How to use video in your social media marketing

We can’t get away from the fact that video is becoming more prevalent in social media and marketing in general.  It’s everywhere, and what’s more, the social media channels; particularly Instagram are pushing video content more than any other type of content, so how do we weave this into our content marketing and social media. 

Here are a few of my top tips

Now any of these can be used to share across a variety of social media platforms.  However, what you post on Instagram may be very different to what you would post on You Tube and each will have their ow unique strategy, but here are a few ideas to get your started

Video posts

The simplest thing to do is create a video post.  So, this is exactly the same as sharing a post of a photo with an update, you just switch the photo for a video.  You can film something on your iphone, which is probably the easiest thing to do, or use an app like boomerang, Inshot or Videoleap.

Stories

The next thing to try is Stories – so you can do these on Instagram and Facebook and these are more spontaneous posts, updates of your day, what’s going on, sharing what you’re up to.  They are a great way of reaching your audience quickly and effectively, so if you have a message to share, then stories are a great place to do it.

Live videos

Why not ‘go live’ on your profile?  You can do this now across most social media platforms.  I love going live in my Facebook group and have really seen an impact from doing this on growing an engaged community.  Live videos are a great place to have discussions, have real time conversations, give tips or advice – somewhere to give your audience value and show ‘you’

Reels

Now, if you are a regular on Instagram you will know that I love a reel!  These are like short TikTok videos.  Now I’m not saying you have to start dancing around or doing lip synching, but the reach of reels can be crazy.  So, have a look at what people in your industry are doing and have some fun with them as they can make a big impact on your content marketing.

Vlogs

If you are a lover of You Tube, then this is the place where people digest long form video – so longer length videos.  It is the second largest search engine after Google and is a great place for sharing tips and tutorials, or a talking blog.

Content ideas

It’s all very well and good knowing all the ways we can share video, but then comes the big stumbling block – what do you actually share!  Here are a few content ideas to get you thinking.

Daily updates

Probably one of the easiest things to do is just to jump on camera, chat with people about what you’re up to, if something interesting or fun has happened to you, or if there is something you’re really angry about.  Share it with your audience, ask for help, ask for their opinion.  Maybe you’re doing a bit of a self care and out for a walk, or you’re working on a new project, or perhaps you’ve discovered a new flavour of crisps that you want to share with the world.  Try to keep it relevant and appropriate for your business.

Remember that people buy people and by showing up on video is a great way to share your personality and so people can see the face behind the business too.

Give Value

A great content idea is to give value.  A lot of your content on social media should be about giving value, showing you’re the expert, helping people.  Social media is not all about selling, it is about educating, sharing knowledge and best practice.  The more you show people how you can help them you build credibility and people are more likely to understand what you do.

Behind the scenes

People are nosy and love to see what’s going on behind the scenes.  This works really well if you have a retail business, showing people deliveries, new stock, packing products.  Or in an office, perhaps it’s cake day, then share it with your community. There are so many things you can share.  You may think it’s not that interesting, but you see it all the time.  To your followers it may be fascinating.

Meet the team

Share videos of the team (if you have one; if not it’s all about you!) introduce them, talk about their background, knowledge and experience, fun facts.  Make them part of the story too.

Pain points and problems

Think about the problems your followers may have and talk about it, pose questions to them, engage them and give them help and advise of how they could overcome those problems by working with you.

What to do if you don’t like showing your face

Now it’s all very well and good me taking about showing up on video, but I know not everyone like’s filming themselves.  The first time I did a live video I went bright red, was sweaty and I couldn’t wait until, it was over. Now, 2 years on I feel much more comfortable and confident because I took that decision, went out of my comfort zone and made it work.

But, if you’re just starting out, or tying with the idea of using more video I know it’s easier said than done!  My advice is to try not to think about it too much, the more you think about it, practice, write scripts etc the harder it will be.  Just do it.

Also don’t worry about what you look like (Ok so don’t turn up in your PJs without brushing your hair).  People like to see the real you.  Be authentic, be yourself and it doesn’t matter what you look like.

My biggest tip is don’t watch it back – you will always find fault, always cringe, always think you can do better. The beauty of social media now is that things don’t need to be polished and perfected.  Be real, be you and have fun.