Graphic Design
Motion Graphics for Business: How to Use Animation in Your Marketing
We create animated graphics for websites, social media and presentations. This guide is for business owners considering motion graphics for their marketing. It covers what motion graphics are, where they work and how to plan a project. Use it before you brief a designer, so your animation is clear, on brand and the right length.
What motion graphics are
Motion graphics are animated designs that combine text, shapes, icons and images. They bring static graphics to life with movement and timing. They differ from filmed video because everything is designed rather than recorded. That makes them flexible, consistent and easy to update.
Motion catches attention in busy feeds and on web pages. It can explain a process in seconds that would take paragraphs to describe. It also adds polish to a brand when used with restraint. Too much movement distracts rather than helps.
Motion graphics should follow your brand guidelines. Colours, fonts and style should match your other materials. Consistent animation styles become recognisable over time. Our guide to branding explains how to set those rules.
Where businesses use motion graphics
Short animations work across many channels. Each one suits different lengths and formats. Plan where your animation will appear before design starts. These are common uses.
- Animated logos for video intros, social media and presentations.
- Explainer animations that show how a service or product works.
- Social media posts and adverts that stand out in feeds.
- Website elements, such as animated icons or hero sections.
- Data animations that bring statistics to life.
- Event screens and presentation slides.
Short animations often perform best on social media. Explainers usually need more time to tell a complete story. Our digital advertising team uses motion in paid social campaigns.
How to plan a motion graphics project
Motion projects follow a clear sequence from idea to final files. Approving each stage prevents costly changes to finished animation. A script and storyboard do most of the planning work. Follow these steps.
- Agree the goal, audience and channels.
- Write a short script or list of key messages.
- Approve a storyboard that shows the main scenes.
- Agree the style, using your brand guidelines and reference examples.
- Review a draft animation before sound and final polish.
- Receive final files in the sizes and formats each channel needs.
Ask for versions with captions for social media, as many people watch without sound. Our guide to animated logos covers one of the most common projects in detail.
Motion graphics checklist
Use this checklist before you start a motion graphics project. Each item keeps the animation focused and on brand. Tick every line before production begins.
- Goal, audience and channels agreed
- Script or key messages written
- Storyboard approved
- Style matched to brand guidelines
- Draft reviewed before final polish
- Captions included for social media
- File sizes and formats listed for each channel
Good to know
Motion graphics FAQs
How long should a motion graphic be?+
Length depends on the channel and the message. Social media animations often work best when short. Explainer videos need enough time to cover each step clearly. Cut anything that does not support the main message.
What is the difference between motion graphics and video?+
Motion graphics are designed and animated rather than filmed. Video records real people, places or products. Many projects combine both, such as filmed footage with animated text. Motion graphics are easier to update when details change.
Can motion graphics slow down my website?+
Large video files can slow a website if they are not optimised. Lightweight formats and compressed files reduce the impact. Avoid autoplaying large animations on mobile. Ask your developer to check page speed after adding motion.
Keep this checklist with your script and storyboard. Share it with anyone who approves the animation. So you can create motion graphics that catch attention, explain clearly and stay on brand.
Last updated