Tips and Tricks for Writing a Video Script

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to video marketing, the script tells the story. A well-worded video script can elevate and transform your video from a creative project into a powerful selling tool.

Start with a Plan for your Video Script

Begin with the big picture and, more importantly, the end in mind. After all, you’re creating this video to achieve a specific desired outcome.

First, build an outline. Typical video script outline components include:

• An Introduction
• The Problem
• Solutions That Don’t Work
• Why Your Solution Is The Answer
• A Call To Action

Lay out your thoughts ahead of time, so when you do sit down to write the script, you know you’re headed toward the correct destination, which is your desired outcome.

Get to the point when it comes to Video Script

The best marketing videos are concise. The viewer’s attention can wander with anything longer than two minutes.

Words are precious, so don’t waste time setting the scene, providing unnecessary background, or describing your company’s history. Simply convey that you understand their pain and problems and that your product or service is the solution they’ve been looking for.

For example, a person who works on their feet all day doesn’t care that your insoles are made from space-age polymers; they care that using them relieves the pain and fatigue in their feet, knees, and back.

In this video, the pain point comes through in the first 7 seconds. Right off the bat, the viewer knows that this organization understands the issue at hand.

Start by writing one or two sentences that contain the key information you want prospective customers to know. Then use those sentences like a guiding light to ensure that your script focuses sharply on delivering that specific value proposition. In the example above, it’s that your product relieves pain and fatigue.

Take a breath: Let your video script breathe too

Keep the narrative conversational and pace the words so your video does not seem rushed. Match the language to your target audience. This will enable viewers to concentrate on the visuals and internalize the message.

And don’t try to include every aspect of your product’s features in the video.

It is tempting to cram as much information as possible into a short window. Do not fall into this trap!

No matter how interesting your narrator’s voice may be, too much talking leads to information overload, and viewers will likely tune out. Viewers and listeners differ from readers in that they need time to process what they are being told and shown.

What does “too much talking” mean in terms of word count? Check this out:

• 30 second video = 60-word script
• 1 minute video = 120-word script
• 2 minute video = 240-word script

Think Visual

By thinking through how the script and the action will work together, you can create a video that tells a story, captures viewers’ attention, and avoids monotony.

Keep in mind the purpose of the video script. The purpose of the script is not to describe but to elevate and reinforce what’s happening on-screen. Let the visual elements do as much of the “talking” as possible. Click here to see a great example.

Let’s walk through another example: Say your company was the first to invent the knob-type door handle. Your demonstration video might show a person approaching a closed-door and grasping the handle.

• Rather than simply describing the action, the video script should amplify the value your product and service provide.
• So instead of explaining what the person is seeing, the script should amplify the pain points that have been eliminated.
• Then, also amplify the future benefits that will go beyond what the viewer is seeing. How will this person’s day be easier and better?

Review and edit your video script to minimize content that describes what the viewer is seeing and maximize content that amplifies pain point elimination and solution delivery.

Tell the people what you want

Whether it’s signing up for a free trial, downloading a whitepaper, or providing an email address to receive a newsletter, telling the people what you want is the same as asking for the business in the sales industry.

After all, the viewer has stayed put to watch the majority of your video, so they must be rather interested and at least partially qualified.

Research indicates that including a call to action (CTA) in the video script will increase clicks by 380% when compared to a CTA placed elsewhere on the screen.

Always include a CTA in your video script. The goal is to convince viewers to take the next step, whatever that may be.

Take your time

With all the eye-opening graphics, video effects, and other technologies available to make your video pop, it’s easy to treat the video script as an afterthought.

Do not make this mistake. Instead:

• Take the time to polish your script until it delivers the succinct message you want to convey.
• Seek out the input of any key stakeholders as you edit and finalize.
• Aim for a script that stays above the minutia and is crisp, concise, and customer-centric.

Frequently Asked Questions

• ​Do I need to write the script myself or can you help? You don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Levitate can handle scripting from scratch or collaborate with you to refine your message. Whether you already have a rough outline or just a general idea, we’ll help turn it into a clear and compelling script that fits your goals.
• What if I’m not sure what kind of video I need yet? No problem. We usually start with a discovery call to understand your audience, goals, and where the video will live. From there, we’ll recommend the best type of video and scripting approach to match.
• How do you make sure the script reflects our brand voice? We take the time to get to know your brand tone, values, and how you communicate with your audience. Then we write the script in a way that feels authentic to you and aligned with how your customers expect to be spoken to.
• Can one script be used for multiple video formats? Yes, with some small tweaks. A solid core script can often be adapted into shorter versions for social media, teaser cuts, or even repurposed into voiceover for animation. We can help you adjust it for different platforms while keeping the message consistent.

Levitate Media can help. Our writers are experienced in every kind of video script. Whether your video is live-action or animation, we will assist you in formulating your message, selecting the right wording, and making sure the video is customer-centric and compelling. Contact Levitate Media, and let’s get your marketing video off the ground!