Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platforms with around 500 million active users worldwide, up from 400 million in 2015. Downloadable to a smartphone, Instagram is an interactive, photo-sharing, free app. In the United Arab Emirates, 56% of all social media users have Instagram.
Instagram can be used for businesses to promote events, offer inspirational quotes and images, as well as help to produce a more personal and creative representation of your business. The main goal with an Instagram account is to build something which people want to follow as it inspires them. The more people who follow an Instagram account, the more recognition and exposure your company will receive.
1. Do use high quality photos
Instagram is a very visual tool; therefore the photos posted should be of a high quality and not out of focus. Whether they are photos of your company, employees, or current events, make sure that they are relevant to your business and what your business is about. Instagram offers a more personal insight into who is involved ‘behind-the-scenes’. Employees are given the potential to show their company outside of the typical work environment.
2. Don’t bombard
With any social network, you do not want to irritate your audience with too many posts, so don’t bombard your followers with photos. Usually 1-3 posts a day helps to keep people interested in your company. Of course you can test what works best for your followers.
3. Do use hashtags
Hashtags are another important way to connect with your followers. Using industry related hashtags, such as: ‘#CIPD’, ‘#BestPractice’ and ‘#Dubai’ will help to boost your exposure and therefore more people are likely to discover and follow you.
4. Don’t post randomly
Important aspects with Instagram are consistency and planning, this is to ensure that followers stay engaged with the account. Take the time to build an Instagram strategy that fits in with your overall social media plan.
5. Do engage with others
It is important to interact with others by liking and commenting on the content they are producing. This can include posts by experts and influencers in your industry. An Instagram account which doesn’t engage with its followers doesn’t produce a welcoming image of the company. To avoid this, reply to comments, like photos and follow people who show loyalty to your business.
6. Don’t be afraid
Instagram is all about a more personal, fun and creative representation of your business. In essence, you should be trying to achieve an account which is individual and interesting, don’t be afraid to be creative.
Do follow us on Instagram @oakwoodinternational1
Image via Instagram
