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One interesting trend that’s been catching Onya’s eye lately? Account-Based Marketing (ABM)! 

This new area in marketing has emerged as a game-changer for organizations looking to foster meaningful connections with their target audience, especially when dangling bait for larger groups hasn’t gained any traction. This personalized and targeted approach has gained a TON of popularity for its ability to drive engagement, increase revenue, and strengthen relationships. 

What is Account-Based Marketing (ABM)?

Account-Based Marketing is a strategic approach that aligns marketing and sales efforts to focus on a specific set of high-value target accounts. Unlike traditional mass marketing, ABM is a more personalized and targeted method, tailoring marketing campaigns to resonate with the unique needs and characteristics of individual accounts.

The Shift Towards Personalization

We work in a field where consumers are bombarded with generic marketing messages. This means that personalization has to become the key differentiator. According to a study by Evergage, 88% of marketers reported a measurable lift in their business results from personalization, showcasing the impact of tailoring messages to specific audiences.

Account-Based Marketing takes personalization to the next level by honing in on individual accounts, understanding their pain points, and delivering highly relevant content and experiences. This shift from a broad approach to a more nuanced, account-specific one creates a deeper connection with prospects and clients.

The Importance of ABM in B2B Environments

For organizations operating in the B2B realm, the significance of Account-Based Marketing cannot be overstated. ABM is especially effective in industries where the sales cycle is complex, and the decision-making process involves multiple stakeholders. By focusing on a select group of high-potential accounts, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently and increase the likelihood of closing high-value deals.

Driving ROI with ABM

One of the most compelling reasons we believe organizations need to leverage Account-Based Marketing is its impressive return on investment (ROI). According to a survey conducted by Alterra Group, 97% of marketers reported that ABM had a higher ROI compared to other marketing initiatives. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of personalized, targeted approaches in driving tangible results.

Strengthening Client Relationships

Beyond driving revenue, Account-Based Marketing plays a pivotal role in strengthening client relationships. By understanding the unique challenges and goals of individual accounts, organizations can tailor their interactions to provide value and demonstrate a genuine commitment to their clients' success. This personalized approach fosters trust and loyalty, laying the foundation for long-term partnerships.

How Does Account-Based Marketing Work?

Identifying Target Accounts:

ABM begins with the identification of high-potential target accounts. These accounts are selected based on criteria such as revenue potential, strategic importance, or niche industry verticals.

Understanding Account Needs:

Once the target accounts are identified, a deep understanding of their needs, pain points, and goals is crucial. This often involves thorough research and engagement with key people in those groups.

Personalized Content and Campaigns:

ABM involves creating highly personalized content and campaigns specifically designed for each target account. This could include tailored messaging, customized advertisements, and personalized outreach.

Multi-Channel Engagement:

ABM follows a multi-channel approach, integrating various marketing channels such as email, social media, content marketing, and even personalized events. This approach ensures that target accounts are reached across the varying touchpoints.

Alignment with Sales Teams:

Close collaboration between marketing and sales teams is crucial for the success of ABM. Both teams have to work together for the messaging and efforts to be aligned, fostering a seamless transition from marketing engagement to the sales process.

Measuring and Analyzing Results:

Metrics and KPIs are established to measure the success of ABM campaigns. This could include metrics like engagement rates, conversion rates, and overall revenue generated from the targeted accounts.

Iterative Refinement:

ABM is an ever-changing process that involves constant refinement based on data and feedback. As insights are gathered from ongoing campaigns, strategies and campaigns are adjusted and optimized to enhance effectiveness.

While this might just sound like another marketing tactic, we do believe this shift in approach will make a big difference for many! Account-Based Marketing enables organizations to forge deeper connections with their most valuable accounts, drive revenue, and enhance client relationships. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, embracing the power of ABM is not just a choice but a strategic opportunity for you to thrive in the modern business environment. If ABM is something you’d like to learn more about, Onya is here to help. Reach out today to learn more!

Keeping up with a demanding social media posting schedule is both necessary but can be quite stressful (been there, done that). We know we need to provide content but at what cost? Like many these days, the question has shifted to, “Should we leverage automation?” 

With the growing demands of maintaining a strong online presence, the debate over the wisdom of integrating automation into social media tools has become a hot topic. Below, we dive into the pros, cons, and considerations surrounding the strategic decision to automate your social media activities.

