3 tips for using Instagram videos to promote your small business

In June 2012, Instagram – the photo sharing app Facebook bought for $1 Billion (yep, you read that right...one billion dollars!) – introduced video functionality. This new function allows users to record up to 15 seconds of editable video. There are filters to give each video a different look, as you can for photos, and then voila! User cans instantly share their videos with their Instagram followers and on Facebook.

Instagram videos are the latest way for businesses to engage with fans, other than with posting static images. If your fans follow you on Facebook, they can see your Instagram feed via a tab on your Facebook business page (if you need help installing it, just holler!).

If you're thinking Instagram is a good fit for promoting your small business, here's my 3 top tips for making it worthwhile.

1. Showcase You Product. If you're a product based brand or retailer, use Instagram videos to feature your products in a unique way or even launch new product offerings or upcoming sales. People like to get information about the very latest products and trends and Instagram is an opportunity to put your products in front of them instantly.

2. Be Engaging. You only have 15 seconds so your video needs to pull people in! The visuals and music of your video should reflect your brand culture. If you're a surf brand retailer, use short sharp product snaps blended with a surfing action shot set to the kind of cult music popular on the surfing scene. If you're a beauty therapist, you could try a montage of wellness images or pics of your products and treatments with the soothing sounds of the ocean or rainforest. Always start and end your videos with a clear branding message including your company logo. Be creative! And if nothing else, be entertaining, like this cute video from US email marketing giant Mail Chimp.

3. Provide Value Through Instruction. Videos that show step-by-step "how to's" can motivate people in to action! When someone is motivated to try something because of your video – that's how your brand or small business gets remembered. And hopefully "shared".

Author: Jody Sharpe, Sharpe Design Solutions