Best Explainer Videos for Small Businesses
Explainer videos used to be “nice-to-have.”
Today, they’re essential.
Customers don’t read long pages anymore — they watch. And in less than 60 seconds, an explainer video can tell your brand story, demonstrate your product, build trust, and convert a viewer into a buyer.
For small businesses especially, explainer videos are the most cost-effective way to look professional, communicate fast, and boost engagement across websites, social media, advertising, and emails.
This guide breaks down the best types of explainer videos for small businesses, what makes them convert, examples, benefits, templates you can use, and why hiring a specialist often delivers the best ROI.
1. What Makes Explainer Videos So Effective?
Explainer videos simplify complex ideas. Within seconds, they answer:
- What do you sell?
- Who is it for?
- What problem does it solve?
- Why should someone trust you?
- What should they do next?
And unlike text, video activates multiple senses — making your message easier to understand, remember, and act on.
🧠 Interesting Fact
Viewers retain 95% of a message when delivered in a video, compared to 10% through text.
That’s why brands using explainer videos experience higher:
- conversions
- trust
- time-on-page
- click-through rates
- sales
2. Best Types of Explainer Videos for Small Businesses
Below are the top-performing formats used by high-growth small businesses and startups.
1. Animated Explainer Videos (Most Popular & Affordable)
Animated videos are perfect when you want to:
- explain your product
- introduce a service
- simplify a technical concept
- add personality to your brand
They use colorful graphics, motion, and voiceover to guide the viewer naturally.
Why small businesses love this style:
- budget-friendly
- highly engaging
- easy to customize
- works for any industry
- great for social media
Best for:
- SaaS companies
- consultants
- agencies
- ecommerce brands
- educators
2. Whiteboard Explainer Videos (Educational + Trust-Building)
Whiteboard videos use hand-drawn illustrations to educate viewers step-by-step.
Why they convert well:
- perfect for teaching complex concepts
- easy to follow
- creates a sense of authority
- great for YouTube, landing pages, and sales teams
Whiteboard explainers are popular in:
- finance
- healthcare
- coaching
- real estate
- B2B services
3. Live-Action Explainer Videos (Human Connection)
Live-action explainers use real people, real locations, and real products.
Why they work:
- builds trust instantly
- shows your product in action
- makes your brand feel relatable
- great for ads and websites
Perfect for:
- restaurants
- beauty brands
- service-based businesses
- product demos
4. Motion Graphics Videos (Highly Professional Look)
Motion graphics combine animation with sleek text, shapes, and transitions.
They feel modern, premium, and visually smooth — perfect for brands wanting a polished aesthetic.
Best for:
- tech
- consulting
- corporate services
- agencies
5. Social Media Explainer Reels (Short-Form Explainers)
Fast, punchy, and designed for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest.
Why they convert:
- quick value
- thumb-stopping visuals
- easy to share
- high organic reach
These are great for:
- product quick demos
- “before vs after” stories
- top 3 benefits
- myths vs facts
3. What Makes a Great Explainer Video?
A high-converting explainer video includes:
✔ A clear message
No fluff, no jargon — straight to the point.
✔ A strong hook in first 3 seconds
People click away fast.
✔ Simple visual storytelling
Graphics must guide understanding.
✔ A real problem + real solution
“Here’s the pain → here’s your answer.”
✔ Brand consistency
Colors, fonts, tone.
✔ Professional script + voiceover
This is what separates amateur videos from profitable ones.
🧠 Interesting Fact
Including a CTA at the end of your video increases conversions by 21%.
4. Examples of Explainer Videos That Work
Here are the most effective formats used across small business industries:
Example: SaaS/Tech Explainer
- Animated
- Explains workflow
- Shows UI mockups
- Ends with “Start Free Trial”
Example: Service Business Explainer
- Live-action
- Demonstrates process
- Builds credibility
- Ends with “Book a Consultation”
Example: Product Explainer
- Short-form reel
- Before vs After
- Popular for beauty, fitness, gadgets
- Ends with “Shop Now”
Example: B2B Explainer
- Motion graphics
- Professional and minimal
- Ends with “Request a Demo”
5. Explainer Video Templates You Can Use Right Now
Here are done-for-you script templates:
Template 1 — 30 Second Animated Explainer
Hook: “Struggling with problem? You’re not alone.”
Middle: Show 3 quick benefits
Finish: Clear CTA — “Try it today.”
Template 2 — Product Demo Video
Scene 1: Problem demonstration
Scene 2: Show product solving it
Scene 3: Highlight top benefits
Final: “Shop Now” or “Learn More”
Template 3 — Service Explainer
Step 1: What you do
Step 2: How you do it
Step 3: Why it’s different
Step 4: Strong CTA
6. How Explainer Videos Boost Sales & Conversions
Explainer videos improve:
✔ Landing page conversions
People understand faster and buy faster.
✔ Ad performance
Videos outperform static images across platforms.
✔ Website engagement
Visitors stay longer — great for SEO.
✔ Brand trust
A well-made video makes even a small business look enterprise-level.
✔ Product understanding
When people “get it,” they convert.
🧠 Interesting Fact
Adding an explainer video to your homepage can increase conversions by up to 80%.
7. Why Small Businesses Should Hire a Professional Explainer Video Specialist
Many business owners try creating videos themselves — but explainer video creation requires:
- scripting
- storyboarding
- animation
- voiceover
- timing
- sound design
- editing
- branding precision
Professionals do all this seamlessly.
What a specialist delivers:
✔ Clear storytelling
✔ High-quality animation or footage
✔ Branding consistency
✔ SEO-optimized video titles & descriptions
✔ Platform-specific versions (Reels, YouTube, Pinterest, Ads)
✔ Faster turnaround
🧠 Interesting Fact
Small businesses using professional video content see 49% faster revenue growth.
FAQ
1. What type of explainer video works best for small businesses?
Animated and short-form videos — they’re affordable, fast, and effective.
2. How long should an explainer video be?
30–60 seconds is ideal.
3. Do explainer videos increase conversions?
Yes — they help customers understand your offer instantly.
4. Are explainer videos expensive?
No — many specialists offer affordable packages for small businesses.
5. Where should I use my explainer video?
Website homepages, landing pages, ads, social media, email marketing, and Pinterest.