The Pros: Unlocking Efficiency and Consistency

Time Efficiency:

Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, saving you valuable time. Scheduling posts, responding to comments, and engaging with your audience can be practically automated, allowing you to focus on higher-level strategies and organizational growth.

Consistency in Presence:

Maintaining a consistent online presence is crucial for social media success. Automation ensures your content is shared at optimal times, even when you're not actively managing your profiles, leading to a more reliable brand presence when your target users want and use it the most!

Data-Driven Insights:

Many automation tools provide analytics that offer valuable insights into your audience's behavior. This data helps refine your strategy, making your social media efforts more effective over time.

The Cons: The Human Touch Dilemma

Risk of Inauthenticity:

Over-automation can lead to a lack of authenticity and sounding a bit robotic. Users crave genuine interactions, and excessive automation might result in stale responses that turn away potential followers or customers.

Algorithmic Challenges:

Social media algorithms are always updating and changing, each and every day. Relying solely on automation may make it challenging to adapt to sudden changes in algorithms or take advantage of new trends (and frankly, could break some expected posts from showing).

Limited Personalization:

Automation tools, while efficient, often lack the personal touch that can make a significant impact. Crafting personalized responses to comments or messages is a human strength that automation struggles to replicate.

How to Strike the Right Balance

Balancing Automation and Human Engagement:

The key lies in finding the right balance. While automation can handle routine tasks, human engagement is best for building meaningful connections. Use automation to free up time for actual, genuine interactions.

Regular Audits and Adjustments:

Social media trends and algorithms change rapidly. Regularly audit your automation strategy to ensure it aligns with the current landscape and be prepared to make adjustments based on real-time data.

Ethical Use of Automation:

Avoid automating activities that may be perceived as unethical or insincere. Authenticity should always be a priority, and automation should enhance, not detract from, the human touch in social media interactions.

Building automation into your toolkit can be a wise move when approached strategically. By harnessing the efficiency and insights automation offers while preserving the authenticity of human interaction, you can create a powerful synergy that propels your social media presence to new heights.

The key is to be mindful and adaptive and to always prioritize the genuine connections that make social media a truly impactful platform. If authenticity is what you crave but support is lacking, reach out to Onya today to see how we can help!

“That’s a full-time job”

We hear it all the time as a reason people can’t grow on a platform like Instagram. We will never say growing on Instagram is easy. It takes effort and a plan to execute. 

But it CAN be done in one hour a day. 

Here are some of the ways our clients get more done in less time with better results: 

#1 They don’t scroll for inspiration for hours on end.

Research shows that excessive time spent on social media, especially aimlessly scrolling for inspiration, can lead to a decrease in productivity. By limiting inspiration-seeking activities, users can focus on creating meaningful content during their dedicated hours.

#2 They focus on creating content that actually produces growth.

The Instagram algorithm favors consistent and engaging content. Users who concentrate on creating content that resonates with their audience and aligns with trending topics or relevant hashtags are more likely to gain visibility and attract new followers.

#3 They automate comments and story engagement so they don’t have to do it all manually. 

Social media automation tools have become popular for managing engagement without spending excessive time manually responding to comments and engaging with stories. By automating these processes, users can maintain a consistent presence and save time for more strategic activities.

#4 They use a proven framework so they know exactly what to do and aren’t constantly wondering if it’s correct. 

Studies on productivity emphasize the importance of having a structured approach to tasks. A proven framework provides a step-by-step guide, reducing uncertainty and decision fatigue. It also eliminates guesswork and guides your actions in that crucial one-hour window. Whether it's a content calendar, posting schedule, or a set routine for engagement, having a framework in place ensures that your efforts are intentional and geared toward growth.

#5 They have an ideal buyer blueprint that allows them to always know what to say in the caption to attract people with the problem they solve. 

Knowing your target audience and tailoring content to their interests is crucial for social media success. Research indicates that personalized and relatable captions perform much better than those that are more generic. An ideal buyer blueprint that aligns with your target audience strategy (talk to us more about this!) helps users understand their audience's pain points, enabling them to craft captions that resonate and attract individuals facing similar challenges.

But what does that one hour look like?

