Small business owners are always looking for a way to make a splash. You need something that will make a lasting impression without taking up a whole lot of your resources. Vine might just be your answer. It’s a new free social media app owned by Twitter where you can upload and share six-second video clips that play on a loop. It doesn’t sound like a lot of time, but in just six seconds, you can educate and engage your customers in lots of creative ways. Today, we’re going to talk about whether or not Vine is right for your business and how you can get started if you decide to give it a whirl.

Is Vine right for you?

With so many different social media channels out there, it can be incredibly overwhelming to decide which ones are the most important for you to be on. You can’t be everywhere at once, so it takes careful consideration before choosing what’s best for you. But the cool thing about Vine videos is that they’re easily sharable on Facebook and Twitter, so you don’t need to start a whole new account and be active in an entirely different place. You can use Vine to enhance what you’ve already got going on! Since Vine videos are so easy to share on your existing social media sites, we think just about any business can use it efficiently.

How to use Vine for business

Here’s where things get fun!  Vine videos literally take only a few seconds to create, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Even though they’re easy to make, it might take you a few tries to get it just right before you’re ready to share. In terms of what kind of videos you can create, the sky’s the limit! Big guys like Ben and Jerry’s, General Electric and Lowe’s have all found ways to use Vine to entertain engage and enlighten their customers. If they can do it, so can you!  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Give your customers a behind the scenes look

People LOVE to get a peek behind the scenes. Ben and Jerry’s used Vine to do just that in this Vine video. Lowes has also used vine to show quick home improvement tricks.

You don’t have to give away all of your secrets, but just a little peek at how the magic is made will tantalize your customers.

Run a contest

Persuade customers to comment on your Twitter, Facebook page or website by having your viewers guess what’s happening in your Vine video. The winning guess gets a prize or a special discount!

Display your work

Did you create something you’re really proud of like a gorgeous confection or a really cool bag? Use Vine to show it off!

Introduce your team

This is a great way to establish a bond with your customers. By showcasing a member of your team who’s hard at work or just acting a little goofy for the camera, Vine viewers will have a chance to get to know and love your staff.

Share your good works

Is your team volunteering at a local animal shelter or collecting school supplies for kids in need?  Make a little video showing them in action, doing good for the community.

Get more bodies through the door

Take a video of something fun and special that’s going on at your place. Do you have live music in the evenings?  Are you doing a wine tasting?  Share it with Vine and spark some interest in coming to visit you.

We think Vine has a million great uses and we’re noticing that many big brands are taking full advantage of its potential to engage customers. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you!

Oh, and here's our Vine video! :)