A picture is worth a thousand words. We’ve all heard it, but what does this mean for your business?
Instagram is an app that allows their users to upload and take pictures to share with their followers. Though it is typically used as a way for people to express themselves artistically, it is also a great tool for business owners.
Today, Instagram is be becoming a critical social platform for businesses. According to HubSpot, visual content engages with users the most, especially for content and social media marketing. That's why Instagram is a great way for companies to connect with their audience.
Here, we're going to talk about how businesses can benefit from using Instagram.
Adds a Personal Touch
One of the main benefits of Instagram is that it helps build trust with potential clients. People want to buy from other people. To many people, businesses may seem robotic because you can't see the faces behind the brand and company website.
With social media platforms like Instagram, you are able to build an emotional connection with your audience. By sharing the company's day-to-day experiences in a casual way, you can create a personal feel to your business. Do so by sharing photos of yourself and your employees at work actively participating in the industry. You want your customers and audience to get to know your company culture and the faces behind your company.
Competitive Edge
Despite Instagram being a popular platform among people, you'll notice that most of your competitors are already on Facebook and Twitter, but they do not have an Instagram account. A recent statistic from An American Express survey shows that only 2% of small business are currently online.
The more your client can interact with your brand the more they will become loyal to it. However, you want to keep in mind of the demographic you're targeting. If you're a business that has a target audience in the older age frame, they probably won't be on Instagram. On the other hand, if you're a company that wants to tap into millennials, then Instagram is definitely the place to be.
Try sharing facts about your industry, quotes, and industry-related images, your Instagram will gain a following your competitor's Facebook and Twitter will not capture. In addition, your business is may be able to reach it's target audience far easier than Facebook or Twitter where the competition is immense.
General Electric, for example, shares innovative products and quotes with their followers. They also share special promotions, contests, and team members on their Instagram account.
Promote your Business
There is no better way to post your promotions and events for free then with images and comments on Instagram!
Once you have developed a following, this is a great way to let them know about the latest events with your business.
You can have your team create visual assets for Instagram and post it on social media. Since there is no character count with Instagram, you can explain the promotion or event in depth.
Clients can then use Instagram as a tool in engage clients with promotions by offering deals if they "Follow" and tag friends in their promotions. Here is an example of Drinkwel's Instagram post that uses contests to attract more followers and interaction.
Networking
Like all other social media platforms, Instagram is a great place to network with potential or already existing clients. It offers an excellent means to extend your online reach.
This can be done by liking, commenting and following other individuals that are related to your industry.
The more you engage with other people's posts, the more inclined they will be to engage with yours!
Instagram allows you to search hashtags that are related to your industry, once you have, like other people’s photos! This will guide them to your Instagram account, which they can then follow.
Paid Advertising
Finally, Instagram is allowing businesses to advertise!
Businesses are now able to create Instagram ads through Facebook’s Power Editor. You can either advertise with a specific image, a slideshow of images, or a short video.
Since you're using Facebook Power Editor for Instagram advertising, this allows you to use Facebook data to advertise to Instagram. If Instagram users are connecting their accounts to Facebook, you are able to target them specifically through their behaviours, interests, demographics, professions, and more.
With Facebook's extensive data on users, you will be able to target your ads to specific demographics and reach audiences that will actually engage with your posts.
If your company doesn't have an Instagram account yet, take the time to do it now. But, don't forget to You don't want to analyze your market to see if Instagram is good for your business and whether you'll be able to interact with your audience on the platform. You wouldn't want to miss out on the 150 million strong user base with more than 75 million views visiting it daily.
