January 31, 2025

Why Gisteo is the Best Video Explainer Media Company For SMBs

Stephen Conley

Stephen is Gisteo's Founder & Creative Director. After a long career in advertising, Stephen launched Gisteo in 2011 and the rest is history. He has an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he did indeed inhale (in moderation).

Introduction- Choosing The Best Video Explainer Media Company for SMBs

More than ever, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the challenge of effectively communicating their unique value propositions to stand out. With the influx of AI, exploding competition in the B2B space and rising costs of advertising, you need the right tools to get noticed and close more deals.

Partnering with a specialized video explainer media company like Gisteo can be a game-changer for SMBs aiming to convey complex ideas succinctly and shorten sales cycles.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what sets our video explainer media company apart from the many other choices SMBs have.

Experience

Every dollar counts when you’re an SMB and you can’t afford to get burned by sub-par companies that over-promise and under-deliver. As a small business owner myself, I know how painful this can be. Pardon my language, but I’ve been screwed over too many times to count by SEO companies, digital agencies, PPC freelancers and more. It doesn’t feel good.

With over 13 years in the business and more than 3,000 videos produced, Gisteo has honed its craft in creating compelling explainer videos that simplify complex ideas. With Gisteo, you can be confident that you’re working with a video explainer media company that “gets it.” This isn’t our first rodeo and it shows. Our extensive portfolio showcases a wide range of industries and styles, reflecting our ability to tailor content to each client’s unique needs.

Tailored Solutions for SMBs

Gisteo understands the specific needs and constraints of SMBs because we’ve working with so many since launching in 2011. As the best video explainer media company and champion of small businesses, we understand your mindset like few others. We’re transparent and clear in terms of our process and pricing.

We offer customized explainer videos that distill complex messages into clear, compelling narratives, making it easier for potential customers to grasp the value of what you do, sell or offer. This approach both enhances understanding and builds trust and credibility with your target audience– without breaking the bank.

Affordable Pricing Options

As mentioned earlier, budget considerations are crucial for SMBs, especially in today’s dog-eat-dog marketplace. Gisteo offers competitive pricing structures designed to provide high-quality explainer videos without overly straining your finances. Our affordable pricing ensures that businesses of all sizes can access professional video content that aligns with your budgetary requirements.

In addition, we give you options and ways to save even more money. Our unique Unlimited Yearly Plan is an annual subscription designed to help you save literally thousands of dollars while gaining access to our skills and expertise for an entire year. Our Express Explainers offer a quicker, simpler solution for businesses on a tighter budget. With Express Explainers, we harness the power of animated video makers to deliver surprisingly good videos at extremely affordable rates.

Storytelling expertise

At Gisteo, expert storytelling and scriptwriting are at the heart of our explainer video production process. We understand that a compelling narrative is essential for engaging viewers and effectively conveying your message. This should be obvious but, unfortunately, there are too many video explainer media companies that place way more emphasis on execution than messaging, leading to pedestrian productions that miss the mark.

A well-written script serves as the foundation of any successful explainer video. It guides the narrative flow, ensuring that complex ideas are presented clearly and concisely. By focusing on storytelling, we create content that resonates with audiences, making information more accessible and memorable.

We collaborate closely with our clients throughout the scriptwriting process, ensuring that the final narrative aligns with your brand voice and effectively communicates your unique value proposition. Our goal is to create explainer videos that not only inform but also inspire action, driving results for your business.

Scriptwriting techniques

Here are 9 different storytelling techniques from your “9 Ways To Write Your Story” that Gisteo uses to craft compelling explainer videos:

1. Problem-Agitation-Solution (PAS)

This classic structure is persuasive because it directly addresses the audience’s pain points and provides a resolution.

Problem – Identify a key issue your audience is struggling with.
Agitation – Intensify the issue by highlighting frustrations, inefficiencies, or risks.
Solution – Introduce your product/service as the clear answer to their problem.

2. The Hero’s Journey

This narrative-driven approach positions your customer as the hero and your product/service as their guide.

