It’s a fact that Instagram is here to stay. The photo and video sharing giant has not only racked up millions off individual users, but brands are increasingly tapping into its marketing power. According to a study from SimplyMeasured.com, 86% of top brands have Instagram accounts, up from 71% at this time last year. So if you’re starting out or are new to Instagram, here are our top tips for brands:
Switch from Personal to Business
If you’re going to use Instagram for business purposes, your account needs to be set to a business account. This will allow your users to access your location, as well as directly email or call you with the touch of a button. You can also access user analytics and promote your posts, which is a feature not available on personal accounts.
Spiffy up your company profile
Your profile should contain accurate information about your business, including what you do, where users can find you and how to contact you. Don’t be afraid to show off some personality by using applicable emojis! Also, make sure your profile picture bears your company logo so your account is easily recognizable when users are searching for your brand.
#UseHashtags
Hashtags are added to posts to primarily generate interest in a certain topic that your post focuses on. They can also greatly help brands attract new users, topic discovery and post engagement. In fact, posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement. For example, a local brewery may use the hashtags #craftbeer, #drinklocal and #IPA when promoting a new IPA release.
Mix up your content
Instagram is way more than about a single image anymore. They’re constantly rolling out new content options so users can keep their posts interesting. Brands can use Live Video, Stories, Boomerang and more to add fun and personality to posts and other relevant content!
Hack the single profile link
This is our top (and most favorite) tip! Instagram’s single link in the profile can be really maddening for brands. It becomes difficult to share a variety of content such as blog posts, promotions, and other helpful information. Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got a hack for that! LinkTree is a free site that allows you to create several links that direct to any URL you choose. It generates a single URL that then directs to your tree of custom links. You can even upgrade and use custom brand colors, turn on LinkTree’s scheduling feature and connect link activity to your Facebook advertising pixel.
We hope these simple tips will help your brand grow on this ever-growing platform! Also, Paperkite is excited to announce that we’re now on Instagram! We’re thrilled to share behind the scenes photos from our offices in Cooperstown and Troy, along with highlights of our client works and spotlights of our talented team. Give us a follow at @hellopaperkite.
