Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has grown into one of the most popular ways for people to capture moments and share them with the world. In less than five years, the mobile community has grown to more than 300 million active users sharing upwards of 70 million photos and videos each day. Instagram’s simple interface combined with its ability to connect users with targeted audiences makes it a powerful tool for brands and businesses alike, and ECPs are no exception.
Leveraging the power of Instagram is easy—the mobile app is free, and content can be uploaded directly into it from a smartphone. In-app filters can be applied to make images pop, and publishing photos or videos for followers to see is one click away.
Following a few basic tips can make the app an effective marketing tool for your business:
Posting a healthy balance between fun images and pictures from your business can keep followers engaged on multiple levels. Post items of visual interest that are brand-relevant, but keep in mind that people like to see varied subject matter —give potential customers a peek beyond the convention of typical posts.
Create strategic relationships. Find the brands and people you can learn from in your followers and follow them back in turn. Like their posts, and (when applicable) tag them in yours. The people you follow on social media platforms are your promoters--maintaining solid engagement with them can make all the difference in the world.
Adding relevant, popular hashtags to posts can help cultivate a following by making content easy to find when users search by topic or subject matter. Iconosquare is a great tool for finding hashtags and users that are relevant to your brand. If you’re at an event or location that’s designated by a hashtag (something like #VisionExpoWest or #SECO), add it to your posts so that event coordinators and other attendees can find them.
Connect a business Facebook account to Instagram and cross-post selected images to help people who don’t know you’re on Instagram to find you there. You can also elect to automatically add posts made to Instagram to your Facebook page.
Optimize interactions with customers by linking Instagram to your website—using the app to drive users to your site can generate more traffic and higher engagement levels.
If you’re a bit stuck on how to start or need some inspiration, the Instagram for Business Blog is a good tool—it offers tips, brand spotlights, examples and news from Instagram HQ.
Instagram offers an opportunity for a truly unique presentation of your brand—let personality and creativity drive your content to followers, and enjoy the benefits of visual engagement with your patients.