A picture is worth a thousand words.
Ninety percent of information transmitted to the brain is visual, which means a single photo can say far more than its description. If your brand has a new product, photograph it. Don’t just talk about its merits; show someone using it. Better yet, show the sides of your brand your products can’t. Post a photo of your employees, hard at work (or not so much). Give your followers a behind-the-scenes look into your company and what goes into making that newest product. Make them feel like they’re a part of the process.
Pick a favorite all-purpose hashtag and use it.
Brand recognition is often achieved via repetition. Frequently using a token hashtag leads followers to associate it with your brand, and they may even use it to connect with you as well. Once you find one that works, consider registering it. While that can’t stop others from using it, it can show them that you’re serious about what those words mean to your brand.
Post regularly but responsibly.
It’s important to recognize that your followers primarily use Instagram to keep involved in their friends’ lives. Limit your brand account to no more than one high-quality, interesting image per day and write succinct captions.
For inspiration, here are a few brands that do Instagram right:
- Starbucks
With 3.5 million followers and more than 650 posts, Starbucks has an impressive presence on Instagram, exceeded only by its customers’ enthusiasm for its products. Starbucks both posts original content and reposts Starbucks-centric images from customers, showing that its brand truly is known and loved all around the world.
- Timberland
Timberland uses Instagram and the hashtag #inmyelement to showcase its popular shoes and outdoor wear.
- GoPro
GoPro is the go-to brand for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This Instagram account primarily serves as a place for intrepid fans to share photos of their recent excursions while conveniently showing off the capabilities of their HD cameras.
- National Geographic
Known for its breathtaking photography, National Geographic is a natural winner on Instagram, with more than 10 million followers. Animals, people and scenery from around the world fill this account. Posts are often accompanied by detailed captions that elucidate the story behind the photograph.
If you need more help establishing and strengthening your Instagram presence, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Image by Jason Howie is licensed under CC BY 2.0.