Instagram is one of the most popular photo-sharing social media app available online. While you may consider it a relatively new app, the reality is that it has actually been around since 2010 in various guises. Social media, such as Instagram, will not just connect you with your customers, but it will increase your visibility, and enable you to gain valuable insights about your fans. If you are struggling with whether or not to use Instagram to promote your business, here are some things to consider.
1. You want to target the younger generations
Instagram is most popular between the 18-29 age group followed by the 30-49 age bracket. If that falls within your target market, then Instagram may be beneficial. That’s not to say that it won’t help your business if you target retirees, it just might be a bit more of a slow burner. Instagram is gaining traction across all demographics as more and more companies join the platform.
2. Visual content is vital to your business
If you sell tangible products or offer a photo-worthy service, then Instagram can help move your visual content message forward. As it relies on quality photos to tell your story, it will attract more attention than a text-only marketing message. For artistically inclined businesses, you can get very creative designing a stylishly curated with serious visual impact.
3. You would like to add some fun to your marketing
If there is one thing on its side, Instagram is a lot of fun to use and browse. With a core audience of younger users, your tone on Instagram can get away with being very informal and even playful, without looking out of place. You can use features like stories to invite your audience behind the scenes and show a lighter side to your brand’s personality. Utilising Instagram as a medium for marketing will allow you to think about marketing in a different way than say LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
4. Your marketing budget is minimal
If you have a low marketing budget (or even if you don’t) marketing on Instagram is free. Whether you are introducing your staff or your products, sharing videos or crafting a stylish curated feed, the app will allow you to connect with your fans free of charge. Through the explore feature, you will be found my hundreds of users that are interested in the product or service you are providing. More than any other social media platform, Instagram runs on influencers. This is the platform for you if you’re keen to connect with brand advocates, who are often very skilled at taking high-quality pictures of breakfast at your café, or their new outfit from your boutique. Often, influencers will review or showcase products sent to them by brands to their huge follower base. Younger audiences increasingly look to peers and online influencers for advice when making purchasing decisions, and Instagram is where you’ll find yours!
5. You’re interested in using paid adverts
Instagram is growing fast, not just in terms of users but in terms of the features it offers. Brands can now add links, forms and even shoppable posts in a way that was impossible just a few months ago, and the features are still coming. The advertising opportunities for businesses are becoming more and more sophisticated with each update, as they are with Instagram’s parent company, Facebook.
6. You are hashtag savvy
Creating a branded hashtag and using it throughout your social media efforts, will ensure that you can be found. Regardless of which social media sites you use, there should always be a level of consistency to your work whether it concerns content, images or hashtags. More than any other platform, Instagram relies on hashtags to direct users to the content they want to see. A branded hashtag will allow customers to browse your collection, as well giving you the chance to find and connect with your fans. Using related or trending hashtags on your posts will allow your business to be discovered by potential customers.
I hope these reasons help you with your decision on whether you explore Instagram as a marketing tool.
If you’re overwhelmed, struggling to get things done, or recognise you need some assistance, organise a call with me to discuss your business support needs.
