When it comes to using Instagram, the world is your oyster. It has SO many unbelievable features that can be used to make an impact. But, how do you, as an organizational marketer, know which ones to use and when? 

As we know, Instagram stands out as a powerhouse for brand promotion and engagement. We understand the challenges organizations face in crafting compelling content that resonates with their target audience and drives them to take action. 

In this post, we’ll focus on what features you should hone in on and some great, real-life examples of others who have mastered the feature. 

Instagram Stories: Crafting Compelling, Quick-shorts Content

Instagram Stories have become a staple for brands seeking to engage their audience with ephemeral content. With this feature, we recommend sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, launches, or limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency.

Real-Life Example: Nike’s use of Stories to showcase athlete takeovers, providing a unique, authentic perspective and fostering a strong connection with their audience.

Instagram Reels: Captivating Audiences with Videos

Short-form videos dominate social media, and Reels allows you to showcase your creativity in a fun and dynamic way. With this feature, we recommend using music, effects, and trending challenges to boost discoverability and engagement.

Real-Life Example: Chipotle’s Reels feature quick and entertaining recipe tutorials, reinforcing their brand identity while providing valuable content for their audience.

Instagram Shopping: Turning Browsing into Purchases

Instagram Shopping allows organizations to tag products/services in posts and stories, transforming the platform into a virtual storefront. Make the buying process seamless by providing product details and a direct link to your online store.

Real-Life Example: FashionNova’s strategic use of Instagram Shopping tags, simplifying the purchase journey and driving direct sales from their Instagram profile.

Instagram Live: Real-Time Engagement and Connection

Instagram Live is a powerful tool for real-time engagement, allowing you to connect with your audience authentically. With this Instagram feature, we recommend hosting Q&A sessions, launches, or behind-the-scenes events.

Real-Life Example: Dior’s use of Instagram Live to broadcast their runway shows, providing an exclusive, real-time experience for their audience and fostering a sense of inclusivity.

User-Generated Content (UGC): Harnessing the Power of Your Community

This is one we encourage across multiple platforms! Encourage your audience to become content creators by sharing their experiences with your products or services. UGC not only builds trust but also provides a fresh perspective on your brand.

Real-Life Example: Starbucks’ #StarbucksCupContest, inviting customers to share their artistic cup designs. This not only generated buzz but also created a sense of community around the brand.

Instagram’s diverse platform features offer a treasure trove of opportunities for organizations to connect with their audience in meaningful ways. By strategically incorporating these features into your content strategy, inspired by the successful examples above, you can unlock the full potential of Instagram and elevate your organization to new heights of engagement and success. Looking for help on how to make this happen? Reach out to Onya today!