We are often bombarded with articles touting the benefits of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, it often seems as if Instagram has faded into the annals of digital history. The truth of the matter is that this medium is still one of the best portals out there to help get your message across to your followers. Let's look at five reasons why you NEED to include Instagram as a part of your PR campaign.
Engagement
This is one of the “golden” words in terms of digital media marketing. One thing that the analysts do not often mention is that even branded posts on Twitter and Facebook often get overlooked by followers. The same cannot be said for Instagram. A study by Forrester found that Instagram posts are 58 times more popular than Facebook and even more so when compared to Twitter (1). Engagement equals conversions.
Connections and Trust
Instagram has always been a way to personally connect with your audience. However, sharing daily experiences tends to be much quicker and easier when compared to other social media circles. Clients who see the rather informal side of a business are more likely to believe whatever it is that your campaigns are promoting.
Getting in on the Ground Floor
What is amazing to consider is that a study conducted by American Express found that a mere 2% of all marketers are currently using Instagram as part of their ongoing marketing campaigns (2). So, why not get in on the ground floor before the masses jump on the bandwagon? As the competition on Facebook and Twitter tends to be much more established, Instagram can prove to be a valuable edge.
Your Market?
It has been shown that the so-called “millennial” generation represents (and will continue to represent) a powerful buying demographic. Coincidentally, more than one-third of this age group currently uses Instagram on a daily basis (3). So, it pays to be a winner with the millennials. We should still not fail to mention that other generations can just as easily be targeted. Generation X and Y have been successfully attracted by larger campaigns such as those produced by General Electric and Ford.
No Capital Outlay
Much like other platforms, Instagram is completely free to use. Signing up takes only a matter of moments and uploading content is just as simple. Any marketer always needs to be concerned in terms of ROI and even if only one conversion takes place (which is hardly the case), the portal would have more than paid for itself.
The Youthful Perception
A growing percentage of young buyers are claiming that they feel out of touch with the majority of marketing campaigns. Once a potential client is lost, it is not likely that he or she will return in the future. Using Instagram as a part of your overall strategy will enable your company to appeal young and vibrant. Perhaps more importantly, it shows your audience that you care about how you are perceived. Such views can go a long way as far as securing a sale and let's not forget that much like other portals, Instagram posts can be shared via word of mouth with other interested followers. This is another form of free advertising!
Instagram is truly one of the hidden gems within this virtual world. As it still appears to be a relatively untapped medium, there is simply no reason why it should not be included within any current or future PR campaign.
Richard Tipsword
Markethive Developer
Sources:
1. https://www.koozai.com/blog/social-media/6-key-benefits-using-instagram-business/
2. http://business.financialpost.com/2013/12/23/instagram-and-pinterest-are-getting-big-likes-from-business-owners/
3. http://jennstrends.com/instagram-statistics-for-2014/
Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Instagram in Social Media Campaigns
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