By now, we all know about the power of LinkedIn as a business networking tool, and the worldwide reach of Twitter. But did you know that many brands are also including Instagram as an integral part of their outreach and branding efforts? It may not be on the top of the most trafficked social media platforms list, but when used strategically, it can
help you create authentic relationships with loyal, active followers who will drive your most innovative campaigns.
Here are six reasons to consider adding Instagram to your branding toolkit:
- Instagram is one of the coolest platforms out there right now. Celebrities hang out there. It’s a favorite of artists, musicians and fashion icons. For many people, it’s their Facebook, their main point of contact with their friends. It’s the place to go to find out what’s happening now.
- If you have high-quality pictures, video clips, gifs or sound bites, Instagram is a great place to post them to get instant feedback. Like Twitter, it’s an open platform, used internationally. Interesting or provocative content is likely to be seen and responded to by people all over the world.
- Hashtags are everything on Instagram. Used wisely, they can hyperlink you to whole communities instantly. And when typing in your hashtags, Instagram shows you how many posts feature that tag, giving you immediate insight into how widely they are being used.
- The level of feedback and conversation on Instagram is huge. People feel very comfortable commenting and engaging in discussion. It’s an ideal place to float new concepts, test visual branding campaigns, launch contests, announce the release of new products or creative projects.
- As it is primarily a mobile app, communication is basically one on one, enabling you to connect with people on a personal, intimate basis. It’s a platform ripe for humor and other, deeper emotions. It’s a place where you can really express personality and individuality, which is fantastic for developing a unique voice to drive your branding narrative forward.
- It’s fun. Scrolling through my Instagram feed is one of the highlights of my day. I’m treated to an assortment of pictures, videos, jokes, quotes and news. I have developed relationships with people all over the world, merely by sharing and commenting on images that we each find significant for one reason or another. When we can leverage this sort of pure enjoyment on behalf of our clients and their brands, we can create win-win situations for clients, customers, and ourselves—the ones whose job it is to connect the two.
Want more advice about how to use social media to connect your company with potential customers? Check out Calysto’s white paper, “How to Create a Killer B2B Social Media Strategy.”