How To Make Instructional Videos for Your Company in 7 Steps

Creating instructional videos is a smart way to share knowledge with a specific audience and enhance learning. But, as you plan your next video, you might feel overwhelmed by educational video production costs, especially if you’re on a tight budget. For instance, say you run a company and want to make a video to train employees on using a new software program. Instead of boring them with a lengthy manual, you create an engaging video they can relate to and understand. This will improve employee morale and save the organization money by reducing the time it takes to get them up to speed with the new program. This article will help you get started with video production to help you achieve your goals, like seeking the best employee time tracking app for tracking employee hours.

An effective way to cut costs and achieve your goals is to enlist the help of Moonb's educational video production services. We can help you create a top-notch instructional video to captivate your audience and improve learning.

What are Instructional Videos?

Instructional videos simplify complex tasks. Also known as guides, tutorials, or explainer videos, they provide step-by-step directions for completing a specific task. Instructional videos can help users understand how to:

• Use a product
• Navigate a process
• Troubleshoot common issues
• Get started with a new system

The Types of Instructional Videos 

Not all instructional videos are the same. There are several different instructional video types, each serving a different purpose. The most common types of instructional videos include: 

Screencasts 

Screencasts are recordings of a computer screen that walk users through a particular process or feature within the software. They are handy for demonstrating how to use specific functions within the platform and can be easily created using screen recording software. 

Screencasts effectively provide step-by-step instructions and are particularly well-suited for SaaS applications with complex interfaces or workflows.  

Animated Explainer Videos  

Animated explainer videos use illustrations, animations, and voiceovers to convey complex concepts or processes in a visually appealing and engaging manner. These videos are ideal for breaking down abstract ideas or demonstrating the overall benefits of your SaaS platform. 

They can help users quickly understand the value of your product and how it can solve their specific pain points.  

Live-Action Demonstrations  

Live-action demonstrations showcase real people using the software, highlighting its features and benefits in a relatable and authentic way. These videos can be particularly effective in building trust with potential users and demonstrating the practical applications of your SaaS platform. 

Live-action demonstrations can also showcase the human side of your business, making it more approachable and appealing to users.  

How-To Instructional Videos  

One of the most common forms of instructional videos, how-to videos or tutorials, are a great
Option for explaining the end-to-end process for, well, a process. These videos can range from 15 to 30 seconds and break down a series of actions into numbered steps.

Demo Instructional Videos  

Demonstration instructional videos are great when showcasing a product in action. These instructional videos can take many forms but generally rely on custom footage to unveil a product via un-boxings, product tests, reviews, and more. Demo videos like these are great for humanizing a product and demonstrating value.

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How To Make Instructional Videos for Your Company in 7 Simple Steps

1. Define Your Objectives

Establishing clear goals for your instructional video will help you create focused, valuable content. Start by asking yourself a few questions:

• What specific skills or knowledge should viewers gain?
• What challenges do users face, and how will this tutorial solve them?
• What actions should viewers take after watching the video? 

Beyond Routine Fitness

For example, if your company has released a software update, your objectives might be to: 

• Inform users about the update and its benefits. 
• Demonstrate how to use the new features efficiently. 
• Encourage users to apply what they’ve learned immediately. 

Clearly defined objectives help keep your content focused and ensure your video delivers value to your audience.

2. Research the Topic Thoroughly

Even if you're an expert, conducting research helps you present the most accurate and up-to-date information. This step involves firsthand exploring the software or tool to understand all features and functions and consulting subject matter experts (SMEs) for deeper insights and best practices. 

Checking user feedback or support forums to identify common questions and pain points. Watch similar videos to analyze what works well and what gaps you can fill. By gathering this information, you can create a video that anticipates user concerns and answers their questions effectively.

3. Identify Your Audience

Understanding your audience allows you to tailor the content to their needs. Consider:

• Who will be watching?
• Are they beginners, intermediate users, or advanced professionals?
• What is their level of familiarity with the subject?
• Do they need a basic introduction or just a quick walkthrough?
• What common problems do they encounter?

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Addressing specific pain points makes the video more relevant. What is their preferred learning style? Some viewers prefer step-by-step guidance, while others may want a high-level overview. For example, if you're creating a tutorial for beginners, you should avoid technical jargon and explain each step in detail. If your audience is experienced, focus on efficiency tips and shortcuts.

4. Create an Outline and Storyboard

A well-organized video flows smoothly and keeps viewers engaged. Before writing your script, outline the key points you’ll cover. A typical outline includes:

• Introduction: Briefly explain what the video is about and why it’s useful.
• Step-by-step Instructions: Break the topic into clear, manageable sections.
• Examples and demonstrations: Show practical applications of what you're teaching.
• Summary and call-to-action: Recap the main takeaways and encourage viewers to apply what they’ve learned. 