Let’s start low and move up. Here is a recommended possible time frame to get your one-hour-a-day bang for your buck: 

• 7 minutes: Research - Plan your content
• 8 Minutes: 3-5 stories that serve your ideal buyer
• 10 minutes: Watch stories and send DMs
• 15 minutes: Comment on 15 other accounts in your niche and respond to comments
• 20 minutes: Create and post your reel. Film for 3, edit for 10, post in 7 

In just one focused hour a day, you have the power to revolutionize your Instagram strategy. By prioritizing content creation, embracing automation, and following a proven framework, you'll witness a very tangible and impressive increase in your follower count!

Needing some guidance on a proven framework you can count on to make the most of your valuable time? Reach out to Onya today to learn more!

Getting stuck in a posting rut happens to the best of us.

This feeling is all too familiar (and frustrating) for those of us in an online space.

There is no need to panic! Let’s chat about how to revive your social media presence, get back into a sustainable routine, and find joy in posting again. 

Below are our top 6 tried and true methods for getting the inspiration flowing again when it comes to your content. 

But First, Why do I feel this way?

Content Pressure

Many folks feel pressured to constantly produce high-quality and engaging content. This pressure can lead to burnout and make individuals hesitant to post anything at all.

Fear of Judgment

The fear of criticism or negative feedback can hinder people from posting on social media. This fear may stem from concerns about how their content will be perceived by others.

Comparison and Envy

Constantly comparing one's social media presence to others can create feelings of inadequacy and discouragement. This comparison may result in a reluctance to post, as you may feel that your content isn't as good as others'.

Algorithm Anxiety

The ever-changing algorithms on social media platforms can be intimidating. You may fear that their content won't be seen by followers, leading to a decrease in motivation to post regularly.

Time Constraints

Busy schedules and time constraints can limit the amount of time individuals have to dedicate to creating and sharing content on social media platforms.

Before we begin, ask yourself these questions: 

• Are any of the reasons above key issues that need to be tackled at home or abroad first? The above might require a solid attitude check. Make sure you’re posting for the right reasons.
• Which social media platform(s) are you feeling stuck on?
• What kind of content have you been creating? Are you switching up types and formats?
• What are your specific goals for social media?
• What are some examples of posts that have done well in the past?
• What are some things you find draining about creating content?

#1 Take a Break

Sometimes all you need is a little distance. Step away from the platform for a few days and think about ANYTHING other than your social media content. Then, come back with fresh eyes. We can guarantee that when you sit back down at your desk, the inspiration will start flowing a bit quicker. And as a reminder, it’s ok to take a break social media will still be there when you get back. 

#2 Revisit Your Goals

Know your WHY! Remind yourself why you’re on social media. Are you wanting to connect with colleagues or friends? Are you trying to build your brand? Are you sharing your passions? Refocusing on your goals can guide your content creation and remind you why you started in the first place. Not to mention, should most definitely get you back on track if you are holding to a social media strategy. 

#3 Analyze Your Audience

Take note of what your followers respond to the most. Check engagement metrics to understand your community’s preferences or try tailoring your content to match the current topics of conversation in your industry. Know their pain points and know what they’re searching for. 

#4 Plan Your Content

Create a content calendar to schedule posts in advance. Batching is key here. Set aside time one day a week to batch the next week or so in order to get content ready. Avoid any last-minute scrambles to ensure consistent posting and higher quality content. The algorithm loves that (and so will your readers). 

#5 Use Tools and Resources

Take advantage of apps like Later to schedule content efficiently or Notion to organize your content seamlessly. Technology is here and designed to try and make your life a bit easier. Don’t ignore it! Use them to your advantage and you’ll soon discover how helpful they can be in getting you out of the monotony. 

#6 Repurpose Old Content

No need to reinvent the wheel every time you post. 

Don’t be afraid to revisit successful posts, especially those that are evergreen. Rephrase, update, add new visuals, use a different format, or share on a new platform for a new take. 

Remember that social media is a marathon, not a sprint. Take intentional steps, refocus on your goals, and use tools to streamline your process flow. If you still need help in getting out of the rut, Onya is here to help! Please reach out to us for more tips on how to grow sustainably.

Are your social media efforts not working or delivering as expected? Does each month feel like you fall lower and lower beneath the mark you set for your brand? Is it crickets each time you check your channels? 

