If you think Instagram is only for teenagers than you might want to think again as the social platform has become an integral marketing tool for businesses. In fact, almost two-thirds (65 percent) of the world’s most valuable brands—such as Nike, Apple and Walt Disney—have an active Instagram account, posting at least one photo per week, according to recent data from Statista.
Don’t believe me? Check out the chart below:
After growing at a rapid rate—currently boasting one hundred million users—Instagram has become one of social media’s shining stars. The platform is putting a new age spin on traditional visual marketing, giving companies the opportunity to engage with consumers on a more personal level. One of the biggest misconceptions about Instagram is that it’s only suitable for industries that sell visual products. However, the reality is that Instagram can be used by all types industries from technology to retail to hospitality.
So how can your business use the photo-sharing platform for marketing? Below are four creative ways to help you get started:
1. Put Your Company Culture on Display: Let’s face it: Business can be so impersonal at times. Give your consumers a peak into your company culture by posting photos of your employees or give your followers a virtual tour of your office. Not only will this help give consumers a better sense of your company, but it will also instill trust and loyalty.
2. Bring Your Customers to an Event: Does your company attend exciting tradeshows or events throughout the year? Instead of just telling your customers about it, show them! Post videos or photos of an event you are attending to increase engagement and get the conversation started.
3. Show How Your Products Work: A consumer’s imagination and your product description can only go so far. Post a video or series of photos showing how your flagship product works. According to a 2013 study of marketing decision-makers worldwide conducted by CopyPress, 51.9 percent of marketers cited video for having the best ROI.
4. Launch a Contest: Get your followers to participate and help spread brand awareness by launching a contest via Instagram. Not only will creating a contest give followers an incentive to engage with your brand, but it will also help spread the word about your company organically. Take a page from Ben and Jerry’s Instagram contest, Capture Euphoria. The company asked followers to upload images representing “euphoria” with the hashtag #captureeuphoria. The winner would be featured in a print advertisement.
With a growing user base and endless possibilities to engage with consumers there’s no reason why your business shouldn’t be using Instagram. After all, there’s a good chance your competitors are already using it.
Is your business on Instagram? If so, share with us your tips and tricks.
Edited by
Allison Boccamazzo
