The social media world is evolving, and it’s evolving quickly. When TikTok entered the social media landscape, it forever changed the game. Marketers everywhere are trying their best to keep up with the ever-changing world of social media and some social media users argue that Instagram is dying, and TikTok killed it, or as The Buggles would say, Video Killed the Instagram Star.
That’s simply not true. In fact, Instagram grows exponentially daily. With 1.39 billion active users on Instagram and 95 million pictures and videos shared every single day, there is a tremendous opportunity to reach new customers! From a marketing standpoint, having an Instagram for your business is not only helpful but is vital to your marketing mix.
Why is having an Instagram for your business crucial to have in your marketing strategy in 2022? Here are 6 reasons why you need to have an Instagram for your business.
1. Everyone uses Instagram.
Maybe not everyone, but 1.39 billion users are on Instagram at least once a month. That is a lot of people who could be your potential new customers. Out of all these users, 80% of them follow at least one business account. There are people on Instagram who could be interested in looking up your brand and keeping up with your business. Why not get into all this? If you don’t already have an Instagram account for your business, now is the time to do it so you can reach all these potential new customers.
2. Instagram reaches the crucial young market.
Instagram is where all the young adults like to hang out. In fact, 60% of the platform is made up of 18–34 year-olds. This would be older Gen-Z and most millennials. If your business is trying to reach a younger audience, Instagram is the place to be. Additionally, Gen X and other older generations have joined the Instagram community. The number of 55–64 year-olds using Instagram grew by nearly 63% in recent years. While many of the app users are younger, there is something on Instagram for everyone. There is guaranteed someone on Instagram who fits right into your business’s target demographic.
3. Customers see how creative you are.
One thing that makes Instagram so successful is the ability to express yourself. Instagram provides many features that allow users to showcase their photography skills and editing skills. Every successful Instagram account has its own theme or aesthetic. For example, let’s look at Starbucks. Starbucks has 17.7 million followers on Instagram and has shared 2,384 Instagram posts. Each recent post has green, white, and brown colors, which makes the feed look cohesive. The colors and themes change by season, but the pictures featured on the page are high quality and simply look like they go together. When someone looks at Starbucks’ Instagram page, they have the impression that the Starbucks brand is all about love, comfort, and bringing people together.
4. Pictures tell your story in a way words cannot.
After looking at Starbucks’ Instagram page, it’s clear to see what good images and color themes can do to give your brand some personality! Instagram is a great place to not only tell people what your business does but to let people know who your brand is and what your brand stands for. You can show your Instagram followers through pictures and videos what your brand’s values are, and how your brand can be incorporated into everyday life. Social media shows customers that businesses are more than just goods and services, but part of everyone’s daily lifestyle. Showing your customers on Instagram what your brand is about, what your brand stands for, and how it fits into an everyday lifestyle will bring your business to life and help differentiate you from the competition.
5. Build a loyal community around your brand.
Instagram may be known for its high-quality pictures, but there is so much more to offer! Did you know that 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day? Instagram Stories is a great way for businesses to share content with their followers without cluttering their Instagram feed. Instagram Stories is not only another way to reach people on the app, but you can learn about your followers too! When uploading a story, there are stickers to choose from that can help to engage your followers. You can do a variety of things, such as post quizzes, or you can ask your followers to ask questions! It helps your Instagram followers feel like they are a community rather than just consumers of your business. Engagement helps you learn what your followers need, such as information about the company as well as inspiration for future posts.
6. Bring action to your visuals with Instagram Reels.
In addition to Instagram posts and Instagram Stories, Instagram also provides this cool feature called Instagram Reels. Like TikTok, Instagram Reels is a section of the app that allows you to scroll through an endless stream of posts. These posts you view are often not from people you follow. Instagram Reels is one of the most efficient ways to reach new people on the app. If we look back at Starbucks’ Instagram, we can see how they use reels to show their products. Starbucks typically uses reels to show off their newest menu items. For example, their most recent post features the Iced Pistachio Latte. As seen in the image below, Instagram reels can reach nearly 154k people! If you want your business to reach this many new people, Instagram Reels is the way to go.
So, did video really kill the Instagram star? Here at Marquee, we say no! Instagram is still a vital social media platform to include in your marketing strategy.
Does your business have an Instagram page? Do you need help optimizing your Instagram so it can reach its fullest potential? Let our talented team at Marquee Creatives help you! To learn more, contact us by emailing us at info@marqueecreatives.com, or by calling us at 330–234–9396 so we can help you take your business’s Instagram page to the next level.
