Once you’ve learned a little bit about the applications that take video to social media, what does a green industry professional do to translate this into achieving business objectives?

Obviously, the best way to learn what works and what doesn’t with your social audience is to download the apps and begin to experiment yourself. Trial and error is always the best way to see what types of videos resonate with your audience.

That said, here are five cool ways you can begin using these apps in your business today.

1. Use Vine to create a soothing water feature video.Use Instagram to create 15-second videos featuring a specific plant and its care instructions. Homeowners may not want to watch a 10-minute video on the history of a Bradford Pear, but creating a series of 15-second care instructions for the various plants your firm installs can drive engagement and provide a valuable resource for your customers.
2. Use Instagram to create 15-second customer testimonials. We live in an age where we often look for online affirmation before purchasing big products. What better way to show off your happy customers in quick, easily digestible video snippets that are simple to produce and get straight to the point.
3. Use Vine to create a soothing water feature video. Six seconds may not seem like a lot of time to do anything; however, Vine is full of some pretty cool videos that you can learn from. A looping water feature, waterfall or stream can make for a soothing six-second video that people will love looking at.
4. Use Meerkat/Periscope to create a live demonstration on lawn weed identification. Do your consumers know the difference between a weed and fescue in their lawn? Chances are, no. So, walk a property and point out common lawn problems. Have a Q&A to identify different weeds and how to treat them.
5. Use Meerkat/Periscope to create a live demonstration on caring for paver patios. Often, consumers struggle to keep their landscape as beautiful as the day you installed it. Offering helpful tips on maintaining it can keep your past customers engaged with your brand, while offering an opportunity to up-sell maintenance products.

There really is no wrong place to start when beginning with social media video, as it’s best to get out there and experiment. When used to supplement your social media presence, video can help engage your followers, drive sales and turn you into a landscaping star.