Truth be told, there are several reasons your content may not be working. 

Success on social media isn’t just about following trends or hitting arbitrary growth targets. It’s about aligning your strategy with your unique goals and understanding your customer’s/reader’s journey. 

But where do you start? Right here with 5 key questions designed to unlock the potential of your social media strategy. 

#1 Which metrics align best with my goals?

Start by aligning your social media goals with your overall organizational objectives. 

What types of actions are you aiming to hit? If you’re trying to hit everything, the likelihood of your audience taking action is zero. Be sure that your outcomes match what the organization is trying to do. 

For instance, if you’re a school that’s trying to encourage volunteer signups for upcoming bake sales, you probably don’t need to be asking people their immediate thoughts on bus schedules on social media. 

Here’s a quick guide to help:

• Awareness phase - Your potential customer/reader is exploring options. Key metrics include impressions, reach, and growth in followers.
• Consideration phase - They’re weighing the pros and cons. Key metrics include engagement rate, website views from social, downloads and CTR.
• Conversion Phase - Decision time for your potential customer. Key metrics include email sign-ups, adds-to-cart, checkouts, purchases, link clicks, etc.
• Loyalty Phase - Focus on retaining customers and building community. Key metrics include repeat customer rate, engagement rate, shares, and reviews.

#2 What are the pain points of my audience and how can my content provide a solution?

Be obsessed with your target audience. Prove yourself by adding value to their life. Deep dive into the mindset of your customers. Create content that they need at the moment. Relate to your audience as people, not buyers. Seek to solve their pain points. 

The best way to do this is to spend time talking to them in person before talking to them online. Meet them, ask them what bothers them. Reach out to them via surveys if you have to. These are all excellent avenues to getting on their level. 

#3 What gaps exist between my current strategy and the strategies of successful competitors?

Don’t overlook your competitors! While it’s tempting to focus solely on your strategy, understanding your competition is key to your growth. 

It’s not just about who’s out there, but how you can uniquely fill the gaps and stand out. Analyzing your competitors helps you recognize your strengths, pinpoint weaknesses, and identify fresh audiences. Remember that it’s not about copying, it’s about learning from their successes and making those insights work for you. 

#4 What can I learn from my top and bottom-performing posts?

Analyze your top and bottom-performing posts to refine your strategy. 

Successful content highlights what your audience enjoys, guiding you to repurpose similar themes. 

For low performers, identify common issues like topic, format, or timing. Use these insights to adapt and enhance future posts. Better yet, repurpose these posts to see if changing the wording/timing/etc does improve the engagement. 

#5 Are my expectations too high?

So many illegitimate experts are spewing off nonsense and creating unrealistic standards for the average organization. 

Instagram alone is typically not enough to increase revenue substantially, it is not common for brands to grow by thousands of followers every month, and every piece of content you put out there shouldn’t go viral. 

What we’re saying is that your content may be working exactly as it should for the audience you’re catering to and for the business you’re set up to succeed within. 

The best way to gauge realistic expectations is by seeing how others perform in your industry and for the normal audience that they’re catering to. 

For instance, if you’re a small family-owned repairman, you are likely focused on your local community, not the US as a whole (unless you’re Superman). Your reach will be smaller and much more direct. Does that mean your business won’t do well using social media? No! You have a great opportunity to reach others who may have otherwise not known of your business. 

Remember that it’s not about doing all the things. It’s about doing the right things for your organization. 

Is social media strategy something you need help with? Let Onya be there to guide you. Reach out to us today to learn more!

We all like to go about our day believing the best for our businesses and organizations - hoping and praying all the right marketing efforts will pay off with more clients, more engagement, more inquiries, etc. 

But what about when the worst happens? When situations unfold completely outside of marketing strategy? When natural disaster strikes, when people go rogue, when someone dies…..the list can go on. What happens then? What do you do? 

In many of these cases, you’ll sometimes see social media pages go quiet. How on earth do you begin to respond to those scenarios? Circumstances you DIDN'T plan for? The ones you didn’t slide into your planned programming? 

In this blog post, we will explore the best practices for handling crisis management on your social media accounts and why it matters to your readers.  

#1 Prepared Planning

Organizations of all shapes and sizes should always come with a crisis management plan in place. While it may not be able to capture all life scenarios, it should outline realistic situations, who is responding, how to respond, and how to best communicate. 

