Instagram is often used in
conjunction with Facebook and Twitter. Similarly to Twitter, Instagram uses
hash tags so users can find the brand’s account and images easier which can be
mainly used as a powerful marketing tool. For example, retailers regularly post
images of its special offers and on-trend fashion clothing/accessories pieces
to get their online followers to make a purchase in store (e.g. Topshop) via
the online website. As the marketing world has become predominantly reliant on
the internet in recent years, Instagram being “all about mobile” allows the
brand to upload effective images in seconds with followers engaging in real
time with the brand by following and sharing the content.
As of February 27 2013, Instagram has more than 100 million active users and over 40 million photos are uploaded every day. So why is Instagram one of the best social media platforms to help promote your business? "Addicted2Success" investigates 8 reasons why.
No copyright infringements intended. All information property of link.
Source: http://addicted2success.com/startups/8-solid-reasons-why-instagram-is-good-for-your-business/
1.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand
Words
No it’s not a cliché at all. Do you have a product
that you can display in a really visual dynamic way? Or a service that some
great photos can highlight in an emotionally charged, dramatic manner? If you
can translate the passion of what you offer or do into a visual image this
opens a fantastic door of opportunity. Most people like to look at interesting
images and if you can “draw” them in with a photo that is an “ad” but isn’t, it
could end up worth as much as some of the best advertising campaigns out there. Be creative!
2.
Instagram Can Offer A Behind
the Scenes Look
When
you share some photos that offer a behind the scenes look at your business, it
can go a long way towards building a sense of rapport and familiarity between
your work and those you are offering it to. This is one of the most powerful
ways social media can help you change the game. A photo of your product being
made or the service you offer being performed from the perspective of an
“insider” can really intrigue and fascinate potential customers and clients.
This is one of the reasons why television is packed with shows of people
working at interesting jobs. It’s human nature to be curious about what’s going
on “behind the curtain”.
3.
It Encourages Customer
Participation
Once
you have built a reasonable amount of followers the door is wide open to encourage
customers to exchange and participate in exchanges involving your business,
through the use of things like hash tags. Why not encourage them to share
photos of themselves using your product or service, if appropriate? Social
media is social after all. This is why people love it so much and the more fun
exchanges they have with your business in social media the greater chance they
will end up spending money with you and encouraging their whole social circle
to as well!
4.
Instagram Allows You To Build a
Personality for Your Business
Instagram should be an intricate part
of building a distinct and winning personality for your business. Combined with
other forms of social media, your website and your advertising, you are given a
great opportunity for moulding how your business is perceived by your customers
and potential leads. Are you trying to convey light heartedness, seriousness,
or some other “feel”? The right photos shared on Instagram can go a long way in
building a personality and “aura” for your brand. Don’t underestimate the
potential value of this universally... especially in niche markets where personality is even more important.
5.
Trust Building
The online experience can take a human face away from
our business interactions. This is a bad thing if you are looking to build
trust in what you offer. Instagram lets you put a face, literally, on
your efforts and in ways that can be targeted to help build confidence in you.
This is a very good thing. If you learn
how to use Instagram to
help build or reinforce trust in your efforts this will quickly equal more
sales and more happy customers. Don’t neglect the occasional happy go lucky
photos which can go a long way in this direction.
6.
Instagram Keeps Your Name In
Conversation
Learn how to use Instagram to keep
people talking about your business. An idea that’s been proven
to work again and again? Holding Instagram
contests. Instagram is
the ideal platform to hold contests to promote your business. The options are
only limited by your imagination. “The best photo shared
featuring what you offer receives a free product” is a popular formula that works again
and again. Contests are a great way to get Instagram users and other lovers of
social media talking about you and what you do!
7.
Instagram Helps Promote Special
Events
Are you planning on going to a trade show or something
similar? Promote the fact you are going, on Instagram, to draw support and
interest in your attending. During and afterward, document your trip with cool
and fun Instagram photo shares. Focus on some containing yourself and customers
or other business associates. Nearly everyone loves this type of fun
attention. People also don’t like to feel like they are missing out on
something so they may be interested to rock up at your next show to experience
the adventure in person.
8.
The Chance To Go Viral
Think
company mascots, pets, adorable babies or animals doing funny things around
your logo. It only takes one home run to change the public profile of your
business forever so don’t laugh this off. It’s also a nice thing to encourage
employees or friends and family to participate in sharing the word about your
business. Yes, one cute kitten photo shared for free can equal tens of
thousands of dollars of advertising. Welcome to the age of social media. Learn
how to use Instagram along with the other more obvious platforms and become a
social marketing guru of the digital age!
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