When talking social media with potential clients, it’s not uncommon for us to hear the phrase, “But we don’t have anything to say.” Companies new to social media often struggle to think of content that will engage their audience while supporting their brand. And it’s natural for them feel pressure to think of “something to say.”
But it doesn’t need to be that difficult. Social media followers want to see “behind the curtain” to connect with their favorite brands. They don’t always need thought-provoking or action-driven posts.
And that’s where the almighty Flip cam comes in handy.
Flip Video camcorders, starting at $150 each and known for their simplicity and usability, can be a company’s lifeline for reaching out to followers and expanding their potential customer base. Adding visual multimedia elements like photo and video to tweets or Facebook posts not only piques interest, but creates a new type of connection with followers.
No matter the industry, photos and video can go a long way in making followers feel like they know a company as more than text on a page. Introduce yourself. Offer advice. Share an opinion. Give a tour of the office or show a behind-the-scenes look at how your product is made. Take a picture of your chef’s newest dish or of your boss’ new dog. When you’re at a loss for what to tweet on a particular day, grab your Flip cam and get creative.
Take Home Depot for example. With more than 25,000 Twitter followers and more than 4 million YouTube video views, Home Depot is one brand that has mastered the integration of photo and video with social media to attract and maintain its audience. From photos of customer service employees at work, staff charity events and finished DIY projects to videos of local store experts and product demonstrations, Home Depot excels at giving consumers an inside look at what their brand is all about.
Here’s an example of one of Home Depot’s YouTube videos that was shot using a low-budget camcorder:
As with any online social interaction, the key is knowing your audience. For a company preparing to release a new pharmaceutical drug, healthcare providers and potential patients aren’t going to be impressed by a picture of your office’s weekly pie eating contest. But for a local diner, this type of video might catch on.
By showing your followers that you want them to know you and your company outside of an advertising space, you’ll increase your chances of expanding your following and getting your existing audience to stick around. So get out there and start filming!
