We have something new and exciting to tell you about! Recently, we have been experimenting with video – adding little clips and Reels primarily to our Instagram account for now, although moving forward some will likely end up on our website and possibly Facebook as well.
The reason we are doing this is simple: we’ve been well aware, and we’ve told you through numerous articles, that video is increasingly where it’s at. For example, in Hootsuite’s 2022 Social Media Trends survey, it asked businesses what activities they engage in to sell products and services. The top answers, in order were:
• short-form videos (39.4%)
• social ads (more than 30%)
• live stream product/service tutorials (26%)
Similarly, in HubSpot’s 2022 Marketing Industry Trends report, 29% of markets cited short-form video as THE trend they would be leveraging for the first time in 2022; live-streaming video was not far behind at 22%
At VOWS, we hope that by sharing video we can better introduce you to some of the faces, places and concepts we talk about in the magazine. These clips add another dimension; they make a connection in a different way. We aren’t using them to replace our print content – that will always be our primary source of communication – but rather to enhance it. This is an important distinction, and why it has required some experimentation about how best we can serve you in the early days.
I am excited about and proud of what we have come up with so far. On our Instagram page you will find some of our early Reels, including one explaining “10 Things You Won’t Want to Miss at VOW Bridal and Formal” and (new feature alert!) each issue moving forward’s store profile owner sharing a fun fact about her boutique, advice to other owners and something about him/herself people would be surprised to know. (Check our debut one with Michelle McFarland, owner of The Wedding Shoppe in Berkley, Mich.) Future ideas include sharing key information from markets and manufacturers; educational content for you; and possibly even occasional clips that speak directly to brides – like five things storeowners want you to know about dress shopping!
We’re super excited about this new direction, and look forward to continuing to level up our content, in complement with the print magazine, to best serve you. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please drop me an e-mail. In the meantime have a great day and happy viewing!