3D Animation
Video may be the most effective tool when it comes to digital marketing. 99% of people who use video marketing say they will continue to use it. 96% of users say they will increase or maintain what they are spending on video. 85% of consumers say they would like to see more brands using video in their campaigns.
Video comes in many forms. It can be live action, it can be whiteboard, it can be motion graphics… and then there’s 3D animation.
3D product animation is an effective video medium, as it can efficiently reveal the inner workings of a product and show technical perspectives which cannot be replicated in real life. It is for this reason that it is often used as a marketing tool, in explainer videos, in instructional videos, and to show deep detail in medical and industrial applications. It provides an in-depth illustration of what’s going on beneath the surface leaving nothing to the imagination.
This article will explain the benefits of 3D animation touching on subjects such as:
What is 3D Animation?
3D animation uses motion to bring subjects to life. It has long been integrated into the production of video games, films and television shows, but lately it has become a favorite among businesses looking to market their products to consumers.
3D animation is created using program specifically designed for its purpose. Animators use it to create 3D objects and put them in a digital environment. They create the illusion of movement to make these images come to life.
The 3D animation process is divided into three primary stages: modeling, layout and animation and rendering.
Modeling is the stage where the objects are created. This can be done with 3D modeling, or the animator can scan a real-life image into the computer. Both have their shares of pros and cons. While scanning saves time, using a modeling tool allows for the addition of vital details.
After the modeling stage is complete, animators move on to the layout and animation stage. This involves creating a set and adding the objects into the set. Then they can be brought to life through motion capture or keyframing.
Rendering is the final stage. This is when still images or frames for a video are created from a 3D program through a series of calculations. In a way it’s like printing, just using all the information from the model and the scene to produce a 2D frame. Specific calculations and computing power are used for this and various looks can be achieved from lifelike to arty. It can be taken in any direction the animator sees fit. If you want to know more about what is 3d animation you can also find more details in the previous link.
3D vs. 2D Animation
3D differs from 2D animation as it provides more depth. It allows you to see the inner workings of an object from any angle as compared to 2D which appears as a flat image on a background. It comes in handy e.g. in medical applications, industrial applications and real estate.
For example, in the medical industry, you may use it to show the effects a treatment or illness has on a person’s body. In real estate, it can be used to show the viewer the exterior and interior of a property. It also comes in handy in showing the inner workings of industrial products.
Why Your B2B Business Needs 3D Animation
3D animation is valuable in several applications, but it is becoming increasingly popular amongst B2B companies. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios where it can come in handy:
Selling Tools to a Contactor
A tool manufacturer may use 3D animation to demonstrate tools to a contractor. The video will show the buyer how the tool functions and how it works within an industrial setting.
Selling Medical Supplies to a Provider
3D animation can be used by a medical supply company that sells equipment to providers. Medical device animation can show the functionality of the tool and how it works with the body in internal and external applications.
Architectural Plans
3D animation may also be used in the architectural processes. An architect may use it to illustrate the vision of the building. The developer would use it to show and sell the property to buyers before it has been completed.
Many companies looking to buy a product would rather see a video that tells the entire story as opposed to seeing one dimensional pictures or reading text. 3D animation is one of the most effective presentation methods because the possibilities are endless.
Unlike live video, 3D video is not limited by what’s possible in real life. There are no obstructions, and you can view all dimensions to clearly understand how any given product works.
What’s more, 3D video can communicate an idea in less time as compared to other forms of media. Most videos are designed to get a point across in the first few seconds and the total recommended length is under two minutes. With the right approach, you can effectively share ideas with the viewer while taking up a very small fraction of their day.
While B2B marketing can intersect with B2C marketing in some respects, there are differences. Here are some things to consider.
- ROI Matters in B2B: When you sell to another company, you need to show them how your product will get them the best return on their investment.
- B2B Customers Want to Be Educated: Every customer wants to be educated, but a B2B buyer will have a long chain of command to deal with. Therefore, they will want to be able to prove they made a smart purchasing decision. They will need to be provided with details that back up the choice they make.
- B2B Contracts Tend to Be Long Lasting: While every company wants to turn their customers into loyal clients, B2B relationships tend to be longer lasting because there is often a contract in place. During presentations, the seller will need to do all they can to put their best foot forward.
3D animation is suited to meet the demands of B2B business. It provides a detailed picture of the product that educates the customer making them feel they are making a smart purchasing decision. It provides a sense of transparency that makes the client more trusting and more inclined to embark on a long-term relationship with the seller.
