In today’s digital society, businesses need to have a social media presence. This is especially true for businesses that rely on online sales. The number of downloads for apps in the USA has been staggering as displayed at gravitee.io/app-downloads-around-the-world.
From staying up-to-date with world news, entertainment and finance on your phone to monitoring health remotely, today’s generation is using these mobile devices as their go-to tech too.
One of these most popular social media platforms for businesses is Instagram. This platform has seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the past few years, and if they haven’t done so already, businesses should consider using Instagram as part of their marketing.
Use of Instagram in Marketing from 2010-2015
Instagram was mainly used for personal use. Businesses did not start using it for marketing until 2012 when Facebook acquired Instagram.
In the early years, businesses mostly used Instagram to post pictures of their products and services. They also used hashtags to reach a wider audience.
2016-Present
In recent years, businesses have started using Instagram in more creative ways. They are now using it to create Stories, videos, IGTV, Instagram lives and reels that promote their products and services. Additionally, they are using hashtags less frequently and focusing more on targeting specific audiences.
The Future of Instagram Marketing
Instagram is still growing rapidly and its popularity is only going to increase. Businesses should continue to use it in creative ways to reach their target audiences.
In 2022 and beyond, some of the future Instagram marketing trends will consist of suggested content feeds, merged video formats, creator-led commerce, brand personalities, video memes, and community engagement features.
Benefits of Instagram in Businesses
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Increased brand awareness
When you post pictures and videos on Instagram, they are visible to a large audience. This can help increase brand awareness and reach a larger number of people.
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Greater engagement
Posts that incorporate visuals typically receive more engagement than those that don’t. This is because visuals are more engaging and appealing to viewers. As a result, businesses can achieve greater engagement with their target audience on Instagram.
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Increased traffic
Instagram can help increase traffic to your website. When you post links to your website on Instagram, they are displayed as clickable thumbnails. This can help drive more traffic to your website.
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Improved customer relations
Instagram provides a platform for businesses to connect with their customers on a more personal level. This can help strengthen customer relationships and increase loyalty among customers.
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Greater brand exposure
As we mentioned earlier, Instagram has a large audience. When you post pictures and videos on Instagram, they are visible to all of your followers as well as people who follow other users who have shared your posts. This can help increase brand exposure and reach a larger number of people.
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Cost-effective
Instagram is a cost-effective way to market your business. There are no fees for creating an Instagram account or posting pictures and videos. You only pay for advertising if you want to reach a wider audience.
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Increased sales
Studies have shown that businesses that use Instagram experience increased sales. This is likely due to the fact that Instagram provides a platform for businesses to promote their products and services.
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Greater customer loyalty
When businesses connect with their customers on a personal level, it can help create loyalty among customers. Instagram provides a platform for businesses to do this, which can lead to increased sales and greater customer loyalty.
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Increased brand awareness
Instagram can help increase brand awareness for your business. When you post pictures and videos on Instagram, they are visible to a large audience. This can help expose your business to a larger number of people.
Conclusion
There is a lot to be said about Instagram and its rise as one of the most popular social media platforms. From the way it has changed our lives, to how we operate in society, there are many ways that this platform can provide insight into the world around us.
If you don’t have a marketing strategy on Instagram yet, now’s the time to get one in place before your competitors do. Whether you’re looking to create a presence on Instagram or are already using it successfully, these tips should help you take your marketing efforts to the next level.