Combined with the power of Facebook and Twitter, Instagram has become an essential component in the marketing strategy. To ensure the effective use of Instagram, here are some tips:
Instagram is a great content marketing tool. The first step is to share unique yet memorable branded content that inspires the audience to interact and share. Planning ahead by creating an editorial calendar to schedule content helps maintain the frequency of publishing based on the type of business. Posting often is a good idea to keep the brand on top of the audience’s mind, keeping them engaged.
One of the critical things about using Instagram effectively is the use of hashtags relevant to the content and brand. In the examples earlier, Ford used the hashtag #Fiestagram while Nike used #Airmax for instant recall. When users find a hashtag appealing, they have the power to use it and boost the brand
Interacting with users is an excellent way to build relationships, especially when users are saying positive things. Asking questions, answering questions helps co-create content and success stories. Many brands share and feature actual user feedback across their channels.
Brands must not shy away from responding to negative feedback about the brand.
Some great content ideas include photos of products in the pipeline, photos of the office with the staff at work, using user generated images, screenshots of a brochure or white paper and other marketing material, using humorous images related with the brand, discounts and promo codes.
Photo contests are one of the most popularly used strategies for creating user engagement on Instagram.
As with any marketing effort, Instagram’s results must also be monitored for return on investment. While measuring traffic to the business website from the links in the photos, if most of the traffic comes from Facebook, it might mean focusing on Facebook and creating a suitable strategy for optimum results.
It is true what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words and this is amply proved by Instagram. While it is easy to get started, marketing via Instagram requires planning and a clear editorial strategy to see the expected results.
Are you thinking of adding Instagram to your marketing strategy? If you are already using Instagram, do share your experience in the comments!