If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, Video is Worth a Million!

Would you agree with the above statement? It's true! Video marketing is on the rise and it is time to jump on the bandwagon. Video marketing can yield viral results -- when it is done right. Fortunately, social apps make it easy for marketers and business owners to take advantage of this powerful marketing tactic. More specifically, there are two major video social apps that are making a name for themselves: Vine and Instagram. Both apps are free to use, making video creation easy AND accessible for all professionals.

Today, let's go over both social apps together. It is important that all marketers and business owners understand the who, what, why and how before diving into video marketing.

Vine

Can you imagine getting your message across in only SIX seconds? It's time to stop imagining and start "vining!" The rapid growth of Vine's subscribers is turning heads more and more. In fact, according to industry statistics, Vine has grown its users by 50% in one single month!

Vine is a social app that allows its users to create a 6-second looping video. Once the video is complete, it can be shared across both Facebook AND Twitter -- ensuring that your video is seen across all channels. Hashtags (#) can also be used to put your video into specified groups (for example #business). Vine users can "follow," "like," "comment," and "re-vine," making it an extremely interactive app.

Instagram Video

By now, most marketers and business owners are well aware of what Instagram is and what it can do for business. At first, Instagram was simply a photo app, equipped with filters, #hashtags, and more. On July 24th, Instagram unveiled its video feature.

Instagram was faced with the competition of Vine and took its services up a notch. Unlike the 6-second video that Vine allows, Instagram allows users to make videos that last 15-seconds! There have also been thirteen NEW and improved filters that are specifically designed for video. Once your video is complete and ready to be posted, users are allowed to choose their "cover photo" for the still video. As always, users are able to share his or her video across three social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Taking Advantage of Video to Reach More Web Visitors

Now that you are aware of the most effective and popular apps, it is time to get started. Business owners, marketers and brands should be taking advantage of video as soon as possible in order to reach more visitors on the web. Since both apps are able to connect to Facebook AND Twitter, it allows you to share videos easily. If your video content is done well and interesting, it is surely going to be liked, shared and re-tweeted. This is how a viral video begins!

Here are just a few ideas to get your creative gears moving:

#1: Share sneak peeks. Is there a new product or service coming soon? Take a quick video! If you are hesitant to unveil the product in its entirety, take those six seconds to show "pieces" of it. This will keep customers guessing! Use the caption, "What do you think it could be?! Share your thoughts!" to get the comments and likes rolling.

#2: Unveil a new product. Once the product or service officially launches, create an official launch video. You may even want to add in a second or two of your team celebrating its reveal.

#3: Share vital company information. Does your business have any major announcements or news to share? Have an employee or executive explain it in a quick video. It is fast, easy, and fun.

#4: Customer testimonials. Getting customers and clients involved is not only great for client retention, but great for your reputation. Always ask for permission, of course!

#5: Show company culture. Is there an employee birthday party going on? Is there a big event happening? Take a Vine or Instagram video to show off the event! Quick inside looks will not only humanize your place of business, but will show off your team's cheery and fun side. This is a great way to capture the atmosphere of your company.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get creative with video apps. Hopefully these ideas will get you thinking in the right direction.

1, 2, 3 – Action!

Capturing and sharing videos on these apps are not only fun, but an easy way to brand your business. It is a way to show your company's culture, spread your message, and show off your creative side. If you have not downloaded either apps just yet, it is time to get on board. To learn more, download, and get started, check out the official Vine website, as well as Instagram's. Video marketing is here to stay -- just like these new social apps! You wouldn't want to risk falling behind, would you? Lights, camera, ACTION!

John Boudreau, COO and Co-Founder of Astonish, has been in the insurance marketing and technology business for nearly 10 years. He works closely with local insurance agencies across the country to understand what works and what doesn't in an attempt to increase their share of the digital landscape through online marketing tactics and a robust customer relationship marketing tool. For more information on client results, visit Astonish's list of business profiles reviews. Before Astonish, Boudreau honed his problem-solving abilities while working as an environmental analytical chemist. He also founded Ion Marketing Group, a digital marketing company focused on the real estate industry. An avid musician, John plays the drums, the bass and the guitar