At more than 80 million users, more than 5 million photos uploaded daily, which total to over 4 billion in total, and topped of with an average of almost 600 likes and more than 80 comments per second, Instagram is indeed a heavyweight. Now who wouldn't want those numbers on their side?
With a following so large, Instagram should be seen not only as a social media application, but also as a marketing platform. Instagram is a fairly new way to increase a company's influence and reach, but that is only if it is used effectively. Here are some ideas that might help you use Instagram for business.
- Naturally, you could use Instagram to showcase your products. It might be best, though, to have photos of your products in action. Blunt photos of products look boring, and that is why customers might prefer if you show them your items for their intended use.
- Everybody loves going behind the scenes. Try showing your followers how your products are made, or give them a little look at how you handle their products before you ship them out. Make them all feel like they are a part of your company.
- Customers want to know what you can do. Especially if your business is service-based, perhaps a time-lapse video of the entire process will show viewers what you're capable of. If a video is not your flavor, you can try show them the finished product, or better yet a side-by-side comparison showing before and after.
- Businesses have always been about people, and you might want to highlight that. It would greatly help you if you put up a photo of your employees. And this does not only involve corporate and office, but labor work as well. This would give your followers the idea that your company gives importance to its culture as well.
These, however, are not all of the keys to Instagram marketing success. There are tons of other ways to market with Instagram, and the beauty is that creativity is always welcome. You are free to try new ways to use Instagram for your business.
You should also try to keep a few things in mind, because despite the freedom provided by social media, some ways are still better than others. Remember a few of these pointers and you're good to go.
- Instagram is not traditional. Your posts would be more effective as advertisements if you give them a little bit of context behind them.
- Do some scouting. Check which trends are popular and use this to your advantage.
- Don't flood your followers' feeds by posting too often. If you post too often, your followers might get annoyed.
- Use relevant hashtags. Hashtags will help people outside your circle discover your product.
- Instagram is one platform, but there are more out there. Try using Facebook and Twitter as well to maximize your exposure.
Perhaps you have some Instagram marketing tricks of your own. Please feel free to share it below!
