If you’re pressed for time and don’t want to read the next 600 words, here’s the rapid response: yes.
For those of you sticking around for the main event, and some real info, let’s proceed.
Instagram is one of the most popular social networks and platforms in the world. 6th most popular, as of recently, to be exact with over a billion users. Pretty gnarly.
While the largest user base by far, in terms of age demographics, is 18 to 34, IG does have buy-in across the spectrum.
Instagram Explained
In a nutshell, Instagram is an app for sharing photos and videos with the followers you have. If you haven’t heard by now, it’s free for both individual users and businesses.
Beyond the basics of posting photos and videos, users can hit their network with both Stories (similar to Snapchat) and Reels (similar to TikTok) as well.
All in all, IG is a very visual platform.
How Using Instagram Benefits Your Business
Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, let’s get to the meat and potatoes (plant-based meat if that’s your thing, we don’t want anyone to miss out): how to use Instagram for business.
But first…
Big Stats Energy
- 200 million+ users visit at least 1 business profile daily
- 90% of accounts follow at least 1 business
- 1/3rd of the most viewed stories are from businesses
- There are 25 million business profiles(!)
- 83% of IG users discover new products or services on the platform
Those numbers alone should convince you to not just dip your toes in the IG business waters but to go scuba diving in them and plumb the depths for success.
Aside from those lofty numbers though, how can using the platform really benefit your business?
Access to Customers
Alright, so this is kind of related to the numbers, but the sheer amount of users means you’re opening the door to your customer base. If your company is targeting the 34 and below age group, this is where you’ll find them online.
Brand Recognition
With access comes recognition. There are few better ways to establish your brand and create a following for it than via IG. The visibility you get from IG isn’t necessarily equal to what you put it in. How? Well, consider influencers. If you have the budget for it, partnering with influencers can have an outsized influence (no pun intended) on your following. You can leverage their audience to grow yours. Pretty sweet.
Engagement and Relatability
In the process of building brand recognition and equity, naturally you’ll be engaging with your audience. Social networks are two-way streets for communication after all. That engagement serves to humanize your brand and make you more relatable. Not just a monolithic business.
Sales
Finally, we get to the important stuff. You thought we’d make a list of benefits and not include lining your pockets a little? C’mon now. The whole point of investing in any piece of your marketing mix is that you need to have some type of return. Using Instagram for your business can lead directly to sales.
You can run compelling ads with actionable copy. If/when your business gets above 10,000 followers (or if you have a verified account) you have access to the coveted swipe up feature in Stories that allows you to link out to your store or whatever else you want. It’s a big deal, trust us.
The Snow Agency Is Here to Help You!
Using Instagram for business has tremendous upside. Whether it’s solely to drive sales or gain new customers, to drive engagement with your company or create some vital brand recognition, it should be part of your marketing strategy.
If you’re floundering in the social media ocean without direction, give us a holler at The Snow Agency and we’ll help you get things working for you.