Hero’s Problem – Introduce the protagonist (your target audience) and their struggle.
Call to Adventure – The hero discovers a way to solve their problem.
Adventure & Crisis – They navigate challenges and obstacles.
Resolution & Transformation – The hero overcomes their problem and enjoys the benefits of your solution.

3. Features-Advantages-Benefits (FAB)

This technique ensures your video script remains customer-focused rather than product-focused.

Feature – Highlight a specific aspect of your product.
Advantage – Explain why this feature is beneficial.
Benefit – Show how it positively impacts the customer’s life.

4. AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)

This structure takes the viewer through a step-by-step journey that keeps them engaged.

Attention – Start with a hook that grabs interest.
Interest – Provide compelling information to maintain engagement.
Desire – Show why your solution is the best choice.
Action – End with a clear and compelling call-to-action.

5. The 5W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why)

This journalistic storytelling method ensures your explainer video covers all key information concisely.

Who – Who is your product/service for?
What – What does it do?
When – When should it be used?
Where – Where is it available?
Why – Why is it valuable?

6. The Comparison

This framework sets up a direct contrast between your solution and the existing alternatives, highlighting why you stand out.

Identify the Common Problem or Competitor – Establish what the audience is familiar with.
Highlight the Issues – Explain where the alternative falls short.
Present Your Product or Service – Show how your solution is superior.
Showcase the Benefits – Reinforce why your offering is the best choice.

7. Before-After-Bridge (BAB)

This structure paints a compelling “before and after” scenario, showing how your product transforms the user’s life.

Before – Describe the customer’s problem.
After – Illustrate the ideal scenario.
Bridge – Explain how your solution makes it possible.

8. The Question + Answer (Q&A)

This technique uses common customer questions as a way to structure the video, addressing concerns head-on.

Pose Common Questions – Start with a relatable customer question.
Provide Clear Answers – Offer a direct and compelling response.
Highlight Key Benefits – Reinforce why your solution works.

9. The Testimonial

Customer testimonials add credibility and make your product/service relatable.

Introduce the Customer – Give a brief background on the speaker.
Describe the Problem – Explain what they struggled with before.
Explain the Solution – Share how your product helped.
Showcase the Benefits – Highlight the positive outcome.

Diverse Animation Styles

From the get-go, I never wanted Gisteo to be a “one-trick pony,” offering work that all looks the same stylistically. Every client and use case is different. You deserve a choice when it comes to ways to bring your story to life. That’s why Gisteo offers a variety of animation styles to suit different messaging and branding requirements, including:

2D Animation: Brings stories to life with creativity and clarity.
Motion Graphics: Features sleek and professional designs.
Mixed Media: Combines film/stock footage and motion graphics for a dynamic look.
Kinetic Typography: Marries imagery with animated text for engaging content.
Whiteboard Videos: Ideal for simplifying complex ideas and educating your audience.
Spokesperson Videos: To help keep your audience engaged while providing a personalized feel.

Streamlined Production Process

Time is a valuable resource for SMBs. Gisteo’s efficient production process ensures quick turnaround times without compromising on quality. From initial consultation to final delivery, their team manages each step meticulously, allowing you to focus on your core business activities while we handle the creative aspects. No baby-sitting necessary!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps we normally follow:

1. Discovery & Strategy

✔️ Understanding your business & goals through a discovery call.
✔️ Analyzing your target audience & competitors to craft a strategic message.

2. Scriptwriting

✔️ Using proven storytelling frameworks (PAS, Hero’s Journey, AIDA, etc.).
✔️ Crafting a clear, engaging, and customer-focused script with revision rounds.

3. Storyboarding & Visual Planning

✔️ Creating a blueprint of key visuals to align with the script.
✔️ Ensuring brand consistency before moving into animation.

4. Voiceover Recording

✔️ Selecting from professional voice talents in multiple styles & languages.
✔️ Providing samples & revisions to match your brand’s tone.

