Brands are starting to pick up on Instagram. Like Facebook and Twitter before it, Instagram is being looked at as another venue for connecting with an audience.
Instagram makes sharing visually appealing content simple, and brands are using it as a creative way to expand their business. Big brands like Starbucks, Sharpie, Red Bull, and GE are ahead of curve and are strategically using Instagram as an integral part of their social media marketing.
Before you jump on the bandwagon, make sure you don’t make the mistake of “selling” on Instagram and instead share and connect. Share what is interesting to the brand and your core demographic.
Post engaging images with an editorial eye. Remember, it’s more than just product shots, make your brand human! Capture images of your employees and behind the scenes shots. Show your brand’s point of view. By doing this you will grow and engage your audience, building good pr and buzz around your brand.
Once you have that part down, consider how you can appeal to your brands loyalists. Maybe you’re a specialty grocery store (ahem, Trader Joes), and you can create a website featuring your customer’s cooking creations with #traderjoes. Or maybe you’re a hotel in a key vacation destination with lots of competition. Why not show-off your recent customers vacation shots. Instagram allows users to enter a location, so make sure your hotel is on the location list!
There are so many creative possibilities with Instagram! And if you want to see my food pics, travel shots and other moments captured on Instagram, follow me at lcoudriet.