A study by Deloitte found that organizations with crisis management plans and simulations in place respond 30% faster to crises. Regularly conduct crisis simulation exercises to ensure the social media team is well-prepared and can react promptly in a crisis.

#2 Swift Response Time

While many would not expect your social media team to sit at attention 24/7 (and in many cases, resources don’t allow for this), there should be an expectation of quick responses should something occur. 

According to a study by Sprout Social, 79% of consumers expect a response on social media within the first 24 hours, and 30% expect a response within one hour.

Let’s say a warehouse fire happens that offsets shipping times and impacts current workers. It is likely not wise to wait a full week to respond online. Be prompt, be direct, and don’t keep people waiting. 

#3 Transparency & Honesty

Usually when something happens, the more forthcoming, the better. Organizations should openly acknowledge the issue, take responsibility when appropriate, and provide regular updates to rebuild trust.

A survey by Edelman revealed that 81% of consumers believe that companies should be transparent about how they operate and communicate. 

When organizations sweep things under the rug or ignore the issue entirely, it tells consumers that their concerns do not matter and that there is something to hide. 

Use this opportunity also also reach out and ask people how they are. See if they’ll respond and provide you with real-time feedback. Or look to provide discounts or help where possible so folks see you engaging and caring about their well-being. 

#4 Consistent Messaging Across Platforms

When different messages are sent across different platforms, it can confuse readers as to what may be happening. 

Salesforce found that 76% of consumers expect a consistent experience when interacting with a brand across different channels (no matter the situation).

As an organization trying to guide the message, ensure that crisis communication is consistent across all social media platforms to avoid confusion and maintain a unified brand image.

#5 Empathy & Emotional Intelligence

Even if the crisis or issue didn’t directly impact you personally, it did impact someone. This is why empathy is so important to convey when messaging on social media. This is showing that they understand the impact of the crisis on their audience. 

PwC showed that 59% of consumers believe businesses have a responsibility to demonstrate empathy.

Navigating a crisis on social media requires a strategic and data-driven approach. By embracing transparency, maintaining consistency, and demonstrating empathy, organizations can weather the storm and also emerge stronger. 

Remember, a well-managed crisis can allow brands to showcase their commitment to their audience and build lasting trust. If this is something that your organization needs assistance in managing, Onya would be glad to talk!

You're likely reading this because you're interested in exploring social media etiquette further. Posting regularly is a necessity for organizations that want to stay on people's radars. Without a consistent posting schedule, algorithms are less likely to pick you up and surface you frequently. However, hasty or uninformed posts can cause serious issues down the road.

To ensure your organization's social platforms contribute positively to its image and goals, here are the top 5 things to check before hitting that 'Post' button.

#1 Before posting, have I fact-checked for accuracy?

This is a big one. Before sharing any information, it's imperative to fact-check thoroughly. Inaccurate information can damage your organization's credibility and reputation. 

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans say that fake news has caused "a great deal" of confusion about basic facts of current events. 

Did you know that it is thought that 10% of the content could be generated by Artificial Intelligence? Furthermore, experts say that “90% of Online Content Will Be AI-generated by 2026”. 

This means that fact-checking is doubly important to remain a credible source of information. Ensuring the accuracy of your posts not only builds trust among your audience but also safeguards your organization from potential backlash.

It is critical to stay clear of this type of backlash, considering there is a significant amount of AI-generated content. AI-produced information is not always accurate. And while it can be a valuable tool, it remains distinct from human capabilities.

#2 Am I optimizing my content for each platform before I post?

Tailoring content to suit the specific features and algorithms of each social media platform is essential. 

A study by Social Media Today revealed that posts with images receive 2.3 times more engagement on Facebook, while tweets with images are 150% more likely to be retweeted. 

Some platforms are designed for videos, others for text, and others for pictures. Adjust and post strategically for the biggest impact. Understanding and utilizing the nuances of each platform can significantly enhance your organization's reach. 

#3 Does my post maintain consistency in brand voice?

Maintaining a consistent brand voice across all social platforms is vital for brand recognition and loyalty. According to a survey by Lucidpress, consistent brand presentation across all platforms increases revenue by up to 23%. 

