With so many social media channels up for grabs, it’s hard to know where to focus your attention. Facebook and Twitter are no brainers for most companies, but what about platforms like Instagram? Does it offer potential for businesses? More importantly, is there a place for your company to flourish?
There are already many Fortune 500s that have added Instagram to their marketing strategy, including Target, Starbucks, Nike, Apple and Whole Foods. And, they are excelling at drawing in comments and likes and showing a new, more visual side to their business. How exactly are these brands using Instagram? Let’s take a look so that you can use Instagram like a pro, too.
Incorporate Multiple Hashtags
On other social media platforms, hashtags are to be used sparingly. Use too many, and you’re bound to look desperate. Yet on Instagram, this thinking goes out the window. Multiple hashtags are welcome, 4 to 11 of them to be exact. It’s best to use the hashtags in the caption rather than adding them at the bottom, so don’t forget to use some creativity.
Take Advantage of 15-Second Videos
Instagram videos are still very new, which means that many companies haven’t taken full advantage of them yet. This gives your business the opportunity to have an advantage with your followers and market your business in a creative fashion. The fact that the videos are short and play when scrolling through the news feed is helpful in capturing your audience’s attention. Also, you can upload videos that weren’t taken with the app, giving you more flexibility.
Engagement Takes Place 24/7
Where other social media sites have optimal times to post, Instagram is a network that is ongoing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Since Instagram is completely mobile, it draws in a certain type of audience, and there is no clear winner as to when the best time to post is. Plus, Instagram doesn’t have the same type of news feed as Facebook, where sponsored posts are promoted more than organic traffic. This gives companies an even playing field and allows them to find their niche audience.
Instagram is a valuable social marketing platform for businesses both big and small. It’s not something you want to miss out on, so create your presence now while the networking site is still emerging as an effective marketing tool. Having an Instagram account is one thing, but being active on it is another.