The world as we know has gone online and so have businesses. Digital marketing is the new wave and so it is important that everyone looking to be successful in such a space gets onto it. The International Institute of Digital Marketing is a great way to get started with various courses being offered in digital marketing. And Instagram being a great platform for business to get into digital marketing and all that it has to offer.
Instagram is a platform that has grown to adapt to the change around us. A platform commonly known for sharing images and memories can now do so much more. From sharing video content, going live and even direct messaging your friends and family. With new features and benefits being added onto the Instagram platform every year, individuals and businesses are sure to experience a worth while out of it.
Here are some of the Instagram features that every business should use.
Reels
With consumers looking more into video content than any other form of content Instagram has decided to introduce reels. A similar take on TikTok that allows for short video content from up to 30 seconds long. The reel feature allows for creators and businesses to create video content that speaks to their audience and the niche they are in. They are shared on the explore page and viewed by many on the app , hence reaching a larger audience for your business.
Small businesses can use the reel feature to showcase content specific to their brand , this could be
- showcasing the product usage
- explaining its advantages and benefits for consumers.
- showing viewers the process that goes into the product and service.
Instagram is looking to focus more on video content in 2021 to meet up with its competitors, so this is something a business should take advantage of.
Stories
Stories are a popular way to maximize engagement on the Instagram platform. Stories explained is an Instagram feature that allows users to upload pictures, 15 second long videos, ask questions and share content from their feed to their stories. These stories are found on the top of the Instagram feed page. They are indicated by a circle around the users profile picture and are only on for 24 hours before they are taken off.
Posting on stories can help a business with engagement and having a connection with their audience. Here a business can share their daily business activities, give a quick update, repost pictures of their consumers using their products as well as get feedback from their audience on their product and services.
Live Stream
Instagram’s live stream is a feature that allows users to engage and interact in real time with their followers and viewers. This feature gives a push notification to your followers telling them you have now gone live and they may be able to join and interact.
This is great for businesses who are looking to engage with their audience and bring about trust and transparency when it comes to their brand. The live sessions could take the form
- A live event for a brand with the launch of new products
- Q&A session
- Informative live stream , educating the audience.
IG live streams can go for a maximum of 4 hours, and can be turned to IGTV’s where they can stay on your business page available for the audience to view as they please. Instagram live allows for a business to build closer relationships with their consumers and puts a face behind the brand , creating trust and transparency.
Instagram shopping
Instagram shopping is a feature that allows users of the app to browse and shop products from various businesses on the IG platform. This is an effective feature because according to Instagram most consumers look to browsing on Instagram for inspiration before buying a certain item.
The IG shopping feature allows for a business to curate their own online store on the app. This includes everything from product photos, a description , sizing and even a checkout function. Businesses are able to tag their product items on the posts they upload onto their feed. This all speeds up the purchasing process and gets consumers into the sales funnel, which is something every business wants.
Take Away
And there you have it , all the Instagram features that are essential when it comes to a either small or big business. Instagram is constantly changing and by introducing new features it is important that businesses keep up with them, so to maximize the success of their brands on a digital platforms.
By Safiatou Guisse
A marketing student and a Digital Marketing Analyst Intern at the International Institute of Digital Marketing who is actively getting her foot into the world of digital marketing. A content creator who enjoys planning and coming up with fashionable looks for her audience.