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.
