Your Intro to Storyboarding: What It Is and Why You Need One

Marketing has evolved over the years to keep up with the fast pace of social media, and businesses have to work hard to keep up. Fortunately, video marketing is a simple solution for many companies on a range of platforms. Yet storyboarding may be a missing piece in your business marketing activities. Learn more from HackPostMedia about storyboards and how to use them.

What Is a Storyboard?

Simply put, a storyboard is a multi-panel sketch of your story. The story might be a video, media sequence, animation, or even a written story or comic. Imagine the panels of a comic book but a first draft version, and you’ll have a good idea of what a storyboard is.

Though traditionally, storyboarding is ideal for film projects or animated TV shows, it’s also a helpful video marketing technique for your business.

Why Use a Storyboard

It’s no secret that social media is crucial in marketing today. But although platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok are easy to use, your marketing materials still need to be professional and targeted to your customers. 

That’s where a storyboard comes in.

Storyboarding helps outline the content and break down initiatives into simple pieces. Rather than recording on the fly or after a few rehearsals, storyboards let you plot each scene and revise it on paper.

Creating a concise storyboard panel saves time and money on your production. A storyboard also keeps your talent on the same page in a memorable, visually appealing way. As Microsoft explains, visuals help audiences retain information in different settings, including the workplace. A visual paired with a great script can help prepare your crew for a successful recording session better than the script alone.

Planning Your Storyboard

Before you sketch storyboard panels, reflect on the story you want to tell and the platform you’ll use. Each video should have a goal and critical message, but you’ll need to adjust the video length and format based on your chosen channel.

For example, Facebook Reels’ technical specifications limit videos to 60 seconds and require MP4 format. Video uploads on Instagram, however, can run for as long as 60 minutes. 

Knowing your video requirements will impact the storyboarding process and the time you spend in post-edit, too. 

Script Writing and Structure Tips

Once you know where you’ll be posting and what your message is, it’s time to storyboard. The format will depend on how long your video will be, among other factors. 

Length also determines your script; about 110-160 words will fill a 60-second video, depending on speaking speed. When you have a word count in mind, it’s time to create the content. 

Hubspot recommends structuring your script carefully, with an introduction that hooks viewers, a problem or pain point, and a solution that concludes the video (and calls viewers to action). 

Regardless of length, Vimeo recommends using a grid system with six to nine panels per page; each act requires about three pages. Your storyboard panels should be numbered and include directional notes, too.

Storyboarding Tips to Save Time (and Money)

The filming process can become costly, especially if you’re recording multiple videos for various platforms. 

One way to save time and money is by using royalty-free stock footage since you work with existing content instead of filming your own. There’s a lot of stock footage out there—a subscription gives you access to high-quality HD videos without paying for equipment or talent.

Use Storyboarding for Your Youtube Business

Applying your storyboarding skills to your YouTube channel can significantly enhance the quality of your content. Storyboarding allows you to visualize your ideas, organize your thoughts, and ensure a coherent flow in your videos. This process can help you deliver clear, engaging, and impactful messages to your audience. In addition, as your channel grows, it may be beneficial to establish a YouTuber LLC. Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) offers protection for your personal assets if your business faces any legal issues. Moreover, it provides potential tax benefits and adds a level of professionalism to your channel. By combining effective storyboarding with sound business practices, you can create compelling content while safeguarding your business interests.

Create an Attractive Logo

Creating a logo for your YouTube channel is a critical step in establishing your brand identity. A well-designed logo can help your channel stand out, attract more subscribers, and convey your content’s theme effectively. Several free online design tools, including Adobe Express, offer comprehensive features to aid in this process. Adobe Express logo graphic design offers an intuitive platform with a vast selection of templates, fonts, colors, and graphics, making it easier than ever to design a professional-looking logo that resonates with your audience. Such tools simplify the design process, allowing anyone, regardless of their design experience, to create a compelling logo for their YouTube channel.

Marketing Your Channel

Content marketing is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the visibility and success of your YouTube channel. By creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content, you can attract and engage a clearly defined audience. This strategy can help you build strong relationships with your viewers, turning them into loyal subscribers and even brand advocates. Content marketing also allows you to establish yourself as an authority in your niche, which can lead to increased trust and credibility. Moreover, it can improve your channel’s SEO, making your videos more discoverable on both YouTube and Google. Essentially, a well-planned content marketing strategy can drive viewer engagement, boost subscriber count, and ultimately, increase your channel’s revenue.

Great video content could make or break your company’s marketing efforts. By taking the time to outline your goals, write impactful scripts, and storyboard video ideas, your messages are more likely to influence the intended audience. You can also save time and money by using royalty-free stock footage in your videos. As a result, your business will look even more professional and put-together as your customer base grows.