When Instagram first launched, the majority of users were either teenagers or foodies. Since then, 26% of adult Internet users are using Instagram, giving businesses the opportunity to increase brand awareness and represent their brand’s personality in a fun, creative way. Yet, very few businesses have embraced Instagram and everything it has to offer.
In today’s world, where visual content is crucial, it is important to portray your brand in a unique way so consumers think of you when they see a certain image. Brands like #Oreo, #VirginAmerica, #Nike and even #PBR made Small Business Trends list of the Top 25 Brands you should follow on Instagram. After looking at the list, it’s easy to see why each one made the cut.
Oreo posts projects and recipes that people can make with their products. They post creative images to help them create a call to action in order to increase customer engagement. On the other hand, clothing brands like Nike, post sports related pictures and inspirational quotes. They use different hashtags and re-post pictures they have been tagged in for their followers to connect with them. Airline Virgin America posts behind the scene pictures of their company’s employees and encourage their followers to tag them in pictures of their own travels.
Even though all of these brands have a different target market, they have one thing in common, a theme. All of them were able to display their brand’s voice and personality by combining storytelling with creative images and videos. The company is able to demonstrate their company’s culture, connect with influencers, share company news, and enhance and complement event experiences.
So how can your company keep a uniform theme on Instagram? To start, you should determine your objectives, develop a content strategy, and come up with a content calendar. Every time you post ask yourself, who is my target audience? Does this image and caption portray my brand’s personality?
Here are a few simple pointers from your Visual Marketing gurus at #DoItForTheGram to help you maintain a common theme for your Instagram:
- Post similar pictures, but in unique ways. Think outside the box, think like one of your consumers.
- Use the same filter & the same cut. Here are a few apps you can download to help with that
- Create an Instagram Style Guide. If you have more than one member on your creative team posting to the brand’s Instagram be sure that everyone is on the same creative #gram.
What are some of your favorite brand themes? What are some brands you think are worth following on IG? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to follow us on our own IG account @hashtag4thegram.
LUC Marketing 399 