It’s hard to believe now, but back in the ’90s, the writer of the first Toy Story, Andrew Stanton, and his colleagues spent a lot of time proving to their studio that you can tell compelling stories with computer animation.
It’s amazing how much our perceptions have changed since then, because now it’s hard to imagine life without animation.
Everywhere – on websites, social networks, blogs, and even in business environments – we encounter social media graphics, animated clips, and elements.
At the same time, creating beautiful and effective animations is difficult and time-consuming.
If you go to professionals for help, it’s also expensive. Although most studios do not quote openly, 2D-animation can cost from C$3,000 to C$50,000 and 3D-animation – from CA$10,000 and even up to CA$200,000.
In fact, animation is not an easy business, and this video is proof of that. But don’t get discouraged!
The good news is (drum roll) – you can create great animated images yourself with Visme. See, nothing is impossible!
In today’s article we’ll talk about how to make animations with Visme. In addition, you’ll learn how animated graphics can be useful in documents like a marketing plan and how to use them properly.
Let’s get to the point.
Why Use Animation In Marketing
Before we start talking about how to create animated graphics, it’s important to understand what they can be useful for.
Ready to learn how to use animation as the secret ingredient in your marketing campaigns? Read on!
Animation Tells Stories
Our brains love stories. People have been telling and listening to stories since caveman times, sitting around a campfire.
Animated illustrations are the modern, digital version of such stories. With animation, we can make what we’re telling about more visual and compelling.
Simply put, animation is a great way to make an emotional connection with your audience by getting them interested in a story that is near and interesting to them.
We reflect the emotions we see on the screen. That’s why we are scared when we watch a horror movie, and sad when we watch sad events in the lives of characters.
In the same way, animated graphics communicate their emotions to us. In turn, we reflect those emotions and make a connection.
Animation Simplifies Complex Concepts
Animated graphics help explain complex concepts and concepts. Take a look at this example:
It doesn’t just show trash cans, but it also shows the process of sorting trash. This way we get a lot more information than we could fit into a static image.
The use of animation also helps to increase the return on investment. For example, the service Crazy Egg was able to increase conversion rates by 64% and revenue by $21,000 in a month after they published an animated video about the benefits of the service. It’s inspiring, isn’t it?
Animated Graphics Hold Attention
It’s important not only to attract attention, but also to hold it.
Take a look at this example animation:
Did you get to the point where all the animated elements appeared? We bet you did, because the animation is perfectly done! We’re also sure that you were at least a little curious to know what this new SEO tool is all about. You couldn’t achieve that with a static picture.
It’s a whole new level of audience engagement that will definitely remember both the picture itself and the idea you put into it.
How To Make An Animation That Prompts Action
Here’s another plus – animated graphics help push people toward a desired action, such as a purchase.
In a competition between an oral presentation and a presentation with visual material, the latter seemed to convince more than half the audience (67%), while the oral presentation managed to convince only 50% of the audience.
If you weren’t surprised by these numbers, here’s another one – people perceive illustrated instructions 323% better than text ones! Think of how the packages of products have a way of opening them.
An animated image with a call to action, such as the one below, helps to get more clicks and conversions than a static illustration.
How To Make A Spectacular Animation
So, we think we’ve convinced you to try using animations in your marketing campaigns. Now let’s learn how to create it!
Where to Start
Before you start, you have to get your creativity to full blast.
When creating an animation, put as much effort into it as you can, because otherwise it may not be expressive. Also, do a good job on the details.
Take a look at this Google doodle, for example:
Notice the teacher’s pencil mouth – it opens and closes as if the teacher is saying something, not just leading his students.
Not surprisingly, it is this effect that gives the whole animation its uniqueness and charm. So get out your notebook and write it down: beauty is in the details.
Another thing to note from this example is that there is no clutter.
Another thing to note about this example is that there is nothing superfluous in the picture. Because of this, viewers are able to notice all the important details.
What can we conclude from this? Animation should be concise and with a twist.
3 Steps to Create Animated Graphics
Now that you’re ready to create an animated image, read this quick guide to creating animations in Visme.
Choose a Template
Any good design starts with a plan. If you already have a ready-made image in your head, you can start from scratch. Still, we recommend scrolling through our collection of templates-perhaps you’ll find a ready-made design and simply customize it to fit your content and corporate identity.
