Shortly after Facebook took over the world by storm, Instagram was launched in 2010. It allows users to upload photos or videos that can be edited with various filters and are organized by hashtags and geographical tagging. Posts can be shared publicly or with the user’s private following.
Users can also view other users’ content, follow them and view trending content. Instagram for business was also introduced in 2014 to help business owners market their products or services. Today, we are going to focus on the top 7 marketing hacks!
After its launch in 2010, Instagram rapidly gained popularity, registering 1 million users in two months; 10 million in a year and 1 billion as of June 2018. Many influencers and bloggers used Instagram to upload their beautiful photos to get sponsors and gigs whereas other ordinary folks like us followed our favourite celebrities to find out about the recent happenings in their personal lives. It was and still remains a popular mobile app today.
Fast forward to 2021, besides having similar Facebook features such as Instagram Direct which is like and has merged as part of Facebook Messenger, it also has Instagram Stories that allows users to add media, edit with effects and layers; allowing the content to remain visible for 24 hours.
So you may think: Why do I need to use Instagram for business? I am already using Facebook. Well, there is no right or wrong answer but let me tell you what important features are used in Instagram for business and you decide for yourself whether it is going to be “Yay” or “Nay” as another possible advertising platform for your branding.
Here are the top 7 reasons why you should use Instagram for business:
1. Visuals are mesmerizing
Would you agree that whenever you want to check out nice photos of the latest trending cafes or tourist destinations, you would automatically go and do a search on Instagram rather than Facebook or Google?
Because you know part of the “unspoken rule” is that users always feel motivated to post captivating or Insta-worthy photos onto the platform and when one sees such visuals, you naturally feel drawn and curious to find out more information, right?
2. Online shopping
With the e-commerce industry flourishing especially in Asian countries since 2015 and even more so in 2020 due to the pandemic, it is no wonder businesses flock to social media platforms especially Instagram for business to promote their branding.
Businesses can tag their shoppable products in feed posts and Instagram Stories as well as putting up a “View Shop” tab so it is easier for consumers to check out the shoppable products and pay for their purchases.
3. Highlights
Instagram Stories Highlights are the best way to extend their 24 hour shelf life and with this in mind, it will be wise to prioritise the Instagram Stories Highlights that drive the most conversions for your brand.
For example, if you have a sale, promotion or new product launch, you can choose to put that as the first highlight in your reel. Highlights are a good idea to strengthen the visual branding of your business and you can also create Highlights covers to enhance your overall aesthetics. That is how you can optimise your marketing in Instagram for business.
4. Instagram Live
The Live function is a good way for businesses to build meaningful connections with their online community and in recent months, it has skyrocketed with brands pivoting to lifestyle-orientated broadcasts instead of in-person events.
This makes the brand more personal – creating an authentic, personalised and experiential human touch online. By gathering people this way, businesses are strengthening their communities and fostering trust in their branding through Instagram for business.
5. Link in bio
This is an amazing feature for brands to drive traffic and is often overlooked. The link in bio is super easy to find and promote since you can input this information, making it appear at the top of your bio section.
You can also add hashtags or usernames and they will be automatically hyperlinked. It is another way to increase followers’ engagement with other accounts you own and brands that are affiliated with you.
6. IGTV
This is a great channel for showcasing products, interviews, and tutorials especially for the fashion, hair, makeup and fitness industries. It not only creates a perfect visual experience that resonates with viewers but also builds the relationship into a long term one.
The video descriptions can contain clickable links – making it hassle free for viewers to search and shop for the products featured in your videos. Instagram for business has made it so easy for both the business owners and consumers!
7. Live Badges
Badges are a great way to earn income and are similar to those in Twitch and Tik Tok, allowing the online community to tip creators during live streams. You can tip them by the 3 levels of “hearts” — each with a different pricing tier.
Creators can see how many hearts a viewer has purchased thanks to a visual icon in the chat, making it easy to see who is supporting them for a shout-out. This is a new feature that was introduced in 2020 so there will definitely be more improvements!
These are just some of the amazing features that you can utilise for your branding in Instagram for business and you can do all these with a simple click on your mobile app. What you probably need to do is to invest in a video lamp and/ or tripod and you are good to go! We hope this will help you get started on Instagram for business and all the best to improving your business branding!
