Choosing the right explainer video company is one of the most important steps in creating a video that truly represents your brand. While a professional-looking portfolio might catch your attention, digging deeper with the right questions can reveal whether a company is the right fit for your goals.
Knowing what to ask during the evaluation process can save you from wasted time, effort, and resources—or worse, ending up doing things yourself. To help you make the most informed decision, here are ten essential questions to ask when hiring an explainer video company.
1. What Experience Do You Have in My Industry?
Not all explainer video companies are experienced in every field, and that’s okay—specialisation matters. Ask about their work in your industry or with similar businesses. A company that understands your market will be better equipped to craft a message that resonates with your target audience.
2. Can You Share Examples of Similar Work?
Portfolios are a great way to evaluate a company’s creative style and technical expertise. Ask for examples of videos they’ve created that align with your project’s tone, goals, or complexity. If they’ve worked on projects that are similar to yours, it’s a strong indicator they can deliver what you need.
3. What Does Your Production Process Look Like?
A clear and transparent production process is essential to ensuring your project runs smoothly. Ask about their steps, from concept development to final delivery. Do they involve you in scriptwriting, storyboarding, and revisions? Companies that prioritise collaboration are more likely to meet your expectations.
4. How Do You Ensure the Video Aligns with My Brand?
Your explainer video should reflect your brand’s identity, tone, and values. Ask how the company ensures that every element of the video—script, visuals, and messaging—is tailored to your unique brand. A professional explainer video company should take the time to fully understand your business before starting the project.
5. How Do You Handle Revisions?
Revisions are a natural part of the creative process, but the way a company handles them can vary. Ask how many rounds of revisions are included in the initial quote, and whether additional changes will incur extra costs. Clear expectations upfront prevent surprises later.
6. What is Your Turnaround Time?
Deadlines matter, especially if your video is tied to a campaign or product launch. Be sure to ask about their typical production timelines and whether they can accommodate your schedule. A company with a well-organised process will be able to provide a realistic estimate.
7. What Makes Your Team or Approach Unique?
Understanding what sets a company apart can help you gauge their fit for your project. Do they have a unique creative approach? A talented in-house team? Specialised tools or software? Their answer to this question will often reveal their strengths and help you determine whether they’re the right partner.
8. How Do You Optimise Videos for Distribution?
An explainer video is only as effective as its distribution. Ask whether the company offers guidance on optimising your video for platforms like social media, email campaigns, or your website. A company with marketing expertise can help you maximise the video’s reach and impact.
9. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
Client testimonials and references offer valuable insight into a company’s reliability and quality of work. If they’re confident in their results, they should be happy to connect you with previous clients or share feedback from successful projects.
10. What’s Included in Your Pricing?
Understanding what’s included in a company’s pricing is critical. Does the quote cover scripting, voiceovers, and revisions? Are there any hidden costs to be aware of? Knowing exactly what you’re paying for ensures there are no surprises later.
The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
These questions not only help you evaluate a company’s expertise but also their approach to collaboration and communication. A professional explainer video company should welcome your questions and provide clear, thoughtful answers. Their willingness to engage with you is often a good indicator of the partnership you can expect.
When you ask thoughtful questions, you not only learn about the company’s expertise but also set the tone for a collaborative relationship. A strong explainer video company values this exchange and uses it as an opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills and ability to align with your vision.
This early interaction can be a great preview of how they’ll handle the project itself.
How to Evaluate Their Answers
Asking the right questions is only half the process—you also need to assess the quality of their answers. Look for companies that provide specific, detailed responses rather than vague reassurances. A partner who listens carefully and offers tailored suggestions is more likely to deliver a video that aligns with your needs.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
While most companies are eager to impress, there are a few warning signs to look out for. Be cautious of companies that:
- Avoid sharing their portfolio or references.
- Overpromise with unrealistically fast timelines.
- Don’t have a clear or structured production process.
- Provide vague answers to your questions.
If you encounter any of these issues, it may be worth exploring other options.
Ready to Ask the Right Questions?
Partnering with the right explainer video company can elevate your marketing strategy and help you connect with your audience in a powerful way. By asking these ten questions, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision and choose a partner who delivers exceptional results.
Contact us for a custom quote so we can bring your ideas to life with a video that inspires, engages, and converts.
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Written by James Bryant Video strategist and co-founder for Venture Videos — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.
