A growing number of businesses are tapping into the power of Instagram to tell their brand story, and they’re seeing big results. Still, many businesses are intimidated by a social channel that is driven by visual content. 

You don’t have to be overwhelmed. Instagram offers plenty of ways to share your brand’s message to a large audience. You just need a few insider tips on how to get started.

Why Use Instagram?

In a world driven by social media, Instagram has proven to be one of the most engaging and growing social media platforms.  Instagram is the new mecca for fashion, interior design, fitness, and so much more. Filled with beautiful photos, inspiring stories, clean aesthetics, and new trends, Instagram is wildly popular and businesses are catching on quick.

Your business has unlimited possibilities on Instagram to reach and connect with new markets and grow brand awareness.  

But, have you noticed that Instagram has a language of its own?  

Learning to Speak Instagram

Thoughtful words are always important, but if you want to grow on Instagram you’ll have to learn to speak a visual language. Having interesting photos to catch attention is what matters to the Insta-audience.  But, hey, as the old adage goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” 

But how do you get your pictures to speak?

There’s one simple way to boost your engagement and find your words on Instagram. 

Make Your Visuals Speak

Turn to video to tell your brand story.

Using video on Instagram allows you to share your story with a depth that can’t be conveyed in single images alone.  With such a powerful tool, it’s important to know the in’s and out’s of Instagram so you can maximize your potential reach.  

6 Tips For Successfully Using Video on Instagram 

#1: Establish a Connection

Video is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience and communicate a story.  Tapping into your audiences’ emotions can solidify a bond and pique their interest in what you have to offer.  Sharing your story and testimonies of other people is a way to show your future clients that you can help them achieve success.  Consumers will want to engage because they know you, your story, and have established a bond, knowing their needs will be met by a friend.

#2: Find a Unique Perspective

With small businesses flocking to Instagram and users on the hunt for something new to catch their eye, it’s important to be unique.  The most unique thing about your business on social media is you! One way your voice can shine through video is putting a focus on sharing your personal story.  You and your business can bring something special to Instagram when you focus on things that set you apart. 

#3: Limit Your Audio

It is quite common for people to scroll through Instagram with their sound turned off.  Although this may seem like a hurdle to some, it’s actually a great opportunity for creativity.  Without audio, you can either add subtitles or use emotion to communicate your story through video.  Utilizing this emotional pull can reach a greater audience and connect without hearing the words.  

#4: Keep It Short

With the standard of scrolling, you have a very short window to catch – and keep – your viewers' attention.  It is important to communicate a concise message before your potential clients move onto the next post. Most often you have 5 seconds to catch attention and 60 seconds to share your video.  

#5: Utilize Different Platforms

Instagram has created a couple of different ways to share your video.  Through Insta Stories and live videos, you can show real-time stories and details of your business in action.  This is a great way to humanize your company on social media. Through IGTV you can share longer videos and messages once people are engaged.  This is a perfect place to share the heart and message behind what you do.  

#6: Test Out Ideas

Instagram makes it easy to track the success of your video through engagement on both your posts and your page.  Because Instagram makes this so approachable, try a couple of different marketing strategies and ideas. Some video applications could gain attraction quickly and build your brand, whereas others may move less efficiently.  Depending on your product, sharing videos on Insta stories may gain followers faster than using longer videos on IGTV.  

Instagram is an excellent way to tap into new markets and connect with your younger audience.  According to a recent study, video engagement on Instagram is growing faster than photo engagement,*  showing that video is a unique way to catalyze your growth on Instagram. So if you’re tired of standard marketing campaigns and want to grow your reach, try Instagram videos.

Resource: 

Ultimate Guide to Instagram Video