Social media is a powerful tool and it is one all types of businesses, from the large brick and mortar stores to the online only ecommerce websites, need to learn how to use. With all of the different types of social networking sites out there, it can be difficult to know just which ones to choose. Naturally, you want to be on Facebook and Twitter, but you should not discount one of the up and comers in the field – Instagram. This social networking photo site is for far more than sharing images of your pets, and many businesses are finding that it can be a wonderful way to connect with customers and potential customers. Let’s look at some of the ways you can start to use it.
Work and Play
Most businesses initially feel that the images they put up on the site should always be business related, but that’s not the case. In fact, if the only things that you post are images related to your products, it could turn away a number of customers who see that the only thing you are doing is advertising to them. You really have to commit to trying to connect with people on these sites, and one of the best ways to do that is to try to balance business photos with some fun images.
Of course, depending on the business, this could actually be quite easy. You might find that photos of people using your products, such as clothing or electronics, could work as some of your photos. Fun photos of vacation spots, animals, and more can work as well, since it is about connecting with your audience.
Using Video
Instagram recently added video functionality to their site. Videos on the site are yet another avenue that you could use to connect with customers. The videos can be up to 15 seconds long and you can apply filters and sound. Again, you need to strike the right balance between business and fun. Not all of the videos should be ads for your products. Some fun videos are a great option because people are far more likely to share one of these videos than they would a commercial for your company, which is how they will view ads that focus solely on your products.
Of course, some good and well thought out videos with products can work; just don’t overdo them. Once you have your videos up, you can even embed them to your blog or website, providing you additional content without the added work.
Follow
Follow the people who follow you, and make sure you comment on and interact with their photos and videos. This is a social network, so you have to be social. Engaging with the customers can create more loyalty.
Have a Contest
Another great idea is to hold a photo contest on the site. You can advertise that you are having a contest on Instagram, and you can let your Facebook and Twitter followers know as well. Get everyone involved. It gives your brand quite a bit of attention, and it may help to generate a few more leads.
Summary: Instagram is a great social network that makes use of photos and videos rather than written content. Engaging with people on Instagram can be fun, but it takes the right balance of photos of your business and products you sell on your ecommerce website with fun photos that aren’t trying desperately to sell. Connecting with people on the site and commenting on their photos is a wonderful means of engagement that can generate leads. Some companies are even holding photo contests through the site to increase awareness and interest in their company.
Resource: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/instagram-for-business-tips/