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A Beginner’s Guide To Using Instagram For Business | November 06, 2013 (0 comments)
Merrick, NY—As social media seemingly continues to take over the Internet, Instagram is the new favorite among the youngest consumers-- who are, of course, the next bridal customers. According to the third-annual Digital IQ Index: Watches & Jewelry report, Instagram tops social media engagement for watch and jewelry brands.
While Facebook and Pinterest win out in community size and overall growth, respectively, L2’s findings show Instagram captures nine times greater interest for a watch and jewelry brand. So, for those jewelers targeting the younger bridal customer, an Instagram presence is an essential part of an overall social media strategy.
Instagram (owned by Facebook) is a social media platform that uses photographs as its means of communication. Think of it as a digital version of whipping out a wallet full of pictures. But this is especially interesting for jewelers, as jewelry product translates so well in images and a visual medium is a great way to connect with jewelry consumers. Truly, a picture is worth a thousand words on Instagram. Instagram is also known for its filters, layering colors or textures over photos to give them various visual effects. It also was designed for mobile devices, so it's actually easiest to use Instagram on a phone vs. a computer, which is good when a customer sees something she likes and wants to share it with her friends right away to get their input.
Setting up an account is easy. The easiest way is to visit the App store for your particular phone and download the app. You can also set it up on your PC computer, but as it was designed for mobile devices, it's more complicated to set it up on your computer. Still, if the computer is your preference, here is how.
Once you've got your account set up, you'll want to get started on the fun part: the images. Here's a quick primer on what to do with your images.
1) Set up your 'window' on Instagram. Think of your Instagram page as you would a display window. Display your inventory, your employees, your shop, etc. You get the idea. Display what makes your store special. Keep your account current with relevant photos. Here's an example of Tiffany's Instagram page:
2) Create share-worthy content. Whatever pieces your sales associates are showing to each other and 'ooh-ing and ahh-ing' over will probably work well on Instagram. Post and see what gets 'liked' and see what your followers are looking for.
3) Find followers and followers will find you. Social media is a give-and-take with your customers. Find and “follow” them and they will do the same. Build your community.
4) Post regularly and often. New inventory? Post it. Remount that looks amazing? Post that too. Great new loose stones? Post them. You get the idea.
5) Add hashtags. You know the hashtag, the words following the # symbol. Here's what #rounddiamond looks like on Instagram, right, from an iPhone.
People (and potential customers) use the tags to search on Instagram. The more, and accurate, tags you have, the easier it will be for Instagram users to find your images and your brand.
6) Keep at it. Watch what works for your customers (followers) and keep sharing the jewels. Start a conversation with your customers and see what's getting noticed. And don't forget that the general population of Instagram is a younger user. Showcase that bridal product. Find price points that get lots of 'likes.' See what styles resonate with your customers.
Here are a few more ideas for Instagram. The more you play with it, the more you'll get out of it!