Hey there, small business owners! If you’re scratching your head wondering how to get your brand noticed in today’s crazy, fast-moving world, you’re not alone. Marketing can feel like a maze, right? Two options you’ve probably heard about are explainer videos and traditional ads. But which one’s really gonna work better for your small business? Let’s dive in and figure this out together.
Explainer videos are those short, snappy clips that break down your product, service, or idea in a way anyone can get. They might use cool motion graphics for business or even live-action shots to tell your story. Traditional ads, well, they’re the classics—think TV commercials, radio jingles, print spreads, or billboards. Both have their fans, but for small businesses, picking the right one could be a game-changer.
In this post, we’re gonna unpack the pros and cons of each. We’ll look at stuff like video marketing ROI (that’s return on investment, if you’re new to the lingo), how they stack up for engagement, and even whether an affordable video editing service can make a difference. By the end, you’ll know which option might give your business the edge it needs. Ready? Let’s roll!
Explainer Videos: Your Modern Marketing Buddy
So, what’s the deal with explainer videos? Picture this: a 60-second animated clip that explains your business in a way that’s fun and sticks in people’s heads. They’ve been popping up everywhere lately—and there’s a good reason for that.
For starters, explainer videos are super engaging. A study from Wyzowl (yeah, they’re big on video stats) found that 84% of folks said a brand’s video convinced them to buy something. That’s huge for small businesses trying to turn curious clicks into cash. Plus, they’re shareable. Ever notice how videos blow up on social media? That’s free exposure right there.
Another perk? They can boost your website’s SEO. Google loves pages with videos, so popping one on your site could nudge you up the search rankings. And if you’re worried about cost, there are affordable video editing services out there that won’t break the bank.
But, let’s be real, it’s not all sunshine. Making a good explainer video can cost a bit upfront—especially if you hire pros. And if you’re DIY-ing it? It takes time to script, shoot, and edit. I’ve tried editing a clip myself once, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty ‘til I got the hang of it! Still, lots of small businesses swear the payoff’s worth it.
Traditional Ads: Old School, But Still Kicking?
Now, let’s flip the script and talk traditional ads. These are the heavy hitters you’ve seen forever—TV spots, radio ads, glossy magazine pages, you name it. For small businesses, they can feel like a solid way to say, “Hey, we’re legit!”
The big win here is reach. A TV ad during prime time or a billboard on a busy road can get your name in front of tons of people. Local stuff—like radio or flyers—can be pretty budget-friendly too, especially if you’re targeting your neighborhood crowd.
But here’s the catch: traditional ads are losing some steam. With streaming services and ad blockers, fewer folks are catching those TV spots. Print? People are reading news online more than flipping pages. And targeting? It’s tricky. You might shell out cash to reach a bunch of people who don’t care about your product.
Cost can sting too. Prime slots—like a Super Bowl ad (dream big, right?)—are way out of reach for most small businesses. Even local campaigns add up if you’re running them for weeks. Still, for some—like a family diner or a local shop—they can hit the mark.
Head-to-Head: How Do They Compare?
Alright, let’s put these two side by side and see what’s what. Small businesses need to weigh a few things: cost, engagement, ROI, and who they’re best for.
Cost-Effectiveness
Explainer videos might hit your wallet harder at first. But here’s the kicker: once it’s done, you can use it everywhere—your site, social media, emails. It’s like a gift that keeps giving. Traditional ads? They’re often a one-and-done deal. You pay for a slot, it runs, and poof—it’s gone.
Engagement and Conversion Rates
Videos win hands-down here. HubSpot says 54% of people wanna see more video from brands they like. And get this: landing pages with videos can boost conversions by 80%. Traditional ads don’t pack that punch anymore—people tune ‘em out too easily.
Long-Term Value and ROI
This is where video marketing ROI shines. An explainer video can keep pulling in leads months, even years, after you make it. Traditional ads? Their impact fades fast once the campaign’s over. You’re basically renting attention instead of owning it.
Who’s It For?
Explainer videos are gold for businesses with tricky stuff to explain—like tech gadgets or consulting services. Traditional ads might suit broader vibes, like a café or retail spot where everyone’s a potential customer.
Real Stories and Numbers That Prove It
Let’s get into some examples—because nothing beats seeing this stuff in action.
Case Study: Dropbox
Back when Dropbox started, they dropped a simple explainer video showing how their cloud storage works. Result? A 10% jump in conversions and millions of new users. That’s the power of a clear, catchy video.
Case Study: Crazy Egg
Crazy Egg’s a tool that tracks website clicks. They stuck an explainer video on their homepage and bam—conversions shot up 64%, adding $21,000 to their monthly haul. Not too shabby, huh?
Hard Stats
- Forbes says 82% of consumers have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a video, and 89% of respondents said they wanted to see more videos from brands in 2024.
- Wyzowl found 87% of marketers credit video for more website traffic.
Traditional ads? Not so hot lately. Nielsen says TV ad recall’s down 20% over the last 10 years. Print readership’s tanking too as folks go digital. The numbers don’t lie.
Wrapping It Up: What’s the Verdict?
So, explainer videos or traditional ads? For most small businesses, explainer videos take the cake. They’re engaging, they stick around, and they deliver killer video marketing ROI. Traditional ads aren’t dead—don’t get me wrong—but they’re tougher to make work in today’s world, especially if you’re on a tight budget or need to zero in on your crowd.
If you’re running a small biz and wanna level up your marketing, I’d say give explainer videos a shot. They’re versatile, and with options like affordable video editing services, you don’t have to sell the farm to get started.
Ready to see what an explainer video can do for you? Hit us up at https://amirimotion.com for a free explainer video consultation and get a free sample video. Let’s make your business pop!