Templates with animations can be distinguished by the lightning icon in the bottom right corner.
Add Elements
In the Visme editor, elements can be added either to an empty design or to a finished template.
Very conveniently, any template can be customized to your liking. You can change colors, add shapes and graphic elements such as lines, buttons, arrows, etc.
To find them in the editor, open the Graphics tab in the left panel. You’ll see many elements divided into categories.
Open the Basics tab just above and you’ll find a section with diagrams.
From this section, you can add a diagram to your project, and then set up its blocks to appear one by one, which makes studying it much easier and more interesting.
The good news is that in the Visme Unleashed update we also added illustrations, characters, and gestures.
Remember that the animations must match the campaign objectives and your brand identity – change the colors, fonts and other elements.
Download The Animation And Share It
When you’re happy with the result, download the animation and share it with the world. Visme offers several options for doing this.
First, you can download the presentation in GIF or video format and publish it to a social network or blog.
Second, you can generate a private or public link and share it with your audience.
Third, the animation can be embedded into a blog or web page to get the most out of the interactive features.
Tips for Creating Animations
Read our tips – we hope they’ll help you create a spectacular project and really surprise your audience.
Use Brand Identity
Whether you’re creating a brand from scratch or based on a template, don’t forget to consider your corporate design. Animations designed in your signature colors will speak to your audience with the voice of your brand.
Know The Measure
The best effects in animation are those that are not flashy. For example, if you want to add a color transition, it should be smooth. If the photo changes shade abruptly, it will look unexpected and distracting. It will be so-so.
But if you gradually darken it by a few tones, it will look neat and very effective.
Remove Unnecessary Things
One of the main principles of design is that all elements should look harmonious. Any unnecessary detail can disrupt this harmony.
Choose Colors Wisely
A well chosen color can increase the interest of the audience by 80%. Use this knowledge to your advantage. Professional designers compile special palettes – choose and use a ready-made color combination from our collection. If you want to go that route yourself, learn how to create a mood with color.
Don’t Be Corny
Use unusual shapes and elements. Don’t choose stereotypical objects, such as silhouettes of skyscrapers or light bulbs that light up.
Among other things, your design should be clear. Your goal is to tell viewers a story, not make them rack their brains.
Read our article on common design mistakes to avoid them in your project.
How To Use Animation In Marketing
Finally you know how to create animated graphics – now let’s talk about how to use them in your marketing strategy.
Canadian gambling sites are known for their high quality and captivating Wow animations. While some players may be put off by flashy graphics, they can actually provide a more immersive gaming experience. In this blog article, we’ll look at why casinos use animations and how they can benefit players. We’ll also discuss some of the most popular Online Casinos for Canadians players animations. So, if you want to learn more about this aspect of online gambling, keep reading!
Create A Video Or Slideshow
We’ve already seen what results the folks at Crazy Egg achieved with video. The same method was used by the Mint service:
It has been shown that animated videos can increase conversions by 20%.
You can try it with Visme too – just create an animated slideshow or presentation and download the project in video format.
Animate Your Data
Figures don’t have to be boring. If you want to engage your audience, shape them into video charts and animate them, as in this example:
That’s more interesting, isn’t it? Learn more about creating animated charts.
Roll Out Reports And Charts
You can also animate reports, such as the annual report. Animations in infographics also look great. An animated infographic definitely won’t look like the thousands of others we see literally every day.
We have a detailed guide on how to use animations in infographics.
Be sure to read the tips on creating infographics that every marketer should know.
Animate Characters
This tip is especially useful for companies that have a branded character. For everyone else, it’s a great way to make your story even more engaging.
Check out the Visme character in our animated video.
You can even choose a character from the Visme library and make it a brand character or just your animated assistant.
Use Animated Illustrations
Animated illustrations can help you get your message across. You can use them on blogs or websites. The Visme library has over 500 characters, gestures and illustrations that you can even customize.
Animated Graphics Are A Great Marketing Strategy Tool
Normally, a social media user doesn’t devote more than three seconds to each post. But you can hold their attention. How? By using animations.
For example, GIFs can increase user engagement by 55%.
Here’s another idea – share an animated announcement about a new blog post or the start of a sale. Check out other ideas for using visual content on social media.