The 7 Deadly Sins of SaaS Explainer Videos
I've watched over 500 SaaS explainer videos in the past year. Most of them are forgettable. A few are truly awful. Here are the most common mistakes and exactly how to fix them:
1. Starting with your logo. Nobody cares who you are until you've shown them how you can help. Lead with their pain, not your name.
2. Using generic stock music. That ukulele track is the fastest way to look like a cheap template. Invest in custom sound design or at least a unique track.
3. Listing features instead of benefits. Nobody cares that you have "enterprise-grade security." They care that their data won't get leaked. Frame everything as a benefit.
4. Overusing technical jargon. If your video uses words like "orchestration," "synergy," or "paradigm," stop. Simplify. A 5th grader should understand your value proposition.
5. Making it too long. Anything over 90 seconds loses 60% of viewers. Cut ruthlessly. If it doesn't serve the story, it doesn't belong.
6. Forgetting the CTA. You'd be surprised how many videos end with a fade to black and no instruction on what to do next. Tell them what to do.
7. Not testing. The best video in the world is useless if it doesn't resonate with your audience. Test your video with 5 customers before launch. Their feedback will save you thousands.