For marketing utility, Twitter is very limited. It only has 140 characters. Most marketers would say “What am I supposed to do with that? However, this “simplicity” becomes Twitter’s weakness and strength as well. People are tend to be more focused and will not bother using “flowery” words in their promotional posts anymore.
One of the most successful children’s books of all time was written with only 50 words. It was a challenge thrown down to Dr Seuss by his editor when he was about to write his next book “Green Eggs with Ham“. To put this in perspective the previous book by Dr Seuss “The Cat in the Hat” was written with 236 words.
Simple is good.
The Power of Simplicity
Just over twenty-one years ago on December 3, 1992 the message “Merry Christmas” was sent by software engineer Neil Papworth to the Vodafone director Richard Jarvis. That was the world’s first text message. It was short and it was simple.
Who would think that 20 years later that 8.6 trillion SMS messages would be created every year around the planet? Or will you expect that text messaging would be a $150 billion a year industry nowadays?
It is the messaging of choice for most teenagers. The adults have also realized its time saving capabilities. People have also understood that having a conversation is maybe not something you always want to do.
Video Messaging
Twitter had announced an app called “Vine”, which allows you to take a video that is limited to 6 seconds and continues to loop. We had been posted it before, so it is not a new issue anymore. However, with the booming of Vine, the competing apps called Viddy and Tout appeared. They do much the same as Vine.
Why bother?
Maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to put the boot in. Twitter took texting to a new level and put it on steroids. Maybe a short and simple video is enough to get a powerful message out that is memorable.
Using Vine for Marketing
Viddy thinks that 15 seconds are the right length for a video short message while Vine has chosen 6 seconds. Maybe there is some scientific reasons behind both of these selections, but let’s look at some possible ideas for marketing with a short video:
1. Elevator Pitch for the Brand
You want people to understand what your brand is all about, and he elevator pitch is where you wrap it up in one sentence or two. Six seconds are maybe enough. The main point here is how could you make it visual and viral.
2. Product Demonstration
Two minutes product demonstration videos in your online store maybe are too long. Why not experiment with six seconds?
3. New Product or Service Launching
Launch your new product in six seconds if you can. Otherwise, you might use YouTube. Maybe your messaging will get better as you learn to communicate the key features and not the unnecessary.
4. Brand Personality
Social media allows and wants you to give your brand a personality. Use Vine to make it real and authentic. Make it quirky or innovative. Many brands want an image that goes beyond bland.
5. Marketing a Promotion
Use a 6 second Vine video to market a new promotion. This could be a new book, song or a movie or even an event. How long do you need to communicate something new. Remember the power of simplicity.
6. Announcing a special offer or discount
50% off. How long does it take to announce that special offer for your clothing store? Make it visual and shareable.