It is no secret that social media plays a big role in today’s marketing environment. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn are just a few of the platforms that marketers use to connect with consumers in the viral world. However, there is a new player starting to emerge. One that allows businesses to boost exposure, increase brand recognition and build demand for their products and services. Instagram, a mobile device image-sharing medium with over one hundred million users, is increasing in popularity among large companies and small business owners alike. With over ninety percent of consumers owning cell phones and twenty-nine percent of them having made a purchase using their mobile device, the advantages to using Instagram for business are astonishing.
Many companies have taken advantage of Instagram and adopted it as part of their marketing strategy. Adidas Originals has taken to Instagram with great success. The Adidas company uses Instagram to showcase photos of new merchandise alongside photos of the various ways its customers use their merchandise. Buy displaying the unique ways Adidas customers sport their footwear, the company has growing its number of followers to over 965,000.
American Express (Amex) uses Instagram to highlight exclusive experiences, news, rewards and a behind the scenes look of their headquarters. By showing off the food and entertainment side of their business, Amex has been able to capitalized on their card rewards and grow their Instagram following to over 29,000.
Starbucks also has thrown its hat in the Instagram ring. By mixing user-generated photos with a behind the scenes look at coffee roasting, its original Pike Place location and other creative photos Starbucks as been able to generate a following of over 1.5 million by using Instagram.
As consumers begin to shift towards more mobile purchasing habits it is important that businesses incorporate a mobile marketing strategy. Instagram is ideal not only for marketing product images and videos but for engaging and sharing with consumers as well. It is like YouTube and Facebook rolled in to one.
In order to reap the full benefit of social media, businesses must consistently communicate with their followers. Instagram not only allows businesses to stay in touch with their current followers, but it gives business owners the ability to increase their customer base by searching for people already talking about their business or field. By finding and engaging with people in their city or those that share common interest, business owners have the potential to increase their customer base, build credibility and strengthen customer loyalty.
In the world of social media, most business owners have a good handle on how to use Facebook and Twitter. However, with Instagram’s rapid growth, it is without a doubt advantageous for business owners to make use of this new social networking platform.
To learn more about how Instagram can boost your company’s exposure and build demand for your products or services, contact us today.
