Instagram was created in 2010, and since then has become a go-to for sharing pictures, and now short-form videos. In 2023 this social platform was actively used by 2 billion people worldwide, and according to Business of Apps, it was the most downloaded app of 2023, with more than 696 million downloads worldwide. After considering statistics like this it becomes clear that Instagram is highly influential and can be a great opportunity for businesses in any industry to reach their target audiences and build a loyal community through a well-defined Instagram marketing strategy.
Increase your reach and find new audiences with an Instagram marketing strategy
With Instagram expected to grow even further over the years to come, maintaining a strong Instagram presence provides an exceptional opportunity for businesses to reach more people worldwide through captivating visuals. By sharing photo and video content of your products, services, team or location, you can show your audience what makes your brand unique.
Showcase your brand through both pictures & videos
“A picture is worth a thousand words” is a quote everyone has heard at least once in their lifetime. However, when it comes to Instagram, as well as many other social media platforms, it couldn’t hold more truth. Introducing your audience to your brand, values and goals through visual storytelling is likely to leave a longer-lasting impression. According to research conducted by Hubspot “we only remember about 20% of what we read, and retain as much as 80% of what we see”, suggesting that people who have seen your posts on your Instagram feed will most likely keep you in mind.
Communicate with your audience directly through your Instagram business account
Instagram allows businesses to build engaged communities with their audience of Instagram followers, who can comment and directly message your Instagram profile. It’s important to remember that engaging with your audience by responding to their queries and messages is a crucial part of a successful social media presence. Oftentimes one-way communication can hinder your efforts of building a loyal community. Responding on Instagram showcases the high service standards that your brand upholds not only within the business but across all customer touchpoints.
Customer comments and messages on Instagram often offer direct feedback, which allows you to better understand what your audience likes, as well as the things that require improvement. As a result, helping your business grow in the right direction.
Show a more personal side of your business
Social media platforms like Instagram make it easier for your audience to connect with your brand, as it provides a space to showcase behind-the-scenes content and a more personal side of your business. This can be done through Instagram stories and posts.
Utilising more organic content like user-generated content (UGC), can also help you showcase your fantastic products or services in a more natural way. Although professional photography is an important part of displaying your professionalism, content made by your audience can be seen as a trust and quality stamp of your business. This is because it shows that your consumers enjoyed your products or services so much that they shared their thoughts and experiences on social media platforms, like Instagram.
Highlight your special offers
Instagram, as well as many other popular social platforms, offer a great way to reach a wider audience and inform them of any limited available offers you may have. Due to people spending so much time on social media, it’s very likely that your followers will stumble upon your special promotions quickly. So when it comes to seasonal offers for occasions such as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Black Friday, Christmas and New Year, make sure you take the time to post about them well in advance on your socials. Give your audience enough time to see what you have to offer.
For a comprehensive list of all annual occasions and special marketing dates you should look out for, take a look here and keep your audience updated.
Reviewing the statistics and the benefits that an Instagram business account offers, showcases that leveraging this social media platform can be a great opportunity, and offers you an upper hand over competitors. Therefore, it’s important for brands to have an active presence on social media, as well as directly interact with their previous, current and potential audiences.
At Big Bear, we believe that social media has the power to spread brand awareness, grow an online following and drive conversions while providing you with the space and opportunity to showcase all that your brand has to offer. If you’d like to get started in the dynamic world of social media marketing, but are unsure of where to begin, contact the team at Big Bear. We have a proven track record of helping numerous businesses establish their social media presence on Instagram, all while understanding their unique needs and brand guidelines. We will provide you with social media strategies perfectly aligned with your brand. Visit our dedicated social media page and learn more about how we can help you flourish on Instagram.
