Instagram has emerged as a major tool for sharing of photos. Many people use the application on their phones and several companies have also started using it to promote their brands. Some key guidelines on how to build brands on Instagram have been identified. These guidelines if followed, can help ensure good results for companies and their brands.
Become a regular user
It is essential that companies looking to build their brand on Instagram become regular users of the platform first. This helps them to understand the nitty-gritties of the site's functioning and how to interact with the community. The company should upload only actual pictures of actual events. It does not help if the picture appears "staged" in any way. As they say, content is king. This is even more so the case on Instagram. Another service that allows brands to communicate with the audience is chatomegle.com and Google Hangouts.
Promote inside knowledge
It helps to promote inside knowledge of the company on Instagram. A new product launch, a meeting with the CEO, a team lunch with new hires or inauguration of company building are all events that can be shared on Instagram via pictures. These make the company more real to its customers. These enable the users to empathize with the company. They feel that they are now insiders at the company. This has a tremendous effect on their loyalty to the company. However it is recommended that companies should avoid sharing confidential information on public platforms.
Use filters
The companies should use Instagram filters effectively. Instagram provides a range of filters which can be used to edit a picture before it goes live on the internet. A picture can be greatly enhanced by the use of these filters. However, it takes some time and practice to learn this skill. Companies which use filters effectively have been known to easily win the hearts and minds of Instagram users.
Be open to feedback
Companies should be open to feedback from their users. Many a times, the Instagram users will provide feedback to the companies and to the brands. This feedback is very advantageous, because the internet allows the feedback to be instantaneous and public. The feedback can provide important insights into whether the social media campaign on Instagram is working or not. Good feedback and bad feedback both provide guidance for the future and open up scope for improvement.
Give coupons and discounts
Companies should dish out coupons and discounts on their Instagram page. These discounts are even more effective if they are accompanied by great pictures of the company's products. These discounts can attract new customers to the company and increase their brand loyalty. Instagram is one of the best media for this purpose.
Celebrity Endorsements
It is also helpful to use celebrity endorsements for your brands. If you have a picture of Leonardo DiCaprio using your company's products on Instagram, then it immediately captures the attention of the users who will then share it with their friends. This way, your brand loyalty will spread on the internet using the most well tested technique of word of mouth.
Examples of Fortune 500 Companies
Many companies have used Instagram in various ways. Levi's has used it to promote its new brand of jeans. Pepsi has used to promote discounts on its products. Your company can do the same too. By following the advice given here, you can get a headstart over your competitors. Instagram helps you to directly connect with your fans, which is what you must be doing now in the internet age.
Dell, which is known for its custom built computers, is now actively using social media such as Instagram to promote its products to tech savvy users. It is using social media to disseminate knowledge about discounts on its products. It is giving away computers as prizes in online contests.
SouthWest Airlines is promoting its services through Instagram by regularly updating pictures of its air services, flight offerings and discounts.
Instagram helps you to directly connect with your followers, which is an extremely important aspect of business in the internet age.
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