Instagram Marketing Strategy: Instagram Unfiltered [Infographic]

#FPDSocialSpotlight

When it comes to marketing success on Instagram, the numbers have #nofilter. FPD has compiled some stats about the photo sharing app, as more and more brands are utilizing the power behind it.

Over the past few months, marketers everywhere have watched Instagram transition from America’s favorite photo sharing app into a rising e-commerce platform. With a 4% average brand engagement rate, this social network is becoming a powerful targeting tool.

For those targeting millennials, Instagram is the place to share and sell your brand. With native ads appearing so organically within the timeline of users’ photo browsing, it’s no wonder sponsored ads are making such a riff.  By properly utilizing hashtags and aligning your posts with your brand’s image, Instagram is an opportunity to offer consumers an inside look at new launches, top sellers, and inspiration on how to use your products, especially in the fashion, beauty, and retail realms.

If your brand isn’t on Instagram yet, here are some strategic tips and a handy infographic from us to help you get started:

1. Stay consistent across social channels. When creating and maintaining an Instagram account, consistency is key! If your brand is on Twitter and Facebook, make sure your Instagram name and profile photo is the same, and therefore easy to find.
2. Take advantage of #hashtags and location mapping. Don’t let hashtags and location mapping go by unused. Show followers where you are and what you’re into by taking advantage of both social tools. If you’re brand is at a festival or industry event, map out your location for your followers to see—chances are if they’re in the area they’ll come say hello. Using #hashtags lets you participate in ongoing conversations, especially within your industry. Consider using or creating a branded hashtag or location to become easily recognizable on Instagram.
3. Find a filter. Sure, we all love a good #nofilter photo here and there, but make sure that your posts to Instagram all have a familiar look and feel. Oreo does a fantastic job of this by posting photos that are colorful, and that showcase their cookies in fun, interesting ways.
4. Be relatable. The more likes you get, the cooler you are, right? It’s true. Make sure your posts are landing with your audience, and evaluate what your followers relate to, and what they don’t. Just like any social strategy, your brand will try things out, and evaluate what is working.
5. Connect with customers. In the end, Instagram is a great channel for your customers to interact with your brand. You can foster a sense of brand loyalty by using hashtags to create a language people can talk about your brand in. Find out who your customers are, and provide content that resonates with them as they scroll through their photo feed. Customer engagement is a key metric when promoting brands on Instagram, so consider re-sharing images your followers have posted that align with your brand strategy.