So you’ve undoubtedly heard of Instagram, and maybe you use it personally, but what can it bring to your business?
Launched in 2010 with a test photo of the founder’s dog, like all social media platforms, Instagram has made its way into our culture, vocabulary and our ‘free time.’ Now there are over 1 billion monthly users, 90% of whom follow at least one brand.
The platform, and its audience, are maturing. It’s not just about taking that perfectly lit restaurant selfie anymore, people come to Instagram to discover and take action. (And yes, flick through an embarrassing amount of puppy photos…)
Shopping
According to Hootsuite, 130 million users tap on shopping posts every month. Instagram launched its shopping feature in 2016, with a wide rollout in 2018 – although, as we’ve come to expect from social media platforms, updates and new iterations come along frequently.
Instagram is now becoming a leader in the virtual marketplace; an immersive, aesthetically-led shopping experience where users can indulge in individually curated products, yet have instant access to personalised reviews in the form of other user comments. It’s a unique blend of individual and communal shopping experiences.
Perhaps there’s room for your product there too?
Brand followers
According to Marketingcharts.com, when asked, 36% of social media users in the US said they use Instagram to follow a brand. That’s more than any other platform. This survey result helps prove that Instagram is right up there when it comes to B2C social media experience.
Demographic
Need to reach a certain target demographic? Instagram could be the way to go.
Over 70% of the 1 billion monthly Instagram app users are under 35, meaning it should be high on your list if you need to reach millennials and top-end Gen-Z audiences.
In terms of a demographic dominating a platform, Instagram is pretty unique.
Facebook and Twitter audiences are too varied, and although TikTok gets close with 62% of users being 29 and under, in terms of users more likely to have financial independence, you’re looking at approx 22% of users being in their 20s and theoretically able to buy your products for themselves.
Hashtag your way into a community
This shouldn’t be taken for granted, building up initial brand momentum, trust and recognition on Instagram (or any platform for that matter) can be hard work.
You shouldn’t expect booming audiences 24hrs after account set up. However, there’s one small symbol that will look familiar across the social media-sphere, that Instagram uses very differently.
The humble #
Although originally repurposed and redefined by the launch of Twitter, the hashtag really finds its home on Instagram. With a maximum of 30, an average of 10, per post, it provides a chance – if thought through properly, for you to interject your content into key platforms – in a more natural and ‘acceptable’ way than on other platforms.
Think about it, you see a Facebook post with 10 hashtags, it can look spammy and you risk your brand/content coming off as a bit desperate, yet on Instagram, you don’t think twice.
By thinking carefully through the hashtags and trends being used in your sector, you have a chance to present your content or product into your selected ‘sphere’ – without coming across as forceful and click-bait-y.
So there are a few things to consider about Instagram.
Ready to capture your brand’s best side and start your next chapter in social media?
Our team can help you along the way.
What can Instagram bring to your business?
Digital Organic & Paid Social Media / Aug 30, 2021
So you’ve undoubtedly heard of Instagram, and maybe you use it personally, but what can it bring to your business?
Launched in 2010 with a test photo of the founder’s dog, like all social media platforms, Instagram has made its way into our culture, vocabulary and our ‘free time.’ Now there are over 1 billion monthly users, 90% of whom follow at least one brand.
The platform, and its audience, are maturing. It’s not just about taking that perfectly lit restaurant selfie anymore, people come to Instagram to discover and take action. (And yes, flick through an embarrassing amount of puppy photos…)
Shopping
According to Hootsuite, 130 million users tap on shopping posts every month. Instagram launched its shopping feature in 2016, with a wide rollout in 2018 – although, as we’ve come to expect from social media platforms, updates and new iterations come along frequently.
Instagram is now becoming a leader in the virtual marketplace; an immersive, aesthetically-led shopping experience where users can indulge in individually curated products, yet have instant access to personalised reviews in the form of other user comments. It’s a unique blend of individual and communal shopping experiences.
Perhaps there’s room for your product there too?
Brand followers
According to Marketingcharts.com, when asked, 36% of social media users in the US said they use Instagram to follow a brand. That’s more than any other platform. This survey result helps prove that Instagram is right up there when it comes to B2C social media experience.
Demographic
Need to reach a certain target demographic? Instagram could be the way to go.
Over 70% of the 1 billion monthly Instagram app users are under 35, meaning it should be high on your list if you need to reach millennials and top-end Gen-Z audiences.
In terms of a demographic dominating a platform, Instagram is pretty unique.
Facebook and Twitter audiences are too varied, and although TikTok gets close with 62% of users being 29 and under, in terms of users more likely to have financial independence, you’re looking at approx 22% of users being in their 20s and theoretically able to buy your products for themselves.
Hashtag your way into a community
This shouldn’t be taken for granted, building up initial brand momentum, trust and recognition on Instagram (or any platform for that matter) can be hard work.
You shouldn’t expect booming audiences 24hrs after account set up. However, there’s one small symbol that will look familiar across the social media-sphere, that Instagram uses very differently.
The humble #
Although originally repurposed and redefined by the launch of Twitter, the hashtag really finds its home on Instagram. With a maximum of 30, an average of 10, per post, it provides a chance – if thought through properly, for you to interject your content into key platforms – in a more natural and ‘acceptable’ way than on other platforms.
Think about it, you see a Facebook post with 10 hashtags, it can look spammy and you risk your brand/content coming off as a bit desperate, yet on Instagram, you don’t think twice.
By thinking carefully through the hashtags and trends being used in your sector, you have a chance to present your content or product into your selected ‘sphere’ – without coming across as forceful and click-bait-y.
So there are a few things to consider about Instagram.
Ready to capture your brand’s best side and start your next chapter in social media?
Our team can help you along the way.
