Instagram is rapidly becoming one of the most frequently used social media apps particularly for people between the ages of 18-29, 59% of Instagram users range from that age group according to brilliant article by Maddy Osman that provide 18 insightful facts about Instagram for marketers. Instagram has nearly 500 million daily active users and its vital for businesses to have their own profile as it builds a trusting rapport with users who can also issue feedback through comments on posts which can make them feel more connected to the business.

Brands

In a world where visual content remains a crucial part of any business’ marketing strategy, Instagram marketing presents a unique opportunity to visually represent your brand, celebrate its personality, and keep it top-of-mind for all those users who scroll through their Instagram feeds every single day. There is currently over 8 million business profiles on Instagram and here below are examples of some of the best brands on this platform.

Starbucks- 17.3 million followers

Their use of witty captions and bright, creative photos leave Starbucks’ followers with a smile and a caffeine craving. Their easy-to-replicate images encourage customers to share their own artsy coffeehouse photos, in turn promoting the company. The post below is delightful and beautiful for the time of year we are in, the hand wrapped up from the cold and Christmas trees hailing in the background gives the user a gleeful feeling.

National Geographic- 95 million followers

With over 50 million followers, @natgeo is an unlikely king of Instagram.  National Geographic is well known for its spectacular photographic storytelling, so it makes complete sense that their fine-tuned craft translates well to Instagram. The NatGeo feed is filled with portraits of animals, landscapes, and citizens of the world. Each photo is capped off with an informative journalistic caption. The beautiful image below epitomizes their Instagram page and the beautiful imagery that comes with it.

Brown Thomas- 126k followers

As Ireland’s largest luxury retail store it’s no surprise that Brown Thomas has 126k followers, and growing fast. It posts roughly about three times a day, with a mixture of promotions, behind-the-scenes images and pure unadulterated beautiful fashion.

Why Brands rock with Instagram

 

1. With a total of over 8 million business profiles on Instagram it is very important for           brands to interact on this app so they don’t fall behind competition. The brand could         carefully monitor their competitors posts and form a personal strategy from the                 information they gather on them.

2.  They can engage with customers on a daily basis, the fact is that people like to make            their opinions known, especially if they like something, and Instagram is a platform          for users to like, comment on and share their favorite posts. The more likes and                  comments you get, the more visible your company becomes.

3.   Brands can make money from Instagram through product placement. They allow              businesses to add tags to the products in their photos with links that include a                      product description, price and the ability to “shop now,” which will lead the user to            your online store. With this new service, it’s simple for a business to attract actual              sales from the site, and with 72 percent of Instagram users admitting to purchasing            products through the social media platform, the results are hard to ignore.