Instagram is a social media network favored by many marketers and brands due to its visual nature and large user base. As a platform, it helps businesses and brands effectively collaborate with influencers and reach a larger target audience while humanizing your brand. However, to get the best results, you have to know what content works best on Instagram. Below are some of the most engaging types of content your business should be using.
Using storytelling to sell products is always effective, but especially so on Instagram. The most effective way to utilize storytelling is to use a captivating image and include the background or story in the caption. If posting to Instagram stories, or making a reel, use a voiceover to explain the story behind the image or product. Try to connect on an emotional level with your audience and remember to be as authentic as possible.
User-generated content refers to taking content that your audience posts and tags you in and publishing it on your own Instagram feed. Utilizing user-generated content is a great way to engage with your audience and add a new dimension to your marketing. However, it is important to always credit the original poster and check with them before using their images or videos for any marketing purposes. To make finding user-generated content easier create a unique hashtag that your audience can use for community submissions.
Presenting facts in an entertaining way can increase engagement and make them more palatable. Often, clips from TV shows or movies will be trending on Instagram, and utilizing them in your content can boost views. Just make sure that they relate to your brand or product in a funny or positive way.
Your audience wants to know what happens behind the picture-perfect, curated feed of your business posts. This is why behind-the-scenes content is so popular. Share more about the business, your employees, the photo shoots, and product consultations using videos and images. Accompany these with a voiceover explaining what is happening, or use a trending sound that relates. Sharing the values of your brand helps your audience connect on a deeper level, creating a sense of loyalty.
Hosting a contest is a great way to draw in new customers while rewarding current customers and audience members. Make sure to include a reward for the winner, and make it simple for people to enter. One of the conditions for entry should always be that they follow your Instagram account, however, sending them to a digital form that collects their email address is also advisable. When running a contest, make sure to regularly remind entrants that you will not contact them for any banking details or payment information as scams are becoming even more frequent.
Your audience wants to feel valued and included, and a great way to do that is by communicating directly with them. Post a question box to your stories so audience members can ask the questions they want answers to, then answer them in stories as they come in. Or, utilize the question box to ask for your audience's opinion and post their responses. Other options include utilizing the poll feature on photo posts, or in Stories.
Instagram is a great social platform for businesses, and consumers love the visual nature of it. Knowing what content works best on Instagram is a great way to quickly build your following and create a loyal audience. Try the content ideas above to get started and start finding your groove and what resonates with your consumer base.
