Did you know that there are more than 1.4 billion active Instagram users around the globe as of 2022? Instagram and other social media platforms are a dream come true for marketers as they give unprecedented access to target audiences on a global scale. Creating and posting content for your brand will allow you to reach hundreds of millions of people in a matter of minutes.
The features of Instagram are made to allow your business or your brand to flourish, but there are new Instagram features that you need to dive into in order to make the most of your digital marketing strategy. The good news is that you’re in the right spot to learn all about Instagram changes and the best ways to use them to grow your brand.
Keep reading to learn more today!
Links in Instagram Stories
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One of the big new Instagram features that many marketers are raving about is the ability to add links to Instagram stories. Large corporations and major influencers have had the ability to add links to stories, but a recent addition to the features of Instagram is the ability to add links to your story even if you don’t have 10,000 or more followers.
It’s a massive upgrade to Instagram when it comes to marketing for small businesses. Most small businesses are nowhere near the 10,000-follower threshold. These Instagram updates make it much easier to reach a large target audience thanks to link sharing.
The links make it easy for your brand’s followers to make their way to your official website. The odds of this Instagram user making a purchase from your business goes up when you’re able to get them to take a look at your business and the products or services that you offer. Combining that with a strategy to buy likes will help you grow your follower base in the blink of an eye.
Auto-Captions
Subtitles and closed captions are gaining a ton of traction when it comes to creating videos and other content. It shouldn’t be a surprise that one of the new Instagram features is automatic captioning for your video content. Most Instagram users don’t watch video content with the sound on unless they have headphones.
Having auto-captions for your Instagram content will allow more users to digest all of the content that you post. It also makes your brand much more accessible to those that have a hearing disability. Most people will watch all of the videos that you post since they won’t need to turn their sound on in order to understand what’s happening in the video.
The “Add Yours” Feature
Another great option to consider using for marketing purposes on Instagram is the “Add Yours” feature. If you’re looking to take your follower engagement up a notch then this feature is exactly what you’re looking for. This new Instagram feature is great because it allows you to add more layers for interaction to your Instagram feed and content.
You’ll need to post content to your Instagram story in order to make good use of this new feature. The “Add Yours” option allows your followers to add the content of their own that is related to what you’ve posted.
If you make a post about #VanLife and include the “Add Yours” feature, you’ll extend an invitation to anyone that watches your story to add a picture or video of their van. It’s a great way to engage in conversations with your followers. The main purpose of social media is to start conversations, which makes this new Instagram feature perfect for digital marketing purposes.
Instagram Shopping Feature
Consumers were already enjoying shopping online prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Instagram shopping feature changed the game. If your brand offers goods or services to consumers then you need to start using this exciting feature. Any Instagram user that taps on your content will get redirected to your website.
Not only can consumers view your products then and there, but they can purchase them with the touch of a button. Your target audience won’t need to sort through your entire website to find the item that they want to purchase. These Instagram changes are making it easier than ever to shop online.
Influencer Marketing
Influencers are weaving themselves into the fabric of Instagram, which makes them key tools when it comes to marketing your brand. The Instagram collab feature makes it easier than ever to partner with popular influencers. If you’re having a difficult time reaching different target markets then you need to use this feature on Instagram.
It results in a win-win situation for both parties. The social media influencer will gain access to your followers and your brand will get exposure to thousands or even millions of Instagram users. Your best bet is to find a nano influencer to work with.
These influencers have fewer than 10,000 followers. Their followers are some of the most loyal and will trust the influencer’s collaboration with your brand. Combine that with using video content and you’ll be well on your way to making the most of the recent Instagram changes.
Visual Replies
Visual replies are another great feature on Instagram that you can use for marketing purposes. Rather than respond to a comment in the traditional way, visual replies allow you to respond through Instagram Reels. You can reply to these audience members with Reels of your own to make your target audience feel a different degree of appreciation and engagement. It’s a great way to connect with other Instagram users and help them start a relationship with your brand.
Make the Most of These New Instagram Features Today
Instagram is one of the best tools that you can use in order to market your brand. The new Instagram features like visual replies and the Instagram collab feature make it easier than ever to reach your target audience and engage with them.
You should also make good use of the “Add Yours” feature to start conversations with your followers. Don’t forget to post links to your brand’s stories on Instagram and use the Instagram shopping feature.
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