Why you should use Instagram to tell your company’s story

Whenever I reach for my phone, one of the first apps I open is Instagram. As it turns out, I’m not alone. According to a Pew Research Center study, 51 percent of Instagram users check their feed on a daily basis, and 26 percent of users check on a weekly basis. On average, Instagram users open the app six times over the course of the day. Users are clearly looking for new content, so why not let it be yours? With over 600 million users on Instagram, it’s time to start sharing your organization’s story.

Humans are 55 percent more likely to remember information when seeing it with an image, according to Brain Rules. This is a great opportunity for content creation and brand awareness. Although only about 9 percent of US small businesses are on Instagram, there has never been a better time to leverage your brand on this platform. Not only is there less competition among business accounts, but content has a better chance of engagement. Unlike Facebook, which relies on an algorithm for displaying content, Instagram shows all posts chronologically. So if you’re posting regularly, your brand can gain visibility.

Instagram is a powerful medium because it allows social media marketers to show rather than tell. Users, especially millennials, want to see a company’s product, service and personality in action. Let audiences connect to the human side of your organization by giving them an insider’s view to your business, using humor and sharing meaningful content. Ultimately, these tactics will make your business more relatable and memorable by helping to establish trust and allowing your company to build relationships with followers and prospective customers.  

Continually creating visual content for Instagram can be a challenge for businesses. But there are several ways you can use this powerful tool to tell your company’s story in new ways, and without needing professional photography. Not sure how to get started? I’ve put together a list of classic content ideas and examples below to help you out.

1. Behind-the-scenes

Why it works: People love seeing what’s going on backstage.

2. Office 

Why it works: It allows followers to be inspired by your work space.

3. Product Demo

Why it works: It’s a great way to promote a product or service without seeming like you’re advertising.  

4. Throwback

Why it works: It demonstrates your company history.

5. Awards

Why it works: It makes you look more credible and trustworthy.

6. Employees

Why it works: A great staff makes a great company.  

7. Customers

Why it works: Customers see that you care. Plus they’ll share it with their friends.

8. Quotes

Why it works: Quotes typically have a higher engagement rate because they stand out in a user’s feed.

9. Infographics

Why it works: Infographics allow you to communicate a lot of information in a small space.

10. Food

Why it works: Everyone loves food! It’s guaranteed that users will pause at this photo.