The competition for app user attention has reached an all-time high, and video is your way of standing out.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then video is invaluable. Whether you're marketing an app or a software-as-a-service platform, long-winded explanations can lose your customer's attention, or worse, confuse them. Luckily, today there are tools that make it simple to create quick visuals and videos that showcase your value proposition within seconds.
For instance, one tool that lets you create professional-looking demo videos quickly and efficiently, without blowing your entire marketing budget or sucking up your time is Placeit Video. The team that built it provided some tips for getting the most out of your app demo video. Check them out below.
01. Put your app in context
People are much more interested in their lives than they are in your product. Recognize that. The purpose of your app demo video is to demonstrate how your app is going to help your users in their everyday lives. A well thought out video provides real life context, showing users firsthand how you're going to make their lives easier.
For example, if you've designed an app that lets the user type a list of ingredients into their phone and then shows them what they can make for dinner, then you should showcase the app's value by setting the demo video in a kitchen. This enables your audience to instantly grasp the app's purpose. Instead of telling them when and how to use it, you're showing them.
02. Get to the point
Knowing your audience's attention span is critical. Image via The Video Effect
Our attention spans are, well, a bit lacklustre. This needs to be taken into account when you're making your app demo video. Within 60 seconds more than half of your watchers have bailed, so get to the point. Your best bet is to explain the painpoint that your app solves within the first 30-40 seconds. Since this is such a small amount of time, your script needs to be concise and to the point.
Apps like ours are great because they give you much more time to work on your messaging rather than tinkering with editing, formats and filming. Basically, they've done the heavy lifting for you so you can focus on the key message you want your users to take away from the video.
03. Be specific
Don't be vague when something important is at stake
Strong messaging and communication makes us feel like we are being talked to as an individual. Comedians do this all the time when they talk about highly relatable experiences, like how barbers pinch your hair between their fingers before they cut it. It makes the audience say 'hey I know that thing!' and laugh with the joke since it feels so familiar.
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You want your demo video to inspire the same reaction. You want them to go 'I do have that problem you're solving!' And the best way to do that is to know your audience and cater specifically to individual needs. Know where they are when you want them to use your app, both the environment they're in and how they're feeling.
For example, if your app is a simple yet crazily addictive game, then put it in the context of a daily commute when your user is looking for something to do. Whatever context it is, be specific.
Wrap up
App demo videos are now easy for amateurs and pros to create
Your app video doesn't have to break the bank, despite being the centrepiece of your marketing. With today's technology, you can make a professional-looking video without the hassle of hiring a videographer, buying software or stumbling through different stock footage sites. DIY tools make it easy to create app demo videos your users will love.
