Instagram is a marketer’s dream. If your ideal audience is on Instagram, then you should be too! Instagram users tend to be young adults, primarily female, who are creative and visual.
Previously, we shared insights into how Instagram works. Whether you’re a big brand or a small business, succeeding on Instagram isn’t just science – it’s art. Part of the art of Instagram is using the trends in the best ways for your business.
Here are some Evolving Instagram Trends For 2016 & Beyond.
- Engagement is On-The-Rise: Instagram users engage with each other, and they engage with brands that create compelling content.
- Visual Storytelling: Instagram users expect you to use images to tell a compelling story. Many Instagram users curate their Instagram feeds like an art gallery show.
- Image Quality is Improving: Even casual users compose and edit their pictures. They expect even more from brands. Images must have a strong focal point.
- Tell Authentic Stories: Instagram users are savvy about marketing techniques. They love authenticity. Real customer stories, behind the scene, peeks and practical tips all ring true for Instagram users.
- Brands Use Instagram To Build Real Connections: Find your ideal customers and engage with their content. Use hashtags and geotags to find customers whose interests align with your brand. If your business is local, search for local users.
- Advertising Becomes established: Instagram recently started selling official ads and sponsored content. Your business may be among the first to experiment with sponsored content through Instagram.
- Video & Animations Have Most Impact: Instagram is not just for beautiful pictures. Short videos help brands stand out, and they help tell authentic stories.
- Linking Opportunities Will Increase: There are new opportunities to include links within Instagram posts through advertising and some new apps.
- Brands continue to collaborate with influencers: Influential Instagramers build trust and relationships with their followers. Many look to influencers for style and lifestyle inspiration. Sometimes smaller niche influencers best reach your ideal customers.
Instagram is perfect for business to consumer sales, promotions, contests, and to have genuine conversations. Any marketer who wants to reach young adults benefits from a strategic use of Instagram. In other words, if Instagram is where your customers are, then it is also where you want to be!
