If you’re anything like us here at Tiny Box Company, you’re always on the lookout for the next big (or tiny) thing to make your business shine. One sure-fire way to do this is with short-form video content - this is all the rage online these days, and it makes sense - with our attention spans getting shorter and shorter, we all crave content that's quick and easy to digest.

Another key ingredient? User-generated content (UGC). This can make you more credible as it lets customers share their real-life experiences with your products and services. "But what’s the best way to go about using both of these for my small business?" Well, I'm glad you asked:

Keep it snappy
Bite-sized videos are a great way to grab people’s attention, particularly in a world that's overflowing with information from every direction. We're all scrolling faster than ever on social media, so you need something quick and eye-catching - think about what makes you pause when you're scrolling Instagram or TikTok etc and go from there - whether it’s a funny meme or a cat video.


Cute, right?

Aim for videos between 5-90 seconds, and share them on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, as they thrive on quick, engaging content that can be consumed on the go. Plus, they're designed to boost interaction, making it super easy for your followers to share your content.

Experiment with fun, eye-catching ideas, and don't be afraid to jump on the latest memes or challenges. Keep an eye out for social media holidays too - like #InternationalCatDay - and see what content you can make around those. These will help increase your visibility to anyone who's not already following you, and while you're at it, why not dabble in paid promotions and targeted ads? Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer detailed targeting options to help you reach the right audience - so take a look at what's on offer to help you out!

Create relatable content, with memes, amusing skits, and playful takes on common industry challenges. Participate in or create light-hearted challenges to show your fun side, but don't forget to tap into emotions - any post going up needs to emotionally drive consumers, further prompting them to share it. Did someone say a viral dance trend?

Need an example? Check out our Funny Friday reels on our socials, posted each week for fellow small businesses. Whether you feel like you're on a bit of a roller coaster or struggling to navigate some rapids - we're here to remind you that you're not alone and you've got this!

Show, don’t tell - demonstrate your products in action. Share tips, tutorials, and how-to guides, so your customers know that you know what you’re talking about. Film unboxing videos with your products, highlight heartwarming and wholesome customer experiences, show off your business' sustainable practices, or give some insight into your creative process. People love seeing the magic behind the scenes!

For example - want to demonstrate a really absorbent kitchen sponge? Show it soaking up a lot of water. Selling a super strong case or box? Toss it off a cliff (or maybe start with a small hill first... but you get the idea).

Partnering with influencers can also up your reach, as they often have great big audiences who trust what they recommend. Choose influencers who match your brand values and can be authentic when promoting your products - for more on finding your brand’s identity, have a little gander at this blog post.

But what about specific social media platforms?

TikTok is where Gen Z and younger millennials hang out, driven by the latest trends, viral challenges, and memes. Get involved but keep things casual - again, think a glimpse behind the scenes, quirky tutorials, and hilarious clips that show off who you are.

YouTube Shorts attracts a broader audience looking for bite-sized snippets of entertainment or quick tips. Here, quality is key - good lighting, sound, and slick editing can set you apart. You can do a lot in just 60 seconds, like rapid how-tos, handy tips, or teasers for longer videos. Eye-catching titles and thumbnails are your best friends on YouTube, so make them pop to draw those viewers in.

Instagram is the home of stunning content, catering to everyone from teens to adults. For Reels, think of your feed like you would a curated art gallery - well-framed shots, gorgeous visuals, and perfect lighting are pretty essential. Reel your viewers in the first few seconds with cool transitions and fun content to stop that doom scrolling.

Short videos also mean you can quickly let customers know about special offers, discounts, or upcoming events. And don’t forget to include a clear call to action - whether it’s “Shop now”, “Check the link in bio”, or “Follow us for more”, it can turn a follower into a customer.

For more social media tips, check out our blog post here.

What’s user-generated content?

User-generated content (UGC) is basically any form of content (text, videos, images, reviews, etc) that is created and shared by your customers (and fans). They are after all the best advocates of your products, so encourage them to share their experiences on social media, and repost it on your own accounts (with permission, of course). This builds a warm community vibe among your existing followers as we all love feeling like we're part of something special - with the bonus of creating great content that any new customers can trust. Again, think about how you'd see your brand as a customer - you'd want to see what existing customers already think, right?

Are you ready to dive into the world of UGC? First things first, you need a game plan. How about a branded hashtag? Like #TinyBoxCompany, for example? Encourage your followers to use it when they post about your products, so you can track content. Or, why not throw a contest? Get your followers to post content featuring what you make for a possible reward, again using your hashtag, or just get people to follow you and like/comment on your posts for the chance to win a cool prize. We all love a freebie after all!

Now, how are your social and conversation skills? Respond to comments people leave on your posts but don't just be boring and generic, actually have a chat with them. Create polls and surveys to further engage and spark a conversation, and use any feedback to make your products and services even better. Lastly, join relevant groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, where you can show off your expertise by answering any questions that come up. 

While you're here make sure to give our 'Make it personal' blog a read - offering more tips on chatting with your customers and stepping up your game with personalised content!

In conclusion

There you have it - short-form video content and user-generated content are powerful tools for small businesses. They’re engaging, authentic, and, best of all, perfect for showcasing your brand’s personality and values. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, rally your community, and start creating content that’s as unique and fabulous as your business. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

For more marketing tips, check out the Tiny Box Clinic, a space for small business owners to connect, learn, and comment. For more on how to apply our marketing tips and ‘jargon bust’ us, look out for more blogs on Tiny Box Company.