Now I'm sure we're all aware of brands using these social media platforms to share their products and services, but Instagram has gone just that little bit further. They have announced the release of 'The Instagram Handbook for Brands', a handbook specially aimed at marketers including tips, tools and examples for brands who are wanting to move into Instagram marketing. Sweet, right?
Source: Instagram Business Tumblr
Now unfortunately for smaller, more unheard of brands, this isn't readily available - meaning Instagram picks and chooses who it will distribute the little book to. The good news? Instagram will be releasing a few hints and tips on their Tumblr blog from the handbook, so marketers can get their hands on some selected content from the series of blog posts.
The even better news? I'm gonna summarise some of the points made from their first blog posting! Instagram have chosen 11 brands that they believe post 'incredibly engaging content' to feature as profiles in the handbook, including the likes of Disney Land, GoPro and Warby Parker.
Instagram's Tips for Brands
1. Be true to your brand
From what I can gather, this means reflecting the brand's true image through such postings. Brands should have a clear vision and voice of what they want to get through to their target market. Creativity is key, but defining your brand through trends within the Instagram community is crucial.
2. Share experiences
Kind of speaks for itself, but who doesn't love scrolling through a brand's Instagram and being inspired. The blog itself uses GoPro as an example, as their profile continues to get people thinking of how they can use a GoPro product and share it with their friends and followers. It's about giving people an insight into how your products can provide new experiences or lifestyles.
3. Find beauty anywhere
I love this tip, mostly due to the fact that if you can't find beauty anywhere you probably should reassess marketing through Instagram. It's about showing your followers how your company sees the world, and the more meaningful these images and messages are, the more effective this kind of posting will be.
4. Inspire action
Trends trends trends! The key to really getting consumer response - 'starting a movement around your brand'. It's something we see so commonly, yet so brilliant for generating a buzz around a brand. Instagram uses the example of Nike's #runfree campaign, which encourages people to capture personal photos linked to the trend, and tag them for the world to see.
5. Know your audience
Again, pretty self explanatory - create something that engages YOUR audience, that creatively captures their interest. You'll be reeling in the followers in no time.
So there we have it, Instagram's first five top tips on how to creatively manage your Instagram account as a marketing tool. The bottom line is, if you're creating something that's aesthetically pleasing to your consumers, they're gonna want to see more. The more a brand provides insight into the business, and the more they expose what consumers wouldn't normally see, creates a 'virtual brand friendship' (in my own words).
The little handbook promises to gain brands followers, but don't be naive - there's nothing in the small print that guarantees sales will be generated, that's a different story. But we all know that an effective digital marketing presence is key in today's business world - it's how you apply it that counts.
I've also added a short video that Instagram posted on their blog showing how some of the best brands on Instagram connect with their communities, enjoy!
Instagrams Business Tumblr
http://instagram-business.tumblr.com/post/76235731349/tools-and-tips-to-help-marketers-inspire-and
No comments:
Post a Comment