Instagram Video

The addition of a video option to Instagram creates a whole new realm of possibilities. This popular app allows users to capture and share moments in their life. With a little practice and planning, businesses can utilize this new tool to promote their business and extend your brand reach on a more progressive level.

The Instagram video is limited to 15 seconds, just enough for some short and sweet visual entertainment. Deciding your subject and how to effectively get your point across in those 15 seconds is the first plan to make. Avoid things like background distractions (visual and audible) and pointing the camera directly at a light source. Think about videos or commercials you have seen that you liked or didn’t like. What aspects of those videos made you feel that way? Try to use similar strategies and methods of those you admire.

Instagram tools to the rescue!

Being able to edit as you film is a great tool, and very forgiving. Hold the video button to record a clip, if you don’t like it, deleting it is just a 2 click process. Cinema is a feature Instagram rolled out for video. It stabilizes your clips while you film, which minimizes the “shaky hand” effect. Filters have been the distinct feature of Instagram, allowing users to enhance and customize their photos to a whole different mood of their choice. Fortunately, 13 filters just for video clips are available for use.

Below are a few ideas to try as a free mini-commercial for your business.

• A tutorial of a service you offer
• A testimonial about a product you offer
• Highlight a new location or office
• Advertise your product in use - strike an emotion out of the viewer
• Highlight a new employee or employee of the month
• Show your process or behind the scenes action 

Don’t forget to hashtag your video just as you do photos. Include hashtags for your business, tagline, and content of your video.

#hashtag #facebook

Facebook Hashtags

So, you might have noticed that the hashtag has finally made it’s way to facebook. Previously used mostly on instagram and twitter, hashtags allow you to make your posts part of a larger topic or discussion.

Using these are simple and can be very effective for personal and/or business use. To use, simply start with the # (pound) symbol, followed by a word or phrase with no punctuation or spaces. They are free and increase your visibility on search engines and across multiple social media sites.

Facebook’s hashtag functionality is similar to other social media sites allowing you to: search for specific hashtags, click on hashtags that originate from other sites, create posts that include hashtags as well as adding hashtags to facebook ads you’re running.

Try creating a hashtag unique to your brand, such as #yourbusinessname or #yourtagline (best thing is, you don’t have to register it, just start typing!) Just remember some common hashtag etiquette, avoid using hashtags that are irrelevant to your post and keep it short and sweet.

If hastags aren’t working on your facebook yet, don’t worry. Facebook indicates it is still in the process of rolling them out and will take a few weeks to complete. 

Instagram for Business

Instagram is popular for personal use, especially among the younger generations. However, if used effectively, Instagram can be a very useful imagery tool for businesses.

Flying Pie Co., a local client, is actively using Instagram to promote their new restaurant and build anticipation.

Each post starts with a single photo, either taken straight from the Instagram app using your camera, or you can choose any photo from your gallery. When choosing your photo, consider the following aspects of every photo: angles, lighting, content, and purpose.

What angle was your photo taken at? Cropping the image out of the window gives it an intimate perspective.

R: This photo is creatively cropped to show half of the item. It’s a tangible version of the symbol in their logo made with a pizza peel and metal.

How well lit is your photo? Make sure you can identify the subject of your photo, and that it conveys the mood you are intending to convey. Does it fit your brand? If not, maybe explore using the lighting effect tool within the app. If not, try re-taking the photo so that it can help you maintain brand consistency.

L: This photo of the lighting sets a mood that is consistent with the brand. It gives a sneak peak of the atmosphere and mood that customers can expect when this restaurant opens.

What is the content of your photo? Is it relevant and relatable to your brand? Will your clients, customers, and followers appreciate the post and find it useful and/or relatable? Does it fulfill the purpose of sharing this moment? Will this make your clients, customers and followers interact with your post and/or want to come to your place of business?

R: This slice of pizza is relatable content, because it is their main product. It also serves a direct purpose, to remind people that it’s Friday and that this is a convenient, tasty choice for dinner that night.

What is that # Symbol? Once you have successfully edited your photo and are ready to post, consider using hash tags in your caption. A hash tag is the # symbol followed by a word or words, with no spaces. They are free and increase your visibility on search engines. This can be useful to help gain exposure in many categories relatable to your business and/or product. You can add multiple hash tags to increase exposure in multiple categories. Try creating a hashtag unique to your brand, such as #yourbusinessname or #yourtagline (best thing is, you don’t have to register it, just start typing!)

You can also tag other Instagram users by using the @ symbol followed by their username.The most common reason to use a tag is to reply to a comment. First, tag the user you’re replying to, then type your message. If a John_Smith says: That looks tasty!, a wise reply might be @John_Smith We’d love for you to come in and try it!

B: This photo has the hash tag for the business #flyingpieco and also has 2 other hash tags to gain more exposure through the other keywords, #pizza and #dinner. You could even elaborate more and use #cheesy or #hagerstown.

There are many ways you can use Instagram to promote your business, including: new product offerings, featuring an employee, promoting an event, or general brand awareness.

Instagram and other social media sites are a great way to extend your brand reach, connect with customers and build awareness.