-roll footage.

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Make tweaks as needed

Once everything is written down and sketched out, take a step back and review the big picture. It also helps to have fresh eyes take a look at your storyboard. You will likely find elements that need to be moved around, added, or taken away. This way, any adjustments can be made before production begins. This could lead to tweaks like adding additional scenes or changing up dialogue to suit better pacing and flow.

Mind your production budget

Finally, set a budget for your production based on how long it will take, along with special equipment rentals or location fees as applicable. Additionally, consider using royalty-free stock footage options where appropriate. Subscribe to a platform that makes stock videos available for download at a low cost, as this can save you time and money without compromising quality.

Creating a storyboard when producing marketing videos is essential for staying organized throughout the process, from pre-production through post-production. By following these tips you can craft an effective yet efficient plan that ensures you don’t go over budget or exceed deadlines. Use these guidelines as starting points but don’t forget to get creative! After all, creativity is the key to creating compelling visuals, so make sure not to skimp out on having fun.

Image via Pexels

Written by Adam Taylor, you can get in touch with Adam at TaylorAndNoel.com