3 Ways Instagram Can Grow Your Business
While most businesses understand the need to have a Facebook page, many businesses still aren’t convinced of the benefits of being on Instagram.
And yet despite the slow uptake from some in the business camp, other businesses are reaping the rewards of acting quickly and having an Instagram presence.
Considering that Instagram is the fastest growing social network, is an app owned by Facebook, has 300 million active users per month and averages 70 million photos shares each day, it is folly to assume that it is just another social platform.
So here are the top 3 reasons your business should be on Instagram:
Social Engagement – Instagram isn’t named the “King of Social Engagement” for no reason. In a recent study, it was found that Instagram users are 58 times more likely to engage with a brand’s post than Facebook users. This is good news for businesses, particularly as Facebook’s 2015 algorithm update saw organic reach drop to almost zero and is now essentially a “pay to play” platform.
Furthermore, Instagram doesn’t cost a cent (unless you opt to pay for targeted ads) and is a cost-effective option for small businesses.
Influencer Marketing – There are advocates, bloggers and social media stars who have amassed a loyal online following and have the ability to use their “influence” to promote products, ideas, lifestyles and other causes. These people are known as influencers.
Instagram is increasingly becoming the favoured social media tool used by influencers. The results of a recent blogger survey found that 85.7% of bloggers use Instagram in connection with their blog; evidence that online influencers are using Instagram to engage with their audience.
Therefore, working with Instagram influencers whose persona and interests align with your brand’s vision, mission, and goals makes great business sense. It allows you to establish and grow an audience more quickly than if you went at it alone.
Visual Branding – Customers are savvier than ever and have increased demands for transparency. Businesses that cater to these customers requirements have a distinct competitive advantage. And the more enlightened businesses are using Instagram to do so.
Instagram offers businesses the opportunity to tell its brand story through the use of images or a 15 second video. Allowing customers into your inner world by sharing original pics, memes, videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes images allows you to build a direct relationship with them. Thus, the better your images (or videos), the more memorable your story and the stronger your brand impact will be.
Now over to you: Are you using Instagram marketing already? If not, will you use Instagram as part of your digital marketing strategy? We’d love to know so please leave a comment below.