In this next installment of our series on using social media for public relations, we look at Vine, Twitter’s video service that lets you share 6 second videos on a perpetual loop. Like many social networks, whether or not Vine can be useful for PR depends largely on each individual brand’s personality and audience. Certainly communicating your brand’s message in just 6 seconds is a challenge, but you can be sure that everyone who sees it will watch the whole thing, making it an interesting opportunity. Here are some ideas for making Vine work for you.
Tease Important Announcements
Vine videos are a great way to manufacture curiosity prior to the release of big news like a product launch, promotion or contest. A series of clever Vines could get people talking about your announcement even before you make it. You can invite questions, guesses or other engagement.
Liven Up your Town Halls
Many brands have successfully used Twitter Town Halls to connect with clients, prospects and the media. Why not amp it up a bit by asking participants to submit questions via Vine? Some responses would also make good Vines, giving them a chance to reach a wider audience and live on the web a little longer.
Highlight Brand Culture
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video has got to be worth – I don’t know, a million? What a great way to showcase your company culture and convince potential employees that they really want to be on your team.
Capture Testimonials
Getting testimonials from clients is a perennial challenge, but the user friendliness and casual nature of Vine makes it an effective way to capture soundbites from your happiest customers.
Say Thank You
A quick Vine video is a fun way to welcome new customers and thank those who advocate for your brand. You can also add personality to your follow up efforts with media contacts.
Don’t Over Think It
You are making a 6 second video, not an Oscar contender. You want to be clever and smart about it, but don’t worry about it so much that you miss the chance to leverage this fun way to connect with your audience.
Keep it light and have fun.
