The Power of Videos and Other ‘Clickables’ in Social Media

As a business owner, you probably already understand the power of social media. From connecting with clients on your Facebook page and posting photos of your latest products on Instagram to Tweeting out sales and promotions on Twitter, you have done a pretty terrific job of keeping up with all that social media has to offer. Now, it’s time to take it to the next level, in the form of watchable videos and other “clickables.” Are you using the power of video to reach your social media goals?

The power of video

As BeSocialWorldwide notes, the average Internet user probably doesn’t have the greatest attention span. If you don’t have something fun and/or interesting on your company’s social media pages, chances are good they will move onto the next page. That’s the power of video — providing fun/ interesting content.

By adding short, funny and entertaining videos to your company’s social media pages, you will increase the chances of keeping people there while also delivering important information about your products and services. In addition, a short but quality video will help to establish you as someone who truly knows your own products and services.

Video options abound

If you’re ready to harness the power of video, you have several options.

• Vine videos are an outstanding way to create short and sweet videos about your company, Social Media Examiner notes. These videos, which last a max of six seconds, are perfect for entrepreneurs who don’t have a lot of in-depth video production experience. Although six seconds might seem like a blink of an eye, it’s amazing how much you can do with this short time span. You can show off a new product, illustrate one of the best things about one of your products, or give customers a heads up about a really great discount. If you own a landscaping company, for example, use a Vine video to show a before and after of a client’s yard, or highlight a service you offer like tree trimming or installing outside barbecues.

• Not to be outdone, Instagram has a 15-second video feature that is similar to Vine in that you have to come up with really short yet effective ways to reach your customers. However, unlike Vine, the Instagram video has more editing features, and you can also post the videos to social media sites other than Twitter and Facebook. Savvy business owners can use these 15 seconds to their full advantage by doing a quick top 5 list about their company — for example, the top 5 selling cupcakes at your bakery with a nice close up shot of each one, or maybe an introduction to a member of your staff.

Clever non-video options

If the idea of creating even a short video makes your hands start to sweat, take heed — there are other effective ways to engage your customers and keep them on your social media page. One way is to entice them with a funny or clever post about something related to your company, and then include a “clickable” link that will take people to another page with more information.

One company doing this exceptionally well is LifeLock on Twitter; for example, a recent Tweet mentioned that while brushing and flossing can protect people from tooth decay, there are also things people can do to protect themselves from identity theft. Clicking on the link next to this intriguing Tweet brings people to a longer post about the importance of safeguarding against identity theft.