Taking your company’s branding and first impression to the next level is much more attainable than you think. Instagram marketing has become a tried and true method of reaching an engaged audience that is ready to see what your company has been up to. The Facebook-owned social platform is the second most visited after Facebook itself, amassing over one billion monthly users around the world. Users are on the app an average of 53 minutes a day, with 45% of that audience between the ages of 18 and 44. Instagram is strikingly young and active, making it the perfect channel to showcase the lifestyle aspects of your brand and your company. The platform also provides opportunities to utilize multiple formats for content creation—it’s not just square pictures anymore. With Reels, Stories, IGTV, Instagram Live, and various aspect ratios now available, creating unique and varied content is much easier than when Instagram was first conceived. And with Facebook’s purchase of the company in 2012, Instagram’s advertising dashboard is bolstered by arguably one of the most effective digital advertising platforms available. With the variety of methods possible to utilize Instagram, it’s no surprise businesses have been quick to jump onboard the app.

YOUNGER AUDIENCE

Diversification is essential to nearly any strategy. When it comes to reaching your audience, whether new or returning, it should be a priority to understand how to effectively and efficiently reach them. One segment brands still struggle to digitally engage with are younger audiences—think younger Millennials and older Gen Z-ers. It’s no secret that people under 30 are leaving Facebook behind and moving to visually-focused channels. Vine, Snapchat, and currently TikTok have all seen their peaks as they aimed to make dents in Facebook’s market share. Instagram is the one consistent platform that has stood the test of time as fad-ish apps garnered portions of the younger audience, even despite being part of the digital giant’s portfolio. The best part of this younger audience—they’re eager to not just follow friends and family, but brands and businesses. Over 90% of Instagram users willingly follow the favorite brands of all sizes. This younger userbase is looking to engage with the brand and share content that they relate to.

MULTIPLE FORMATS

Instagram is just a platform using a 1:1 aspect ratio of still images, right? Not anymore. Long gone are the days of little squares with overbearing filters. It’s also not just a platform for photographers. Beautifully crafted videos and graphics are always abundant within the Instagram community, and they’re not just found in the traditional social media timeline. Instagram provides multiple avenues for users to digest content. Like other apps, there is a “Story” feature where images and videos are only viewable for 24 hours. Users swipe through a timeline of Stories, and are able to send messages and react just like in a traditional time. Reels functions much like TikTok, showing users short looped video content, and allows for the same engagement options as traditional posts. Like most all platforms, standard video posts are typically capped to a short length. IGTV allows for much longer cuts. Content shared through IGTV can even mimic that of a short television episode. IGTV is also where you can see Instagram Live videos after the live session. Instagram Live allows brands and users to interact with their audience in real time. And just like other post types, the platform allows for viewers to comment and react throughout the live session. The best part about all these ways to share content is how well they all function. They’re intuitive in design, and easy for any demographic to learn. First assumption might be that these channels are designed solely for your audience, but their user-friendly interface makes it easy for brands to also take advantage of.

FB ADVERTISING PLATFORM

But what about digital advertising? Anyone sticking their toes into the digital marketing arena knows that it’s hard to beat Facebook’s network when it comes to social media advertising. Luckily for everyone, one of the best perks of Facebook owning Instagram is the opportunity to utilize their game-changing business platform. Facebook’s Ad Manager allows for brands to use both social media channel’s ad networks when developing a campaign. Ads can be designed so that they correctly show no matter where your audience is digitally living.

But what if you have an organic post to share on Instagram that you feel would also benefit people who aren’t following you? Instagram makes it super simple to boost a post with an easy UI that’s clear from the get go. Connect a payment method to your account and get boosting! Boosted posts are fantastic ways to support larger campaigns as they run.

Many businesses may already have an Instagram account created, but how many are actively using it? This is where us at Digital Lagoon come in. We can help you with your marketing efforts beyond refreshing your website. We have the Instagram marketing know-how to make sure you make a lasting impression with all your followers. Get started today to learn more on ways we can help jumpstart your Instagram presence.