Instagram: Visualise Your Business

Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platforms around. It is estimated there has been over 16 billion photographs uploaded onto Instagram however it is still one of the least utilized social media platforms for businesses. But why? Research firm L2 recently released a report showing Instagram to be one of the most engaging social medias for consumers, with high rates of browser to consumer. 

There are several ways to increase your instagram mark. Here are a few ways.

1.Show your brand behind the scenes

Instagram is a great way to give fans and consumers a rare look behind the scenes. This creates a sense of intimacy between the brand and the consumer and gives them access to a world they wouldn’t usually see. This is especially prominant within the fashion industry. Many prestige brands, such as Marc Jacobs, upload photos from behind the scenes in the run up to fashion shows or the launches of new products. 

2. Show off new products

Instagram is also a great way to advertise new products and build up an excitement around them. For example, Topshop recently uploaded a series of photos surronding the release of Kate Moss’ new collection for the brand. The photos where not only seen by instagram followers but were also picked up by media outlets such as the mailonline and justjared.com who based their news stories around the uploaded photographs. 

3. Involve your customers

Engaging with customers on social media is one of the great PR challenges. However instagram is easing that problem. Encouraging followers to upload their own content featuring your brands products is a great way to get your brand noticed but also engage with your consumers. Benefit Cosmetics recently involved their customers in the launching of their new mascara by encouraging consumers to upload photos of themselves using the product and using the hashtag #realsies. Benefit then used these photos as part of their PR campaign.

Instagram is a brilliant visual media tool for PR professionals to take hold of, especially for those brands in a creative or visual industry. It’s a growing platform and those who don’t utilize it are definitely missing out.