In comparison to other social media platforms, Instagram is special because it uses hashtags for content searches and rankings. While Google has their own algorithm for websites and blogs in search, Instagram’s method allows everyone to reach more users simply by including a wide range of hashtags within each update. When done correctly, this can result in anyone getting more real Instagram followers through the search feature.
There are many benefits of using Instagram for marketing and branding your brand. This article will teach you why it’s so effective, what hashtags to use, and how to connect with influencers to expand your reach.
Before we start, let’s talk about why you should use Instagram. After all, it’s free! In fact, it may even be the perfect way to promote your brand for free!
Why Instagram is Great for Branding and Marketing
For businesses, Instagram has several benefits. For one, it’s a powerful tool for branding. Users are more likely to trust brands on the platform because of the blue check mark located at the top of their usernames. Users can easily identify verified accounts by looking for this badge. These accounts often come from celebrities or public figures. These people are highly engaged with their content and are likely to purchase your product or service. Moreover, brands can use Instagram to track their results and measure the success of their campaigns.
Another feature of Instagram is its variety of post formats. In addition to the standard photo format, the new Instagram Reels feature allows users to share short videos or photos with a caption. This feature can be used for a number of different purposes and has its own explore page. Regular Instagram content won’t appear on the explore page, so businesses can use it to engage their audience. With this feature, businesses can post a video of their products, events, or even a whole video on Instagram.
What are the Best Hashtags to Use on Instagram
When it comes to hashtag marketing, some of the most successful campaigns on Instagram are hashtag-based. A recent example of such a campaign is the #IceBucketChallenge, which raised 115 million dollars for the ALS Association. However, hashtag campaigns need not just be short-term trends or contests; they can also help spread brand awareness. Chewy, for example, had a successful campaign with the pets hashtag #petsbringustogether.
Hashtags are essential when marketing on Instagram. There are literally hundreds of hashtags to choose from. For example, #amazing is a popular category because it is applicable to everything. For example, if you take photos of nature, you should use the hashtag #nature. This will allow the right audience to appreciate your work. Another popular category is beauty and personal care. And, if you want to market yourself as a photographer, you can use #nature hashtags to attract the right audience.
Popular Brands that are Using Instagram
In addition to a redesigned website and the addition of a social media presence, popular brands on Instagram are also creating unique content for their followers. For example, Swedish furniture maker IKEA creates beautiful Instagram posts that feature their products. They also include a link to “Shop our Instagram pictures” in the caption. Curalate, a social media agency, creates landing pages for each of these photos.
The hospitality company Sonder competes with Airbnb by providing the consistency of a top hotel with the comforts of home. Its balanced approach to Instagram allows it to showcase immaculate apartments and the cities in which they operate. It also incorporates user-generated content and initiatives to educate customers and showcase inspiring spaces. The company also uses video to engage with their audience. This is a growing trend, and Instagram is an excellent platform for this type of content.
Connecting with Influencers to Expand Your Reach
When connecting with influencers on Instagram, it’s vital to understand how they engage with their audience. While it may seem simple, interacting with a brand’s audience goes beyond likes and comments. Real comments can be especially beneficial. The comments of customers aligned with your brand’s values and philosophy can be incredibly valuable. Influencers who engage with their followers on Instagram and share content of their own can be a powerful tool for expanding your reach.
Influencers are often the most engaged Instagram users, with huge followings and highly targeted audiences. In addition to engaging with their audience, Instagram influencers often work with professional photographers to create beautifully polished content that brands can use for promotion. Brands can use this content for their own purposes, or they can sponsor the content on their Instagram accounts. Although influencer marketing has become increasingly common among larger brands, smaller companies often shy away from it.
Influencer Branding Summary
You should have a clear scope for your influencer marketing project. Outline what you’d like your influencer to post about the product, what you want them to say, and what your promotional goals are.
If the influencer is a brand ambassador, outline the benefits and features of your product or service. Make sure to include a deadline so both parties know exactly when to expect a final deliverable. You can use Pinterest or Canva to create a mood board and list the key messaging points. Also, provide a list of dos and don’ts for the influencer’s content, such as no logos or images.
Ensure that the influencer you choose is trustworthy. Make sure their engagement is high, and come from segments of your target audience. If the engagement is low, it could be a fake account. Make sure your influencer’s style and tone complement each other. If you can’t decide, you can choose an influencer with similar style and tone. It’s also important to keep in mind that influencers don’t necessarily have the same amount of engagement as you do, and you should be clear about this from the beginning.
