Since 2009, we’ve been creating animated explainer videos to help businesses turn their big ideas into bite-sized, engaging stories that captivate and convert.
We’re always working on perfecting the way we simplify complex concepts and make them stick.
So when a client asked us to help boost trial sign-ups, we got right to work.
The outcome? A 280% increase in sign-ups and increased paying accounts by 150%.
Here’s how we made it happen.
Bulk.ly: The Protagonist
Bulk.ly is an AI-powered social media management tool designed to take the chaos out of content creation and scheduling.
It helps simplify your entire workflow, from brainstorming fresh content ideas to scheduling posts, publishing them, and even managing multiple accounts.
The Struggles They Faced
For a tool as powerful as Bulk.ly, one of the biggest challenges was explaining its value in a way that instantly clicked with potential users.
It’s not a physical product you can hold or a service you can see in action right away.
There are also complex AI-driven processes behind the scenes. It can be challenging to convey how it works to new potential users and why it’s so valuable in simplifying social media management.
This made it tricky for Bulk.ly to stand out in a crowded market full of competitors offering similar promises.
They needed a way to give their audiences an “aha” moment, simplify their story, and showcase how their tool is different and better than the rest.
How We Got It Done
When it came to bringing Bulk.ly’s story to life, we knew we needed something that could clearly and quickly explain the tool’s value.
A short explainer video with a mix of straightforward animation styles was the perfect fit.
The video was positioned prominently on the homepage to make sure that potential users encountered it early in their journey before they even had to scroll.
As the first touchpoint for many visitors, it needed to instantly convey what Bulk.ly is, how it works, and why it’s worth exploring further.
All that said, the video was also designed with versatility in mind. Whether embedded in email campaigns, shared on social media, or used in presentations, we wanted it to serve as a consistent and compelling introduction to Bulk.ly.
Storyboard
We first had to map out the entire flow of the video.
Since it’s for the homepage, our goal was to keep things fast-paced and visually engaging while making sure that the core message was crystal clear.
We started with a rough sketch of each key scene in our storyboarding process:
- Opening scenes: We introduce Bulk.ly as a problem-solver for busy social media managers.
- Middle scenes: We break down how Bulk.ly works. We didn’t want to get bogged down in technical details, so the visuals focused on how the tool actually benefits the user, not just what it does.
- Closing scenes: We wrap up with a compelling call to action.
Script
There’s a lot a social media management tool can do, but we knew better than to try and cram every feature, buzzword, and benefit into the video. Here’s why:
- Avoiding Information Overload: Many videos make the mistake of listing endless features or tech jargon, which often leaves the viewer confused and unclear on what the tool actually does.
- Focusing on Clarity: We knew that for Bulk.ly, clarity was key. Instead of overwhelming viewers, we zeroed in on what mattered most: How does Bulk.ly solve real problems?
Our approach? Keeping the explainer video script simple and impactful.
The ideal explainer video duration is two minutes. But we decided to aim for 1 minute of pure value. The goal is to engage and make Bulk.ly’s value instantly apparent.
So here’s how we structured the script:
- Start with a Simple Question: We started by asking a relatively simple question: “Struggling to juggle multiple social media accounts?” No time to waste on complicated intros or fluff. This question also immediately addressed a common pain point and made the target audience think, “Yes, that’s me!”
- Presenting Bulk.ly as the Solution: Then, we introduced Bulk.ly as the easy, AI-powered fix for those challenges. This helps position the tool as a solution that removes the chaos from social media management.
Voiceover and Tone
We knew that the voice had to match the energy of the tool itself: smart, approachable, and confident.
That’s why we chose a voice-over artist with a warm and friendly voice tone, like a knowledgeable friend who’s there to help you.
We wanted the viewer to feel like they were having a conversation with someone who truly understood their social media struggles and was offering a simple, effective solution.
The tone of the voiceover itself mirrored the script’s casual and upbeat vibe. This helps reinforce the idea that Bulk.ly is a same-old social media management tool but a game-changer for anyone tired of the daily grind of social media management.
Animation
We wanted the visuals to reflect Bulk.ly’s simplicity and ease of use while also feeling fresh and modern. Here’s how we achieved that:
- Matching the Tool’s Simplicity: 2D motion graphics were the perfect fit to highlight key features while at the same time making sure the video remained dynamic and engaging without overwhelming the viewer.
- Integrating the Interface: We used screencast animation by including an actual screenshot of Bulk.ly’s interface in the animation. This gave viewers a clear look at the tool in action and helped them visualize how they could interact with the platform in their own workflows.
- Branding with Personality: Bulk.ly’s logo and mascot played an important role in reinforcing the brand’s identity. We used them strategically to create a consistent visual experience and add a friendly touch that resonated with viewers.
Call to Action (CTA)
We keep the CTA design clear, direct, and action-oriented, so there’s no room for confusion.
There’s an on-screen prompt to sign up or learn more. We paired it with motion graphics that guided the viewer’s eyes directly to the key information.
A closing shot with Bulk.ly’s branding, logo, and website URL so that the message stuck, even after the video ended.
The Big Payoff
Creating a great video is one thing. Making sure it delivers real results is another.
For Bulk.ly, the explainer video didn’t just look good. It worked hard.
Ever since the video was launched on the homepage, trial sign-ups shot up by over 280%. Even more impressive, paying accounts grew by 150%.
Of course, the video itself shouldn’t take full credit for these incredible results.
Bulk.ly worked tirelessly on their side to make sure that the video got maximum visibility and impact.
They placed the explainer video prominently on their homepage, backed with a well-designed and user-friendly website that matched the video’s energy. They made sure everything was aligned to convert visitors into loyal users.
Testimonial from Chris Makara, the Founder of Bulk.ly
When we caught up with Chris Makara, the founder of Bulk.ly himself, he was eager to share his thoughts on the explainer video and the experience of working with us.
One of the key elements that made the video effective was its ability to simplify what Bulk.ly does and how users could benefit from it. “It really helped clarify everything and made the value of Bulk.ly crystal clear,” he shared.
The video itself has become a versatile asset for Bulk.ly.
It’s already driving results on their homepage and is slated for use in email marketing campaigns to engage even more users.
Looking back, Chris emphasized how vital it was to work with a skilled team.
He pointed out that not all explainer videos hit the mark, some can even hurt a brand’s image. But with the right expertise, the outcome can be transformative.
Chris also spoke about the smooth collaboration with Breadnbeyond throughout the project.
“From the get-go, we understood the timeline and what was expected. The team was great about incorporating our feedback and making adjustments as needed, which made the whole process feel effortless.”
PS: Big shoutout to Chris Makara for allowing us to feature his video performance case study on our website!
Takeaways
Every project is unique. This project with Bulk.ly shows us a lot about what works and why for making complex tools simple and engaging.
Here are the key insights we walked away with:
- Clarity Over Complexity: Simplifying Bulk.ly’s features into an easy-to-grasp narrative proved far more effective than overwhelming viewers with technical details.
- Visuals Speak Volumes: Combining 2D motion graphics, screencasts, and branded elements showcased the tool’s functionality while maintaining a polished, engaging feel.
- Seamless Collaboration: A seamless feedback loop with Bulk.ly’s team to make sure the video aligned with their vision and audience expectations.
- Strategic Placement: Bulk.ly nailed the follow-through by redesigning its website and giving the video star treatment front and center.
