With the use of social media continuing to increase across all demographics the use of social media for marketing has become an effective method for businesses. As consumer preferences change it is difficult to stay on top of the best platforms to use for your industry–and even more difficult to coordinate various strategies for each.
This means that if like many other marketers, you’re in doubt of whether you should use Instagram. However, with greater than 800 million members, Instagram could certainly be worth your time.
To learn how Instagram can help you grow as a business head on over to Go READ today.
If you’re still undecided about investing time and energy in the site, then you aren’t on your own.
1. It’s visual
As a photo sharing platform it could seem as if we’re saying the obvious here. However, unlike of the other platforms for social media, that focus on text and links, Instagram is exclusively used for photo and video posts.
Considering that visual content is more engaging than text, this could be a huge chance for marketers. Instead of trying to drive users to your site to buy something, or explain the benefits of working with you, you can employ photos to make an appealing message.
Pictures give your business the chance to highlight its products and videos are an excellent way to show your services in action. And beyond that it is also possible to use the platform to showcase company its culture and other aspects behind the scenes of your business.
2. It has high engagement rates
In 2016, Instagram users have liked more than 4.2 billion posts per day. Posts that contain at least one hashtag have 12.6 percent more views than posts that don’t have any hashtags. This alone is enough reason for many marketers to utilize the platform.
With the organic reach of Facebook falling to by as much as 2% So it’s not a surprise that marketers are dissatisfied with the low engagement rate. But when you post something on Instagram it is more likely that your followers will see it. This is a huge advantage, especially when you consider that many businesses are now using paid-for advertising options on Facebook just to get their posts seen by their own followers.
3. Your business might already be present
Whether you’re on Instagram whether you are or not a few of your customers are likely to be. This means that someone might have already shared a post about your business.
This is especially the case if you have an actual location where customers frequent, such as an eatery or retail store. The users can add the location tag to each of their posts. Therefore, if anyone has ever posted a photograph while at your establishment, it likely has tags on Instagram.
Customers can also share photos of your merchandise and also tag them with your brand name. This is particularly relevant for stores that sell clothing, housewares, and other consumer-based products.
Even if you aren’t considering making use of Instagram for your business, we suggest that you start a personal account to monitor posts that include your label or location as hashtags. This is the best way to stay on top of the content that customers are sharing about your business.
If you do choose to create a branded account to market your products, you could use it to help encourage this kind of behavior. When customers engage with your business on the website, their fans will perceive it as an endorsement. It’s the current version of word-of-mouth advertising.
4. It’s great to build your brand
Contrary to most social media platforms however, Instagram doesn’t bring traffic to your site with every post you make on Instagram. You can’t even include links within your posts. The only link you’re allowed to include is in your bio.
This could be something to consider a drawback, and if you were hoping to generate revenue directly from Instagram, it is.
But, it also means that users are more inclined to follow and interact with your business because they know that you’re not trying to directly sell them something. Instead, you could use the platform to develop your brand.
Share user-generated content, highlight the culture of your business and upload photos that show your values and goals. By creating a human face for your brand and demonstrating how authentic you truly are, this kind of content can build the trust that builds long-term relationships with customers.
5. It has targeted advertising options
Much like Instagram, and similar to Instagram provides paid-for advertising options for businesses. Although you’ll be able to have an efficient account without spending a dime the advertising options can be a powerful method of growing your Instagram account.