When Instagram was first launched in the fall of 2010, nobody could have predicted its enormous success. Despite its simple concept, Instagram gained a total of 14 million users in its very short lifespan, and was sold to Facebook in April 2012 for $1 billion.
The free app allows users to snap, edit and post pictures from their smart phones in just a matter of seconds. As the app continues to attract new users at a meteoric rate, more and more companies are applying the app in an effort to reach consumers on a new and more personal level. According to an article from PR Daily, “If your brand is in the social media space, Instagram should be a part of your daily vocabulary.”
The top four reasons small businesses are using this service are to:
1) Connect with Customers. Instagram allows small businesses to get to know their customers in a new way. Through “following” their customers or clients, they can discover more about them through the pictures they post. This gives companies the opportunity to discover what customers really think of their brand, and also helps define who their best customers are. With this inside knowledge, a business is able to further target specific groups and make their business more attractive to that specific audience. Companies can use Instagram to inform their customers about new services, products or promotions to keep their customers engaged and build a feeling of brand loyalty.
2) Support Event Marketing. With millions of users, posting a photo of an upcoming event on Instagram is an instant way for a company to spread awareness of any occasion. Whether it’s a contest or a special event, posting an attractive image on Instagram is a sure fire way of enhancing the popularity and knowledge of the event. And the best part about this method of advertising? It doesn’t cost a penny for the company! The more people who “like” this photo, the more publicity it will get on Instagram and the more people will learn about the company.
3) Build Brand Awareness. Humans are naturally more attracted to images than they are to words. Small businesses should take advantage of the Instagram opportunity to tell the story behind their business and help consumers build a relationship with the brand. According to the article Instagram for Business by socialmediasun.com, “Instagram is more than just a photo-taking tool: it’s a story-telling opportunity. You should think of ways that you can take pictures of your product, employees, events or even the office. Take your followers behind the scenes by showing them what goes on at your office or how your product is made.” The more insight a person has on a company, the more connected they likely will feel.
4) Facilitates Share of Social Media. Instagram is an advantageous tool for spreading pictures onto other social media sites related to a particular company. With just the click of a single button, a photo on Instagram can be shared on a company’s Facebook page, Twitter account, and can be a positive visual addition to a company’s webpage. Instagram allows users to choose from a variety of filters that add an artistic and creative touch.
Being aware of the latest technology is crucial to the success of any new business. Instagram is proving to be an excellent new resource for companies to help reach out to their clients and facilitate brand building. To learn more visit www.instagram.com.