For a thunderous presence on Instagram: the 4 essentials
Despite its humble beginnings, the Instagram platform has slowly become one of the most popular social networks on the planet. Celebrities, companies, ordinary people, even animals… it seems that everyone has an Instagram account! Today, there are more than 800 million users and 500 million of them connect every day. Quite impressive, is it not?
Here are 4 essentials to help you get the most out of Instagram.
1. Appeal to Influencers
Influencers, as the name suggests, are people who have influence over others. They can be Reality TV celebrities, Olympic athletes, popular Youtubers, etc.
Of course, there is a lot of criteria to consider before choosing an influencer to associate to your brand. For example, how many people follow their Instagram page? What are their interests? How many publications appear on their page every week?
Today, this type of marketing is indispensable for many companies that count on the public’s fascination with influencers and their lifestyle.
2. Integrate your public into your brand image
The words “user-generated content” (UGC) describes all content created and published by Instagram users. It could be feedback for a purchase, original content, questions, etc.
When a company wants to use content generated by users, it can, for example, convert its clients’ publications so they become their own main source of content, in particular thanks to the use of hashtags.
A company can also appeal to their clients to publish their personal photos on its account.
Finally, this is an effective, cheap and popular method to involve consumers in the brand image. In return, it gives them the desire to be more involved in the brand, whether by online participation or repeat purchases.
3. Targeting consumers with good hashtag management
A hashtag is a word or expression that allows Instagram users to access content without needing to have a personal relationship with the person who created or published it.
It is a very useful method to increase the visibility of a brand, but be careful: you can also obtain undesirable results by using incorrect hashtags or ones that are too vague.
It is therefore important to concentrate on quality and not quantity. Flooding Instagram with generic or overused hashtags will create more harm than good and your brand will drown in this massive platform.
Instead, create hashtags unique to your brand to attract the attention of the subscribers to your Instagram page and keep them close to you.
4. Promote your product first and foremost
It is well-known that Instagram is a platform of exchanges and discoveries of all kinds. Its users are bombarded by content about various products endorsed by influencers or proposed by companies. To stand out, you must avoid focusing directly on your products AT ALL COST. Sell your companies’ values. Sell a lifestyle. Sell panache.
It is better to let your brand speak for itself rather than try to promote the products at all cost.
For example, you can use publications that focus on the lifestyle of influencers or show users how things work in your office with enthusiastic employees.
Finally, it is simply a matter of finding a balance that will allow you to distinguish yourself and not bore your clients, both current and future.
Do you want to make the right choices for your brand image on Instagram? CMG Communications has experienced image and marketing consultants to provide you with a professional and customized service. Contact us to find out more.
