Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a transition from text-based communication to image-based communication. Because Twitter is based on written content, it recently introduced Vine, which enables Twitter users to post 6-second videos.
One notable advantage of the short format is that the videos are often inexpensive to make, which makes it easy for small businesses to produce and post them. However, some local search marketing experts might still be wondering how they can incorporate the short videos into their marketing plan.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on Vine:
Respond to Individual Users
Some people use Twitter as a way to compliment—or complain about—a company and the service they’ve received. Whether the comments are positive or negative, it may be a good idea to use Vine to respond to users’ concerns, or to thank them for their support. A message is most sincere when it comes from your company’s leadership in the form of a video. Some users may appreciate the personal attention that they receive from you.
Roll Out New Products and Services
Vine is the perfect avenue for announcements, particularly when you have a new product or service to introduce. That way, Twitter users will be able to see your new product with their own eyes. Another advantage: Video announcements can easily be retweeted and reach a wider audience.
How-to videos can also be helpful to Twitter users who might be confused about one of your products or services.
Take Your Customers Behind the Scenes
When you give your Twitter followers some insight into the inner workings of your business, it’s like you’re inviting them into an exclusive club. Taking your customers behind the scenes can help them feel more engaged with your company, which can lead to more profits for your business.
Encourage Customers to Post Videos
Once you’ve posted your own Vine videos, encourage your followers to do the same. After all, one of the goals of local internet marketing is to get involved in two-way communication with your audience. To get people to post their own videos, hold a contest and give a prize to the person with the best video. It helps to give them a fairly narrow topic.
When you effectively combine text and video, the impact on your relationship with your audience can be tremendous. If you start creating videos for Vine, don’t stop at Twitter. The more high-quality, relevant videos you post on social media networks like Facebook and Google+, the better.