From Guest Blogger Tristan Anwyn: How Can I Use Vine to Promote Green Energy?

Getting a message across in six seconds might sound a little like writing a haiku.

In fact, Twitter’s “Vine” app, launched in January 2013, encourages users to do just that. Vine users record six second videos on their iPhone, and share them with the world.

Already popular with social media lovers, Vine is fast becoming recognized as a valuable marketing tool for businesses all over the world.

But has Vine reached the green energy sector yet? And how can Vine best be used to promote green energy?

Brands Flock To Use Vine

Since its launch, Vine has already become popular with several global brands.

The ability to create short videos has spurred large brands to get their creative hats on, resulting in eye-catching six second snippets that are highly shareable and a good way to start a conversation with their customers.

Some of the brands already making good use of the Vine app include:

* The Gap – visually pleasing stop motion snippets showcase the best of The Gap’s collection;
* USA Today – bite sized previews of the latest issues pique user curiosity;
* Wired Magazine – personal videos focused on Wired staff create connections with viewers;
* Urban Outfitters – Quirky, cute, and irrelevant clips of cute puppies are instantly shareable.

Energy Brands On Vine

So far, it seems like the brands who are most prolific on Vine are fashion brands and magazines.

This makes sense – what they have to offer is highly visual, and perfectly suited to Vine’s format.

However, some energy companies are starting to dip their toes in the Vine waters, so perhaps as Vine grows in popularity and influence, more energy companies will explore what Vine can do for them.

Here are three power-related companies who have already made that first step:

* General Electric – embracing the quirkiness of Vine with amusing and informative tongue in cheek videos;
* Eskom – the South African based company made use of Vine to raise awareness of Earth Day;
* Finatal – told the world about a renewable energy financial role using a handwritten Vine video.

Vine For Green Energy

Vine’s attention grabbing format has a lot of potential for use in the green energy market.

As the above examples show, big brands are embracing Vine, and power companies are starting to do the same.

Vine is a good match for promoting green energy. In six seconds, an organization can ask a question, start a conversation, show their green credentials, and tell consumers why they are the best choice for renewable energy.

For example:

* Asking a question and encouraging users to answer using Vine;
* A short video of where their renewable energy comes from, such as solar power or a wind farm;
* Telling users about where their passion for green energy started;
* A clip of renewable energy in action.

There are many possibilities when it comes to creative ways to use Vine to promote renewable energy.

A forward thinking green energy company could tap into the popularity of Vine to spread their message throughout social media.

Making The Most of Vine

Six seconds is a short window, so energy companies would do well to ask how to make the most of their time in front of the iPhone camera.

There are a few things any green promoting business, organization, or individual using Vine can benefit from:

* Proper planning – with such a short time to play with, planning how to use each of the six seconds is crucial;
* A clear message – each video should cover one simple concept or point, no more;
* Generate interest – asking a question or offering a sneak peak of something will grab the viewers’ attention;
* Authenticity – a Vine video should capture the personality of the company and its staff in a positive manner;
* Hashtags – much like Twitter itself, Vine uses hashtags, and companies can use these to make it easy for users to find them;
* Social media links – sharing their Vine videos across other social media such as Facebook and Pinterest will garner more attention.

As with all new social media, it will take time to see how Vine develops, and which niches it is particularly suited for.

However, it’s already clear that with good planning and a strong message, Vine could be used effectively in promoting green energy and involving consumers in a renewable energy discussion.

About the Author: Tristan Anwyn is an author who writes on subjects as diverse as health, positive thinking, car insurance quotes California, and business.