How to Make Animated Videos for Local SEO (The Easiest Way With AI)

One of the best ways to get more customers for your local business is to make videos answering questions people in your area are already searching for.

I'm going to show you how to create simple animated videos for local SEO without knowing anything about animation or video editing.

One of the big keys to what I'm describing here is how easy it is.

You speak into the microphone, AI analyzes what you say, and then it makes the animations for you based on what you said. It is 100x easier now than it would have been a couple of years ago.

Take a look at this example. I made and edited the video below using Podsplice, the software my brother and I built.

I spoke into the microphone, and the AI in Podsplice created all the animations you see on the screen. While I was speaking, I didn't even know what the cartoon would look like.

Why Animated Videos Are Great for Local SEO

Think about how people find local businesses.

They search Google, YouTube, and increasingly use AI tools to ask questions.

But they're not always searching for a company directly.

Sometimes they're searching for answers to problems.

For example:

• How do I get rid of wasps in Boston?

• Why is my basement flooding?

• How much does a new roof cost in Chicago?

• Why isn't my AC cooling my house?

• What are the best neighborhoods in Miami for young families?

These are all questions local businesses could answer with simple videos.

And the best part is that you're reaching people who might actually need your services.

You don't need millions of views. You need the right people watching.

But why animated videos?

First of all, there are so many AI-generated slop articles that are flooding the internet. It is harder and harder to rely only on articles if you want traffic. Also, AI overviews will often answer the questions directly. So there is no need for people to click over to your website.

Animated videos tend to do well because they are often more engaging than a video of someone talking in front of a camera. Videos that have a higher average watch time get shown more.

The good news is that local SEO is easier than SEO in general because there is less competition in a small region. So if you create animated videos (your competitors will have no clue about this), you will really stand out.

An Example: Animated Videos for a Pest Control Company

Let's say you own a pest control company in Boston.

One video I'd make is:

"How to Get Rid of Wasps in Boston (Be Careful!)"

Here's the story.

A homeowner notices a huge wasp nest hanging from his roof.

He thinks he can handle it himself.

So he grabs a ladder and some wasp spray, climbs up, and starts spraying the nest.

Suddenly, hundreds of angry wasps come flying out!

They're swarming around his head, stinging him, and he's freaking out, trying not to fall off the ladder.

Not exactly the best idea.

Then the video ends with:

"Call Boston Bob's Pest Control!"

Here is a screenshot from the video above. This entire cartoon was created with Podsplice. Imagine a fun video like this for any local niche you have.

Now imagine someone in Boston has a wasp nest outside their house.

They search YouTube or Google for advice and discover your video.

They watch it, learn why DIY wasp removal can be dangerous, and see that your company is right there in Boston.

They click your booking link and contact you.

That's how animated videos can become part of your local SEO strategy.

The Easiest Way to Make Animated Videos With AI

Until recently, making videos like these would have required animation software, editing skills, or hiring someone.

Now you can do it with AI.

Here's how I made my video using Podsplice.

Step 1: Record yourself talking.

Just explain your idea. You don't need to write a perfect script or appear on camera.

Step 2: Choose your animation style.

I provided one or two reference images showing the cartoon style I wanted.

Then Podsplice makes the rest of the cartoon based on that style.

Step 3: Let AI create the animation.

Podsplice uses my voice recording and transcript to help create the storyboard, animated scenes, and finished video.

I don't have to manually animate the characters or edit every scene together.

And that's basically it.

You provide the ideas and knowledge about your business. Podsplice handles the animation and editing.

Best Animated Video Ideas for Local Businesses

This approach isn't just for pest control companies.

Almost any local business can make videos answering questions potential customers are searching for.

Local business Animated video ideas

• Pest control - What Happens if You Ignore a Wasp Nest?

• Plumbing - Why Does My Basement Keep Flooding?

• Roofing - 3 Signs You Need a New Roof

• HVAC - Why Your Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling

• Landscaping - How to Fix a Patchy Lawn

• Real estate - Best Neighborhoods for Young Families

• Electrical - Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

• Mortgage - Mortgage broker vs. mortgage lender

Note: I just wrote an article about how mortgage brokers can get more clients with animated YouTube videos.

You could make funny cartoons, simple stick figure animations, or more professional explainer videos.

And you don't have to stick to one animation style.

For example, I've also made animated videos explaining mathematical concepts like compound interest and Pi.

That Pi video is still getting hundreds of views per hour. Check it out here:

The animation style can change depending on the topic and audience.

The important thing is that your video answers a real question.

You can also use Podsplice to have part of the video animated, and part of it with your face (webcam). Look at this real estate example here. Watch at least the first 45 seconds, so you see what I mean. I especially like the animated map that comes up.

How to Use Animated Videos to Improve Your Local SEO

Making the animation is only half the job.

You also want people in your area to find it.

Here's what I'd do.

1. Target local searches.

Make videos about questions people in your city are asking. Use your city name naturally in the title when it's relevant.

2. Publish on YouTube.

Write a clear title and description explaining what the video is about. Include your location and business information.

3. Add a booking link.

Put your website or booking link in the description so potential customers can contact you.

You can use Podsplice Pods to create a landing page with qualifying questions and an appointment calendar. (These are really cool, by the way!)

4. Keep making videos.

Don't just make one.

Imagine creating 20 or 30 videos answering different questions about your services and local area.

Each video is another opportunity to be discovered.

5. Cut them into Shorts

Podsplice cuts your cartoons (or any video) into Short clips. It also automatically posts these to your social channels in one click. (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, LinkedIn...)

And because you're using AI animation, you don't have to spend hours editing every one.

What's the Best AI Animation Software for Local Businesses?

If you want to make educational animated videos using your own voice, without learning animation software, that's exactly what we're building with Podsplice.

My brother and I have been making online content since 2006.

We built Podsplice to make recording, editing, and publishing videos easier.

And now we're using AI to handle the animation process too.

You record yourself explaining an idea, provide a reference image for the style, and let Podsplice create the animated video.

You can then use that video on YouTube, your website, and social media to help potential customers discover your business.

Try Podsplice and make your own animated videos with AI.

You don't need to become an animator.

You just need to know your business and the questions your customers are asking.

Let AI handle the rest.