Instagram is the fun, younger sister of Facebook, so it’s no secret that brands have started using it to spread their brand’s message.
Instagram allows your company to have a relatable and playful presence online. But does your company actually need an Instagram?
Clients frequently ask me if they should use Instagram and my answer can be both complicated and simple.
There are many social media companies that will try to sell you a one-size-fits-all social media package or that friend from college who took one marketing class and thinks they are a social media expert.
The problem is social media and, especially Instagram, isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform. Just like every social media platform, Instagram demands thought and strategy, especially because it’s primarily visual.
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding if Instagram is right for your business.
What Is Your Business Type?
The first thing to consider when determining if Instagram is right for your business is the type of business. Is your business a B2B company or a B2B company? What type of product or service do you sell?
If you’re an attorney, for example, having a highly visual platform may not be the best choice for you because of confidentiality agreements with clients.
But if you are in the retail industry or real estate industry, you should be using Instagram. With Instagram, you can showcase your product or demonstrate your service through story, which brings me to my next question.
Are You Telling A Story?
Every image or video you add to Instagram should tell a story. For instance, it could be a new product you are selling. Starbucks does an amazing job promoting their new menu items and merchandise on Instagram. It may be overpriced and overrated, but their strategy works!
I mean, who even liked the Unicorn Frappuccino? But, everyone had to have one. This is what you want your Instagram to do for your company — to spark excitement and encourage followers.
At ROI, I use our Instagram account to not only recruit talent and show what a great culture we’ve created, but also to feature the amazing work we are doing, such as Patrick Hanlon of Thinktopia and Donald Miller of StoryBrand doing a private workshop with us.
Are You Posting Enough?
One of my favorite and most decisive questions to ask is whether or not your business can post to Instagram on a regular basis.
If you can’t post on a regular basis, Instagram is not the right platform for you, especially if you want to see rapid growth. You’re never going to grow a platform and attract followers if you don’t post consistently.
Instagram’s new algorithm favors users who frequently post, so use it to your advantage! Even if you don’t feel like you have a great picture to post, use Insta Stories to show your customers how your business operates or to display products.
At ROI, we don’t always have a picture to post each week, but I can always find something to add to our Insta Story, whether that be a new service we’re offering, employees with matching clothes, or just the exciting adventures at our office. Just be fun and creative!
Whether or not you choose to have an Instagram, make sure you use your social media to market, market, market! That’s what social media is all about these days, right? If you are consistent and strategic, you’ll be on the road to success.
Have questions about using Instagram for your brand? Ask me in the comments!
Want to see how we are growing our brand with Instagram? Follow us!