Inconsistencies in messaging can confuse your audience and dilute your brand identity. Before posting on Social Media, ensure your content aligns with your organization's established brand voice and values.

#4 Have I monitored for cultural sensitivity prior to posting?

In a globalized world, cultural sensitivity is paramount. A misjudged post can lead to significant backlash and damage your organization's international reputation. 

A journal post from Sage Journals found that consumers have stopped purchasing from a brand due to a perceived lack of cultural sensitivity. It's crucial to conduct thorough cultural sensitivity checks to avoid unintentional offense and foster a positive global image.

While we know it’s impossible to please everyone, it’s important to keep kindness at the forefront. Posts that aren’t empathetic or thoughtful about who or how it may affect should be handled with great care. 

#5 Before posting visual content, have I double-checked for accessibility?

Accessibility is often overlooked but plays a critical role in social media engagement. 

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability. 

Ensuring your visual content is accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments, not only broadens your audience but also aligns with ethical and inclusive business practices. 

Run your images through alt-text descriptions and check for color contrasts to make your content universally accessible.

All-in-all, a well-thought-out social media strategy involves more than just posting updates. By fact-checking, optimizing content, maintaining brand consistency, monitoring cultural sensitivity, and ensuring accessibility, your organization can confidently navigate the complex landscape of social media, fostering positive relationships and long-term success. 

Need help with knowing what or when to post? Onya has got you covered. Reach out today to learn more!

Not putting “you” in your content has its problems. This is what makes people or organizations blend in with other people in their industries! 

You need to bring YOU into your content to: 

• Build the personal brand
• Build trust
• Stand out

Don’t hear us wrong, it won't work for every piece of content. But how you write your captions, content, and live text is so important if you want to do those three things. 

As soon as you start saying “I”, you’re on the path to building a more personal brand. A brand no one else can take from you because you’re the face of it! 

Why Does it Matter? 

• A personal tone contributes to authenticity, which is crucial for building trust with your audience. A report by Cohn & Wolfe found that 91% of consumers globally value honesty about products and services.
  
• A study by Nielsen revealed that 59% of consumers prefer to buy new products from brands familiar to them. A personal tone helps to create brand familiarity and a positive perception.
  
• The Humanizing Brand Experience Report by WP Engine found that 77% of consumers believe a brand is more likely to purchase if the brand feels more human, emphasizing the importance of humanizing the brand through a personal tone.

How I Bring You Into the Content

This doesn’t mean just posting selfies. A lot of the time it boils down to how you write things. This means talking about yourself and telling a story. We know it sounds egotistical but it’s not because you do it in an unhelpful way. 

Changing the tone and pronouns

The easiest shift you can make is changing the tone in captions or posts. 

• “How to” → “How I” (see what we did there with the title?)
  
• “Why You Should” → “Why I”
  
• “What You” → “What I”

Sharing Personal Stories 

Share relevant personal or brand stories. This could include anecdotes about your journey, challenges you've overcome, or success stories. Tips are great and daily routines are fine but they need context in the grand scheme of your success and your life. 

Show Behind-the-Scenes

Give your audience a glimpse behind the scenes. Showcasing your workspace, team members, or day-to-day operations adds a human touch.

Use Authentic Imagery

Use authentic images and try to avoid stock photos that might feel impersonal. Authentic visuals connect better with your audience.

Engage in Conversations

Respond to comments and messages. Engaging in conversations with your audience helps build a more personal connection. Be present and don’t be afraid of sometimes negative feedback. 

Share Personal Opinions

Express your opinions on relevant industry topics. I’ll say it again for the people in the back. Be willing to share thoughts!!! This positions your brand as having a unique perspective and adds a personal touch. It’s ok if not everyone agrees with you. So long as it’s mindful and thought-provoking, it's ok to discuss. 

Use Your Voice 

Literally. Consider using audio or video content where your audience can hear your voice. This adds a personal punch and allows them to connect with you on a more human level. 

It’s simple talking about your experiences and educating people through a different tone. This is how many of these personal brands make it. They speak about themselves but in a way where they’re sharing their learnings so you can still glean value. Are you looking for more ways to add more “You” in your content? Reach out to Onya today to learn more!

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. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, launches, or limited-time promotions creates a sense of urgency while increasing your chances of reaching the Instagram Explore Page through higher engagement.

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!