Recently in conversations with many clients I have learned that Instagram is still a “newer” social media site to many. And that they really don’t understand the point of it and how to integrate it into their brand; so I decided we would put together a few tips on understanding Instagram, and knowing if you should join as a brand and if you do, what you should be posting.
Questions to ask if you are thinking your brand should join Instagram:
- Do you have visuals of the product, people and in general of all things regarding your business?
- Do your current clients and prospects have Instagram accounts?
- What would be the purpose of your Instagram?
- Who would you be trying to reach with your account?
- How would you integrate this into your identity? And who would be responsible for the consistent posting?
After you answer these questions if you are still wondering check out this stat:
A recent study by Forrester Research found that Instagram users were 58 times more likely to like, comment, or share a brand’s post than Facebook users and 120 times more likely than Twitter users. All data indicates that users are moving away from Twitter and Facebook and shifting their time to Instagram. This absolutely proves that Instagram is the best social and mobile platform for brands to reach audiences that are willing to engage. If you’re not marketing on Instagram, you’re missing out. http://www.fastcompany.com/3032848/the-future-of-work/nofilter-necessary-why-any-brand-can-and-should-harness-the-power-of-inst
Instagram is here to stay but using it correctly means that you have to take time and create an effective plan for the account and the audience you are hoping to engage and interact with. It also means that you need to include budgeting time and energy into following other accounts and learning how they use visuals to tell their story.
Two hints if you are thinking of building your brand:
- Find the influencers in your community and follow them. They have grown their brand and they understand how to use Instagram effectively. Learn from them and how, when and what they post.
- Not a graphic designer? Try using www.canva.com to help create some very cool and powerful visuals for your brand. Make your words come to life!