Visualizing Clarity

A storyboard is also helpful, especially for visualizing screen recordings or animations. It can include screenshots or rough sketches of key moments. Notes on transitions, annotations, or highlights. A planned sequence of on-screen actions. A clear structure ensures that your video is:

• Logical
• Well-paced
• Easy to follow

5. Write a Clear and Engaging Script

A great instructional video follows a script to maintain clarity and flow. Your script should have three main sections: Introduction: Start with a friendly greeting and introduce yourself (if applicable). State the purpose of the video and what viewers will learn. Explain why the topic is important or how it will benefit the viewer. 

‍Example: "Hi there! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use [Software Name]’s new automation feature to save time and streamline your workflow. By the end of this video, you can set up your automation in just a few clicks!" 

Primary Content

• Break down the topic into logical steps.
• Explain each action clearly and concisely.
• Use simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon.
• Provide tips or troubleshooting advice where relevant.
• Keep your tone conversational and engaging. 

Conclusion

Summarize key takeaways and encourage viewers to try what they’ve learned. Include a call to action, such as:

• Subscribing to your channel
• Checking out related videos
• Leaving a comment

A well-structured script ensures that your video remains engaging and easy to follow.

6. Record Your Video

Choose a high-quality screen recording tool that captures video in HD for screen recordings. Close unnecessary apps and disable notifications to avoid distractions. Use a good microphone for clear audio (avoid built-in laptop mics). Speak clearly and maintain a steady pace. Use cursor highlights or zoom effects to draw attention to critical areas. 

For Camera-Based Videos

• Set up proper lighting: Natural or soft studio lighting works best. Use a tripod or stable surface to prevent shaky footage. 
• Check your background: Choose a clean, professional setting. Test your microphone to ensure clear, echo-free audio. Look directly at the camera to engage your audience. Regardless of your recording method, don’t worry about small mistakes; you can edit them later.

7. Edit Your Video for Clarity and Engagement

Editing is where your raw footage turns into a polished, professional tutorial. Key editing tasks include:

• Cutting out mistakes, pauses, and filler words to keep the video concise.
• Enhancing audio by reducing background noise and adjusting volume levels.
• Adding on-screen text and annotations to reinforce key points. 
• Including zoom-ins, highlights, or callouts to emphasize important details. Smooth transitions are used to make the video flow seamlessly.
• Inserting background music (optional) to enhance engagement without being distracting. A well-edited video keeps viewers engaged and improves retention.

What Makes Great Instructional Videos?

Set Clear Learning Goals from the Start

Great instructional videos start with a clear goal. Customers should know exactly what they’ll learn and how it will help them. Whether setting up software, using a new feature, or troubleshooting an issue, defining the objective ensures the content stays focused and relevant.

Keep Content Concise and Well-Structured

People watch instructional videos to get answers quickly. A good video avoids unnecessary fluff and breaks down information into logical, easy-to-follow steps. A strong structure typically includes: 

• Introduction: A brief overview of what the video will cover.
• Step-by-step demonstration: Clear, visual instructions with explanations.
• Summary: A quick recap of key points.
• Call to action: Encouragement to apply what they’ve learned or seek further help.

Prioritize High-Quality Visuals and Audio

Poor video quality can distract viewers and reduce effectiveness. Crisp visuals, clear audio, and smooth transitions make the content more professional and easier to understand. This includes: 

• High-resolution screen recordings for software tutorials.
• Well-lit and stable video for product demonstrations.
• Professional-quality microphone to ensure crisp, echo-free narration.
• Callouts, highlights, and animations to direct attention to key areas.

Use an Engaging and Conversational Tone

A great instructional video is a helpful guide, not a robotic lecture. Using a friendly, conversational tone keeps viewers engaged. Avoiding overly technical jargon and explaining concepts in simple terms makes the content accessible to all users.

Make Videos Accessible and User-Friendly

Not all customers learn the same way, so offering accessibility options improves the experience. This includes: 

• Closed captions for viewers who prefer to read along or have hearing impairments.
• Multi-language subtitles for a global audience.
• Playback speed controls allow users to slow down or speed up as needed.
• Downloadable transcripts or step-by-step guides for customers who prefer text-based instructions.

Focus on Problem-Solving and Real-World Examples

The best instructional videos address common customer pain points. Instead of explaining how a feature works, they show why it’s useful and how to apply it in real-world scenarios. Including use cases or FAQs helps customers see immediate value. 

