5 top tips to get you started

With a community in excess of 500m monthly active users, Instagram is one of the world’s largest mobile ad platforms.  People visit Instagram to interact with brands and interests that they are passionate about and that includes content from businesses.  As many as 60% of users discover and learn about products and services on the app of which 75% say they take action because they were inspired by a post.

With less competition and a more engaged audience than competitors like Facebook or Twitter, businesses can market their products and services to a more targeted audience without the price tag associated with some forms of online advertising.

Check out these top tips for using Instagram for your marketing objectives

1. Get creative

The beauty of Instagram is the ability to add some personality and share stories in a visually compelling way.  Think of Instagram as your store window; invite people in and then help them solve a problem with how-to’s and tips or demonstrate your ethos so people can identify with your company’s values.  Check out Instagram Stories which are available on mobile only with a 24 hour shelf life (this can be extended) – this is an ideal place to showcase content in an image or video collage.

2. Win people over

Your profile doesn’t need to stay the same, after all, your company does lots of different things for different people so you need to communicate that by updating your profile regularly.  If you are launching a product or running an event, tell people in your profile.  This section is not just for linking to your website, it has the power to do more – drive registrations, downloads or even purchases if done well.

3. Tell a story

Consumers these days are more informed than ever and use the information at their disposal to make decisions and choices particularly when it involves them purchasing.  Tell your customers the story behind your brand or product, maybe this could involve sharing a product’s lifecycle or a storyboard about how an idea started.  Get people invested in your story and keep them interested.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of a #hashtag

Hashtags should not be overused, it’s recommended to use between five to ten hashtags per post but they can massively expand your reach.  The most important consideration is that they are relevant and help your brand get discovered.  Try hashtags like #instagood (used in 300 million posts) find industry specific ones, and of course create your own!

5. Scratch backs

Instagram is one of the most successful sites for identifying collaborators and influencer marketing.  If you or a team member has raised money for a charity, let people know – it shows a human side to the company and helps that charity further.  ‘Shout-outs’ are another way of endorsing and promoting your brand.  Find another company with similar follower numbers to you and promote one another to your audiences and enjoy increased exposure.  The paid shout-out follows the same principle but for those with deeper pockets.  This involves paying a much larger, influential brand to promote your business to its followers but requires a strong call to action.

Instagram’s mobile format makes it an ideal channel to help people experience and engage with your products and services and since the carousel ad format showcases multiple products this really is a shop window for advertisers.

Instagram shouldn’t be underestimated as the place to reach customers both existing and potential with relevant ads to a receptive audience but remember to analyse your success and build upon it as you go.