3D Animation in Video Marketing
Video marketing is taking over the digital sector. Clients and customers enjoy it because it efficiently tells the whole story leaving no detail to the imagination.
While there are many types of video marketing that can be used, 3D animation is a smart choice for a variety of reasons including the following.
It Improves Comprehension
Seeing is believing. When people see how a product or system works, they can evaluate its advantages to make a wise purchasing decision.
3D animation provides an insider’s view that demonstrates the product’s features and components in an easy-to-grasp narrative. This works to enhance comprehension, so buyers feel more confident about buying the advertised products.
A Less Salesy Approach
Over the years, customers have come to be suspicious of an overly salesy approach. They don’t want companies telling them to buy their product and they are distrustful of pushy CTA’s, deals, and offers.
3D animation takes a different route. It illustrates the advantages of the product and basically lets the product sell itself. It doesn’t require strong sales messages that alienate viewers.
It Shows the Entire Product
It may be somewhat ironic, but the animated format can show products better than they would be illustrated in real-life.
Take, for example, a live video product demonstration. When viewing it, you may see a limited view that’s obstructed by lighting, people and other objects in the shoot. What’s more, you can not always see the inner workings in a live setting.
3D animation video shows the entire product including the exterior and interior. It gives the viewer accurate insight into how it operates without being limited to how long processes take in real time.
A Wow Effect
While 3D animation tends to ‘keep it real’ it can also provide a wow effect. It can integrate effects and colors that make the video more visually interesting. There are no limits when it comes to what 3D animation can do as far as out of the box ideas that can be created.
Product Explainer Videos are Great for Online Visibility
The internet is a crowded place and it’s getting more populated each day. You need to do what you can to make your company stand out.
One great way to do that is to have an explainer video on your landing page. It will serve to draw your customers in and make them interested in your product. It will build an instant sense of trust and transparency. It will help to increase conversions and search engine page rankings.
Sure, you can have live videos hosted by a technician, but this can make for a tedious presentation. A 3D animated tool will draw people in providing stand out graphics and an accurate view of how your product works.
3D Animation is Preferable to Texts or Graphs
Every company needs to provide customers with an understanding of how their products work and they need to find the best delivery method to do so.
Live videos with lengthy explanations aren’t going to cut it. Long pieces of text will make people run the other way. And bar graphs and pie charts lack visual interest and can be difficult to digest.
3D animation provides a concise explanation that is visually interesting and tells a complete story.
3D Animation in Industrial and Technical Products
3D animation is useful for a variety of products, but it especially comes in handy in the promotion of industrial and technical products.
Industrial equipment tends to have complex operating systems. It may have many components and functions that are difficult to explain to prospective buyers. Marketers face a challenge when deciding how to express the benefits their products offer in a clear and engaging manner.
3D industrial animation is the best solution. 3D animations are done by creating detailed images that clearly illustrate the workings of complex industrial components to demonstrate the product’s capabilities. It is more engaging than long pieces of text, detailed graphs or tedious live explainer videos.
Here are some other benefits 3D animation provides for industrial and technical products:
Efficient Prototyping: 3D animation can be used to prototype industrial products. It eliminates the need to create a costly, real-life miniature or transport the actual product from place to place. It exposes the product to the market so buyers can make purchasing decisions without an in-person demonstration.
It Makes a Great First Impression: Let’s face it, not everyone is excited by the appearance of industrial products. 3D animation can be used to create an engaging visual accompanied by driving movements that will get buyers to pay attention.
Clear Communication: Ever fall asleep in a meeting? You’re not alone. If you don’t want your clients zoning out on you, don’t bore them with graphics or explanations of how a complex system works. A 3D video will provide clear, concise communication that will keep your buyers alert and interested.
Easy Product Updates: Industrial products are prone to product updates. Companies don’t want to spend a lot of time and money creating new live videos every time an update is made. A 3D video can be revised to reflect changes to a product using a simple editing process that saves everyone a considerable amount of time and money.
Shows Cutaways and Section Views: To truly understand how an industrial product works, it can be necessary to show the client exploded or section views, cutaways, dissolved components and internal parts. This would be impossible to do with live action video, but 3D animation has the capabilities to illustrate the inner working of your product in a compelling and efficient format.