5. Animation & Production

✔️ Designing custom graphics and illustrations that enhance storytelling.
✔️ Adding background music, sound effects & smooth transitions.

6. Final Edits & Delivery

✔️ Reviewing & fine-tuning for a polished, professional look.
✔️ Delivering optimized video files for different platforms.

Client Testimonials

Gisteo’s clients consistently praise their professionalism, creativity, and responsiveness. Here’s just a small sampling of what people have said about our work:

“Gisteo produced such an incredible animated video that I asked Stephen Conley and his team to produce a second one. I would highly recommend Gisteo to anyone looking to improve their business.”— Jason Hofsess, CEO, CitySolve
“We had an excellent experience with Gisteo. Talked to many companies with a much higher price tag and a very complex process involving a ton of people. Gisteo offered a streamlined process with a single point of contact, and they got the story—and the look and feel for the animation—just right very quickly.”— Tiffany Wilson, Manager/Communications, Rayonier
“I’ve worked with Gisteo twice now to make two different explainer videos and I’ve been impressed each time. They have a real creative vision that allows them to turn rough ideas into a very well-executed video. I also want to point out the after-sales service—even months after the video has been completed and approved, they have gladly made tweaks to my videos for me at no charge. The pricing is very reasonable and they work quickly. If you’re looking to get an explainer video made, stop looking and just go with Gisteo.”— Eugene Beh, Founder and CEO, Quino Energy
“Our team had a great experience working with the Gisteo experts! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, creativity, and attention to detail in bringing our marketing ideas to life. On behalf of our team and patients, your work and collaborative spirit is so greatly appreciated, and we hope to work with you again in the future.”— Grace Janzow, Research Coordinator, MySafeRx
“We were so pleased with our explainer video that we immediately recommended Gisteo to our peers, and we will continue to do that as the occasion arises. Gisteo has since completed a second video for us with the equal skill of getting to the relevance of the message. Gisteo deserves a 5+ star rating. They articulate brand messaging, produce effective video material, and apply graphic design to meet the needs of any application.”— Client Review on Clutch

Marketing-First Approach

Led by Stephen Conley, a Duct Tape Marketing certified consultant and former advertising executive, Gisteo integrates deep marketing expertise into every project.

This marketing-first approach ensures that each video is not only visually appealing but also strategically crafted to achieve specific business objectives. Most video studios simply don’t have this capability as part of their DNA.

Beyond Explainer Animation: Additional Marketing Services

Another reason why Gisteo is the best video explainer media company is that we offer more than just video services. We’re working adding a suite of marketing services to enhance overall brand messaging for SMBs. Current services include:

Extreme Messaging Makeover: A comprehensive review and enhancement of your website’s core brand messaging to ensure clarity and impact.
Total Online Presence Audit (TOPA): An in-depth analysis of a company’s online presence, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to boost visibility and engagement.

These services and the services we’ll be adding in the coming months demonstrate Gisteo’s commitment to providing holistic marketing solutions that drive results.

The fCMO Agency: Extending Marketing Expertise

I (Stephen Conley) also lead up The fCMO Agency, a full-service marketing partner that combines a strategy-first approach with a seasoned implementation team. This agency offers:

Fractional CMO Services: Providing senior-level marketing leadership to develop and manage comprehensive strategies.
Strategy First Analysis: A thorough audit to create a strategic roadmap tailored to business goals.
Access To A Full Implementation Team: Executing marketing tactics across various channels to drive growth.

By collaborating with The fCMO Agency, clients benefit from strategic marketing guidance and execution, ensuring cohesive and effective campaigns. This co-exists nicely with Gisteo’s explainer video production work and since I oversee both companies.

Conclusion

For SMBs seeking to enhance their communication strategies and effectively convey their value propositions, Gisteo stands out as the best video explainer media company. Our tailored solutions, affordable pricing, streamlined processes, and marketing expertise make us a valuable partner in driving business growth and success.

If you would like to discuss an upcoming project, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a free consultation.