Moonb's Agile, Subscription-Based Approach to Corporate Video Excellence

Moonb is a video marketing agency that offers corporate video services. We provide seamless project management integration via:

• Trello
• Slack
• MS Teams
• Weekly strategy calls
• Contract-free
• Full-service production approach

Strategic Video Empowerment

Moonb is a superior alternative to traditional video agencies, freelancers, and in-house production teams. Our flexible, subscription-based model, combined with our expertise in creating compelling video content, positions us as the ideal partner for companies looking to elevate their marketing and educational initiatives through the power of video. 

Start a 3-day free trial with our corporate video services to take your content to the next level.

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Benefits of Using Instructional Videos For Customer Education

Boosting Business with Instructional Videos

Organizations looking to improve customer education should consider creating instructional videos. A TechSmith survey found that 98% of people who use video at work say it enhances the effectiveness of their message. Instructional videos are also a great way to help grow your business. 

By providing educational content to potential customers, companies can establish themselves as industry leaders and earn the trust of their audience. Video content on your website can increase traffic and boost social media engagement.

Enhanced Engagement

Instructional videos are a highly engaging medium that captures and holds users' attention. By employing visual aids, animations, and clear voiceovers, these videos provide an interactive learning experience that encourages users to become more invested in the platform. 

This enhanced engagement leads to greater user satisfaction and encourages them to explore the software more deeply, ultimately driving adoption and success.

Improving Customer Onboarding

Studies have found that 65% of employees are visual learners. This makes video-based training and onboarding essential. Detailed training videos provide step-by-step instructions on software tools and company procedures. For example, a software company can create training videos that guide new hires through the software’s functionalities, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.

Increasing Customer Retention

A well-structured instructional video library can contribute to increased customer retention. By offering users a comprehensive resource to consult whenever they encounter challenges or have questions, SaaS companies can demonstrate their commitment to user success. This helps users feel supported and encourages them to continue using the platform, knowing that assistance is readily available.

Simplifying Complex Concepts

One of the key benefits of instructional videos is their ability to simplify complex concepts. Using visual aids, analogies, and step-by-step guidance, these videos can break down intricate processes and ideas into easily digestible segments. This empowers users to understand and apply the information, leading to increased confidence and proficiency in using the platform.

Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness

Instructional videos offer a scalable and cost-effective solution for SaaS companies looking to support their growing user base. Once a video is produced, it can be shared with unlimited users at no additional cost. This makes instructional videos ideal for businesses looking to expand their reach and provide consistent, high-quality customer support. 

As these videos reduce the need for one-on-one support, they can help companies save on support resources and costs in the long run.

Reaching a Global Audience

Adding captions or subtitles to your videos not only enhances accessibility but also broadens your audience reach. Statistics reveal that 83% of videos on social media platforms are watched without sound. By catering to diverse language preferences, you can make your instructional videos accessible to a global audience and maximize their impact.

Using Instructional Videos Across Your Funnel

Now that we understand the why behind instructional videos, let’s see how they can be used. These videos can be used across the marketing funnel:

Top of the Funnel: Instructional Explainer Videos

Top-of-funnel content attracts prospects. By providing a high-level overview of your product or service in an engaging, easy-to-understand format, you can help them answer – “Is this for me?”

Middle of the Funnel: Instructional Product Demos

As prospects move further down the funnel, they’ll want to see your product in action. Make abstract concepts more concrete and tangible through visual metaphors, analogies, and your product’s UI.

Bottom of the Funnel: Customer Onboarding

Once a prospect becomes a customer, the learning journey doesn’t stop. Animated Instructional onboarding videos can help new users start using your product.

Post-Purchase: Training and Support

Even after the sale, animated instructional videos can continue to educate your customers. These videos can help them use your product’s different features. Use them for ongoing training, feature updates, and troubleshooting common issues.

Once you are ready to launch your instructional videos, you will face the dilemma of choosing the right video platform. Research and choose a video platform that best suits your needs.

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Start a 3-day Free Trial to Take Your Content to the Next Level with Our Educational Video Production Service

Educational videos can increase revenue by 49% faster than any other type of content. This number doesn’t lie. Prospects respond to academic content, especially videos. The more you can use educational videos to “train” your prospects on your business, products, and services, the more you can boost sales. 

Amplifying Authority

Video marketing helps you create informative, digestible content that gets your business noticed. It also enables you to establish industry authority and credibility to earn future customers' trust. And educational video content does all of this with less statistical noise than other types of content. 

Using videos to get your business noticed will attract more qualified leads, and your sales will benefit.

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