How small businesses can crush it on Instagram
Social media is no secret — businesses big and little are in on it. And it’s no secret that Instagram has gone viral — there are 77.6 million IG users in the U.S.
It’s not just for fun and frolic.
Banks (like Wells Fargo) have it, colleges (like UNC Charlotte) have it, department stores (like Nordstrom) have it. And, the Charlotte Observer noted, so do many small businesses trying to market to millennials. The Observer reported that small businesses using IG “should spend 80 percent of their time sharing fun and interesting tidbits and the other 20 percent selling merchandise or services.”
These four small businesses have strategies for crushing it:
IG User
Alejandro Torio, co-owner and marketing director of 5Church
Handle
Strategy
-Focuses on angles: often overhead shots for desserts and shots from the front for layered items like hamburgers
-handwrites an IG story schedule to showcase an event like chefs cooking specials
-uses video
A photo posted by 5Church (@5church) on May 17, 2015 at 7:42am PDT
A photo posted by 5Church (@5church) on May 5, 2015 at 2:40pm PDT
IG User
Real-estate broker Maureen Roberge, owner of LKNHomes.com
Handle
Strategy
-Adds collages of homes for sale
-Includes photos of natural elements like animals and the lake
-Posts personal touches, like shots of her daughter
-Occasionally poses questions for an interactive approach
Great view #lknhomes #lkn #lakenormanrealestate #lakenorman #realtor #realestate #realtors
A photo posted by LKNHomes ~ LKN-Commercial (@lknhomes) on May 18, 2015 at 7:40pm PDT
This beautiful kitchen sits in the home of 7884 Oak Haven Lane! Beautiful Custom Home in Much Desired Tree Tops at Cowans Ford! Perfectly Located on a Private Cul-de-Sac Lot! The Moment You Arrive You Will Be Swept Away by the Curb Appeal of this Home! Step Inside Your New Home to Find a Warm & Inviting Environment that Creates that Special “At Home” Feeling! Gourmet Cooks Will Appreciate the Lovely Kitchen that Overlooks the 2 Story Family Room! Enjoy Entertaining on Your Wonderful Rear Deck Overlooking a Spacious Private Backyard w/Mature Landscaping! #lknhomes #lkn #lakenormanrealestate #realtor #realestate #realtors #listings #forsale #home #lknhomesluxury #luxury #cowansford #denvernc A photo posted by LKNHomes ~ LKN-Commercial (@lknhomes) on May 15, 2015 at 6:38am PDT
IG user
Michael Chambers, co-owner of Melt-In Your Mouth Cupcakes
Handle
Strategy
-Posts photos of fresh cupcakes with flavor details, from bacon to bourbon
-Hosts a monthly giveaway to customers who purchase the cupcake he’s promoting
A photo posted by melt in your mouth (@melt_cupcakes) on Jun 3, 2015 at 9:58am PDT
A photo posted by melt in your mouth (@melt_cupcakes) on May 28, 2015 at 9:09am PDT
Strategy
-Posts photos of his clothing lines modeled by customers and mannequins
-Posts photos of merchandise including lapel flowers and pocket squares
-Abundant use of hashtags
A photo posted by The House of LeMond (@thehouseoflemond) on May 31, 2015 at 6:30am PDT
#styletipoftheday whenever you are in doubt regarding your #neckwear , I highly encourage you to go the #classic route and by all means #staydappermyfriends @countessmara @thehouseoflemond#sartorial #bespoke #tailored #welldressedman #bestmensboutique #mensboutique #mensaccessories #dailystyleblog #dailystylebattle #dowhatyoulove #charlotte #newyork #milan #uk #london #toronto #optimistpark A photo posted by The House of LeMond (@thehouseoflemond) on May 13, 2015 at 4:09pm PDT
This story was originally published June 3, 2015 at 10:00 PM with the headline "How small businesses can crush it on Instagram."