Instagram feeds update fast and there\u2019s a new face-altering filter available each week. Users have figured out how to attract massive followings and even become \u201cInstagram Famous.\u201d <\/p>\n
So how should brand marketing efforts fit the attractive, square mold? <\/p>\n
Lucky for you, Buffer has done all sorts of research for you and rounded up eight key guidelines to follow when creating marketing content for Instagram. Here\u2019s what they recommend: <\/p>\n
1. Younger audiences like relevant, relatable and creative content. <\/strong> 2. Post consistently, not constantly. <\/strong> 3. Post when it works best for you. <\/strong> 4. Don\u2019t neglect Instagram Stories! <\/strong> Another study found some Instagram users pay more attention to stories than posts, too. Maximize engagement by posting a story every so often. Not sure how to create amazing story content for your brand? Free template resources, such as this one<\/a>, can get you started. <\/p>\n 5. Add hashtags and location tags. <\/strong> TrackMaven found nine hashtags seems to be the magic number for maximizing post engagement. Just don\u2019t be obnoxious. However, use too many and your posts may be hidden from the hashtags feeds if they appear \u201cspammy.\u201d<\/p>\n 6. Create a mix of videos and images. <\/strong>
\nInstagram\u2019s user base is primarily 18-29 year olds and more women use the platform than men, according to the Pew Research Center. This demographic is fond of inspiring, beautiful and unique content. If you can create high-quality images and videos that can be described as \u201ccurrent, creative and useful\u201d \u2013 the top three words used teens and young adults used to describe Instagram \u2013 you\u2019ll be in good shape. <\/p>\n
\nIf you stick to a regular posting schedule and publish well-made posts, engagement will follow. Irregular, low-quality, constant posts won\u2019t do you any favors. In fact, it may drive followers away if your posts becoming a nuisance and\/or don\u2019t measure up to others. <\/p>\n
\nWhen\u2019s the best time to post on Instagram? No one really knows; research varies. Make your own schedule based on what you\u2019ve seen work for your audience. <\/p>\n
\nSnapchat was all the rage for a while, but Instagram Stories are slowly taking over. According to Techcrunch, Instagram stories generated an average of 35 percent more views for brands than Snapchat. <\/p>\n
\nThese are tools to help users find your content. Use them when you can. <\/p>\n
\nVideos took over Facebook, and that may be Instagram\u2019s fate, according to L2 and News Whip studies. However, whether videos will outperform images on Instagram depends on each brand\u2019s followers. Experiment with videos and compare their performance with your image posts. The data will reveal what your followers prefer. <\/p>\n