How to Write a Script for a Video in 5 Simple Steps

How to Write a Script for a Video in 5 Simple Steps

How to Write a Script for a Video in 5 Simple Steps

Did you know that 90% of customers say that watching videos helps them make purchasing decisions?

Are you using videos in your marketing strategy? If not, you’re missing out!

How you choose to advertise and market your brand could make or break your company. If you’re doing ANYTHING in the world of digital marketing you must use video. A quality video can go a long way in marketing your product.

But a great video starts with an awesome script. You might have an amazing vision in your head, but it isn’t worth anything until it’s on paper.

You may wonder how to write a script for a video. Here’s a step by step guide on how to write a video script and nail it.

How to Write a Script for a Video

Video script writing is more than writing awesome content. You have to pick the right video format, create goals, and get the reader hooked.

Read on for some video script template ideas and all the info you need in how to write a video script.

1. Choose Your Video Format

Before you start video script writing you need to establish what kind of video you will make. There are several different kinds of video format and each serves a different purpose. Choose your video format, then create your script and storyboard.

Explainer videos provide step by step instructions on how to use a product or service. For example, how to use a new gadget. An example of an explainer video script template could be:

  1. Set up the problem
  2. Provide the solution by introducing your product or service
  3. Explain how the product or service works
  4. Summarize the benefits and give a call to action

Vlogs and webinars are similar. They are informative videos about services or educational products.

Branding videos are short and basic with the aim to introduce your brand. You can tell the world your story and companies vision. You can also be transparent about your company by letting your audience know what’s going on behind the scenes.

Testimonial videos can be a lot more effective than written reviews. This is because people can hear their tone of voice and see their facial expressions. This enables them to trust the review.

2. The Moral of the Story

Just as any other marketing project, the aim of video script writing is to tell a story. Before you begin, you need to know what the moral of the story or the aim of your video is.

Create a brief outline. You can share this with everyone involved in making the video. You can also use the brief in team meetings where you can discuss the goals behind the video.

When creating your outline, you should ask yourself these questions:

  • What’s the point of the video?
  • Who is the audience?
  • What will the audience take away from the video?
  • Who will take part in the video?
  • What’s the angle?
  • What’s the storyline?

Based on the answers to these questions, you can form an outline. This simple outline, which could even be a bullet point list, provides the bare bones of the project. After you can flesh it out with the narrative.

3. Flesh Out the Narrative

Use your outline to generate a unique storyline that will catch the attention of your viewers. Keep the wording to a minimum and make your video pop.

When video script writing, you should write every single word. You may think you can wing it and stick with bullet points. But this can cause you to start rambling which may result in a lot of retakes.

Make sure the wording sounds conversational and add humor to make it interesting. Make sure to write it in a way that attracts the right audience. If you’re directing the video towards teens you would use different language than you would when writing content for over 40’s.

The key is to create a simple script that gives the viewer something new to take away with them. Which leads us to a killer intro and outro.

4. Nail Your Intro and Outro

In your video, you need to hook them from the start. How can you grab their interest?

  • An emotional hook (such as a powerful story or experience)
  • A surprising statistic (like the hook at the beginning of this post)
  • A different perspective (something intriguing)

Using one of these methods can give your audience a reason to care right from when they press play. According to a study, if a viewer watches only 1 second of a brand video they can recall the brand. But the longer they watch the video, the more chance they will do something about it.

So make your intro count!

But what about the outro? If you don’t close the video properly, you may lose all the momentum you built up at the beginning.

Your ending should let your audience know what to do next. For instance:

  • Share the video
  • Subscribe to your newsletter
  • Visit your blog
  • Sign up for a service
  • Buy a product
  • Watch another video

If you only flash up your logo and website at the end of the video, you may come across as too “salesy”. Try to use one of these methods for an all rounded ending.

5. Rewrite, Listen, Repeat

After you’ve checked off all these steps, what’s next? Time for editing the text.

Before recording your video, you need to read out loud. This is because some words look fine on paper, but when spoken aloud can sound too wordy or unclear. If possible do this in a group and ask for constructive criticism.

If you’re a one-man show, record your voice and listen to it. If it sounds as though you’re rushing or meandering, cut and rewrite that part. Keep whittling it down until only the best and relevant content remains.

When adjusting your text, keep these two points in mind:

  1. Short and sweet! Keep your words and sentences short and punchy. If there is a simpler way to say something, rewrite it.
  2. Remove any supplementary information that doesn’t need to be there.

But, balance is key. Don’t cut out too much! Cut out the crud, but preserve what matters.

Lights, Camera, ACTION!

If you follow these steps, you’ll create a kick-ass script that will bring your marketing strategy to life. But, now you know how to write a script for a video, what’s the next step?

If you’re looking for some professional video marketing advice, you’ve come to the right place. We can help you to bring your well-planned script to life. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today for a free quote.

Picture of Matthew Watts
Matthew Watts

Hey there! I'm Matthew, the head honcho at Viva Media Inc, a top-notch video marketing agency. My talented team and I are here to help bring your story to life through video.

We're all about making the production process a fun and collaborative experience, all while solving your business problems. And the best part? We always stay on budget, on time, and exceed expectations.

So, what do you say? Let's chat about how we can help you stand out from the crowd. Drop me a line for a quote and some casual, but expert, advice.

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