Instagram has seen massive growth in the last couple of years - the image based platform went from 200 million users in 2014 to 400 million at last check. And as that user base has grown, so too has marketer interest in the app, which looks set to go to another level this year with the expansion of Instagram ads and the addition of new search and discovery tools to help users track down trending and relevant content. The connective capacity of the platform holds major appeal for brands (Instagram engagement is still higher than that seen on other major platforms) and already a growing number of businesses are jumping on-board the Insta-train. But mastering Instagram is somewhat more difficult than other social sites. It requires a little more creativity, more lateral thinking to come up with ideas that will not only appeal but will also help boost your brand.
The focus of Instagram is on the quality of your images. That relates to technical quality, in regards to composition, lighting, etc, but it also refers to the artistic elements of your updates. Sure, you can post inspirational quotes and basic product photos and you might do okay with that approach, but the brands that are seeing real success on Instagram approach their compositions as art, taking pride in every element - and often, providing a unique way of looking at the familiar.
That approach is clearly evident in the work of Brock Davis, the Executive Creative Director of ad agency space150.
said goodbye to the bear on my face #beardhairbear #stubblesketch #toothpickdrawing
A photo posted by Brock Davis (@brockdavis) on Mar 23, 2014 at 8:02pm PDT
Davis is the focus of the first episode of Facebook's new weekly video series 'Pub in Pub', in which some the brightest creative talent from around the world will be interviewed over a pint at their favorite pub. In this opening episode for the second season of 'Pub in Pub', Davis provides some great tips for those looking to maximize their Instagram performance, including:
"How do they do what they want you to do in a different way?"
under / toy animals - old image from 2009 #flashbackfriday #msced
A photo posted by Brock Davis (@brockdavis) on Feb 1, 2013 at 3:38pm PST
"The most important thing is that the idea is resonating with people - I think they can see when an idea feels like there's a life to it, like there's a little soul connected to it"
"There definitely have been some brands who have been able to go into that space - which is a very personal space, Instagram is personal - but to go into that space and communicate with people like a friend would communicate with them"
"If you're going to be in this space, you've got to be consistent - consistency is the secret sauce in really good work"
"You kinda' need to take that first test shot and let that speak to you"
What's most inspiring about Davis' work is that it's not overly complex. One of the key issues many starting out in Instagram have is that they're not expert photographers, they don't have all of the equipment and expertise - or the money - to be able to create such amazing, beautiful images. But Davis primarily uses a smartphone, and his images are, as noted, different ways of looking at things you already know, day-to-day items and happenings, but seen from a different angle. That alternate perspective - which is unique to you and your brand, and something no one else can replicate - can help anyone create resonant, stand-out Instagram content.
There are some great tips and notes in here, and as noted, this is just the first in the new series of 'Pub in Pub' - Facebook will be publishing a new interview every Tuesday for the next two months.
If they're anything like this first one, they'll be well worth your time.
You can view further episodes of Pub in Pub on the Facebook for Business blog.