Cheaper and Less Expensive Than Live Video: Illustrating the benefits of an industrial product may require you to have it set in a unique atmosphere such as an underwater, agricultural or manufacturing environment. You may also have to hire actors and models, lighting equipment and wait for the right weather. 3D animation can simulate any environment and eliminates the need to hire a live crew and film on location making it a money saving solution.
3D Animation and Instructional Videos
Instructional videos work as a terrific learning tool. They can be used in any of the following applications.
- In classes and workshops to teach students how to perform specific tasks.
- For businesses to show customers how a product works and how it can be used in various applications. These types of instructional videos can be used on websites, in presentations and as part of marketing campaigns.
Instructional videos can be presented in a variety of formats, but 3D animation is often the best option.
3D Animation vs. Live Instructional Videos
To understand why 3D animation is such a good choice for instructional videos, let’s look at the most obvious alternative, live video.
Creating an instructional video in a live setting requires an actor that may accidentally obstruct procedures giving students an unclear idea of what’s going on. Live settings also invite the possibility that something may go wrong with the product as it’s being used or assembled. You also need to think about hiring an actor, getting a set together and creating the perfect lighting and atmosphere for your filming session.
With 3D animation, you don’t have to worry about obstructing the product. Viewers will be able to see exactly what’s going on as well as the product’s inner workings. You will also save time and money because you don’t have to hire an actor, rent a studio or purchase lighting equipment.
3D Animation vs. Text
Another option is to use text instead of an instructional video. Using text to teach someone something is rarely the best option. It’s difficult to clearly explain how to use a product and wording can easily get lost in translation.
What’s more, text lacks interactivity and visual elements so students who learn this way are less likely to retain the information they are getting.
A 3D animated video will deliver the big picture so you can clearly understand what’s going on. It is the best choice for your instructional and learning needs.
Improve Your ROI With 3D Animation
Everyone wants to get the most bang for their buck and a 3D animated video is no exception. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do as 3D animation can be easily shared on a variety of platforms. You may also consider converting the content.
Here are some ways it will come in handy for your purposes allowing you to get the biggest ROI possible.
Social Media
Just about every social media site accepts video content. These include the following:
- Tik Tok
- YouTube
Use it on every platform you have an account on to maximize ROI and visibility through 3d animation. When posting, pay attention to site requirements as far as the length of the video and formatting.
Statistics show that including video in your marketing emails increases click rates by up to 50%. In fact, just using the word ‘video’ in your subject line can increase open rates by 20%. Include your 3D animated videos in your marketing emails to get more engagement and provide customers with a clear understanding of how to use your products.
Videos must be formatted to fit the email. You may be best off converting yours into an email series before integrating it into your text.
As an Interactive Sales Tool
It can be difficult to keep a client’s attention at a sales presentation. 3D animation will keep them engaged throughout the meeting.
If you are integrating video into your presentation, it’s wise to format it into chapters. That way you can jump back and forth from section to section to review each point. You can also take breaks to elaborate on what you just saw and to make time for Q & A.
YouTube
While YouTube was included in our social media section, it’s worth a revisit. The platform doubles as a search engine so posting your video there will increase website traffic and conversions. It also presents the product in a different context which can attract different audiences. Adjust length, pace, hook and CTA accordingly.
Convert it Into Blog Posts and Articles
Content is king and that goes beyond video. Your website and social media pages should contain a good balance of text which provides keywords and alt text images as well.
You can use your 3D video as inspiration for blog articles, social media posts, LinkedIn articles and more. You can write on multiple subjects including how the product works, the making of the video, case studies based on the success of the video and other topics it inspires.
Written content is also easy for your readers to share.
Still Images
Your 3D video can easily be edited into still images. These can be made into posters, added to catalogues or used on your website and social media pages.
Make it Into a PowerPoint of Share Slide Presentation
You can take your 3D animation and convert it into Powerpoint or SlideShare presentations that can be shared at conferences and meetings or used for e-Learning purposes.
3D animation is a powerful tool in today’s sales and marketing landscape. It can be used in a variety of settings providing a high return on investment and it especially comes in handy in the selling of industrial products. How will you be integrating it in your business?
Make it Into a PowerPoint of Share Slide Presentation
You can take your 3D animation and convert it into Powerpoint or SlideShare presentations that can be shared at conferences and meetings or used for e-learning purposes.
3D animation is a powerful tool in today’s sales and marketing landscape. It can be used in a variety of settings providing a high return on investment and it especially comes in handy in the selling of industrial products. How will you be integrating it in your business?