In social media, there’s something new happening all the time. Facebook updates their system every other week, Twitter is in a constant state of flux, and they’re adding new social media channels all the time. One of the most forgotten methods in social media marketing is Instagram. A huge misstep on the part of many social media managers, as 65% of people say they retain information better if it is accompanied by a photo. In addition, content gets more views when accompanied by a photo. When a social media channel is 90% about the image, it cannot be ignored as part of a solid marketing strategy.
It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and this is the foundation on which we should be building strategies for our social media clients, especially those with serious visual appeal. People love photos; good photos, bad photos, and everything in between. Gone are the days of the boring narrative about what your company represents, or what your philosophy is, as more people have transitioned to a visual dependency. They don’t want to hear about what you stand for, they want to see it. So if you’re a law firm all about the pursuit of cohesive family units in spite of divorce, you better have some photos of happy smiling families on your site or you’re losing credibility.
This is where Instagram comes in handy for marketing your business, and leaps over the walls that expensive web design erects. It’s expensive and time-consuming to constantly update your website with new images so that your audience isn’t getting bored. Even sites with a gallery section should be refreshing their images on a regular basis to avoid the risk of their content becoming stale. Many businesses don’t do this; they fail to keep their content fresh, for whatever reasons and their website can become a forgotten piece of the puzzle.
Enter Instagram. It is a great way to keep the content current and fun, and also a convenient way to get clicks to the website. By adding your web address into your Instagram profile, you’re giving people the option to get the full picture, so to speak. Instagram can present a visual story, and your website can provide the details. Rather than inundate your clients and customers with a barrage of information, give them a sneak peek with your Instagram marketing.
There are a lot of awesome tips and tricks to get the audience engaged, and your social media manager should be able to help pinpoint what kind of content should be getting posted. If you’re a hair salon; post your customers’ before and after photos, manicures, and anything new in the salon. If you run a retail business, shoot some photos of your inventory, dress the photos up with a cool filter, hashtag some stuff, and post. Not only will this showcase your brand, but it’s virtually free marketing for your services in a world where very little comes free.
Instagram is also a great space for businesses to run contests, advertise giveaways, and let the audience know about special hours or rates for specific services. If you’re closing the store early due to snow, use the weather to your advantage; snap a photo of the snowfall and close up shop. If you have some old inventory that’s about to end up in your storeroom, snap some photos, offer a deal, or make it free with a purchase. Not only will it get rid of the excess inventory, but it will make people pay closer attention as they patiently await further deals of the same nature.
As social media managers, it is our duty to make sure that our clients are doing everything they can to get their business out there. Every client, regardless of their business, has a visual story to tell. Whether it’s a doctor’s office, a law firm, or a divorce mediation program, there is a story to be told. While it’s easy for a client to get a little wordy on their website, Instagram does the talking for them, without grandstanding or verbosity. If your clients aren’t using in their social media strategy, it’s your duty to inform them that they should be. Detail how simple the process can be and get them to start snapping some photos.