Instagram is quickly becoming a go-to platform for businesses across the United States and Scottsdale-based the spr agency, an award-winning social media and public relations agency, has released its top 5 tips for succeeding on the platform in 2019.
Be Authentic
The rush to capitalize on the popularity of any social media platform may also bring snap decisions on just what a company should post. Many companies chase trends instead of setting them.
“While it’s easy to duplicate what others in your industry or vertical are doing, it’s more important to be authentic and true to your brand,” said Al Stevens, president and founder of the spr agency. “Social media users know when you’re phoning it in. They know when you’re not being yourself. And with all marketing, it’s important to speak authentically and provide a unique perspective.”
Be Creative
While authenticity is a must, it’s also important to be creative in your approach.
“Given the number of Instagram posts that hit the platform’s news feed each day, Instagram users want to see originality and the spark of creativity,” said Christy Stevens, vice president of the spr agency. “They’re looking for posts that will inspire and entertain them. That’s what they choose to engage with when they double-tap a photo.”
Great Photography Makes Great Content
Investing in quality images is a must on any social media platform but it’s key to engaging Instagram users. There is a direct correlation between great photography and high engagement on Instagram.
“Think of what inspires you and what will inspire your customers,” Al Stevens said. “If you’re not excited by the image you choose, how will your customers and followers be? You have to believe in each image and be willing to defend your job with the photo selection you make. It’s that important.”
Hashtags Matter
Thinking about throwing a few hashtags on that Instagram post? Don’t – at least not without researching the hashtags that best fit your post and your brand.
“Hashtags for the sake of hashtags is definitely not a successful strategy,” Christy Stevens said. “It’s important to select hashtags that will help your post build a successful base and launch it into a higher sphere of influence.”
Don’t Forget the Video
While still images are the primary way of succeeding on Instagram, it’s important to branch out into the company’s other posting avenues – Instagram Stories and IGTV. Both video products have gained traction over the past 18 months and are expected to continue to gain market share against Instagram’s original still imagery news feed.
Instagram Stories quickly outpaced Snapchat upon their launch and the allure of IGTV for videographers stems from its freeform use of video – with no time limits set by Instagram.
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