2020 Instagram Marketing Predictions
Instagram is a fast growing social media platform and shows no sign of slowing down in 2020. Here are the top 5 trends you need to look out for in 2020 that will help you get more engagement with your followers.
Micro Blogging
A picture says a thousand words, but an image on Instagram can be supported with a micro blog. Micro blogs are long form captions (of up to 375 words) along with your image.
Blogging on Instagram is a different kind of blogging. Generally speaking, most of us think of blogs as their own independent domains, with complicated web hosting, and an individual URL. Obviously, as a social media platform, Instagram doesn’t have that. Instead, it works as a form of microblogging.
But as strange as it may sound, the truth is that Instagram microblogs can be a highly-successful form of online blogging. By using Instagram, you’ll enjoy the flexibility you need to start growing your personal brand.
Using Instagram as your blogging medium requires a bit of an expert touch. Here’s what you need to know to start turning your Instagram into the perfect blog for your personal brand!
Choose a Niche
Your niche is what you have specialist knowledge on, as an entrepreneur your niche is what you are an expert on. One of the most common mistakes rookie bloggers make is not choosing a niche.
In order to grow your audience, you must first narrow the scope of your blogs focus. People want to read from people they deem to be number one in a particular field.
By focusing on one niche and working to build a reputation in it, you can start to grab a larger audience than you ever thought possible. For this reason, make sure that your first step is to choose a niche.
IGTV
IGTV which was launched in 2018 is Instagrams answer to video content. IGTV now has been updated to allow content creators to create a series of videos.
A series on IGTV, meaning that you can create a series of videos on a specific topic. What’s more, these videos can be up to 60 minutes long and lasts forever on the platform. With IGTV series being a relatively new way you can create your content. Now is the time to jump onboard with IGTV series as consumers already spend 53 minutes per day consuming content on Instagram. Grow your own Instagram with IGTV in this simple six steps.
- Tip number one: Repurpose your existing content
- Tip number two: Give original and valuable content
- Tip number three: Give tutorials
- Tip number four: Be consistent by having a regular video on the same time of day and same frequency for creating the video.
- Tip number five: Host Q&A sessions so that you increase your engagement and get down on a more personal level with your followers.
- Tip number six: Featured customer success stories for loyal social proof
Use Micro Influencers
Brands tended to prefer to work with influencers who have a following of at least 50,000. But now brands are looking at micro influencers now!
Why?
Mico influencers tend to have stronger engagement on their Instagram posts than the larger influencers.
This is what brands look for when working with a micro influencer and as an entrepreneur what you should look for too.
Be More Authentic
The best way to stand out from the growing Instagram crowd is to show your followers your real, authentic self. You’re probably sick of seeing the word “authentic” yet again, but the advice is sound.
As an entrepreneur you have a real opportunity to show the real person behind the brand. You have the opportunity to share not only the good aspects of your business but also the bad bits.
When brands have shown authenticity, customers were more attracted to that brand. 86% of people say authenticity is important when deciding what brands they like and support.
User Generated Content
70% of social media marketers lack any consistent or integrated content strategy. Creating content is an integral part of any marketing strategy but is challenging. Challenging for entrepreneurs who don't have the resources and expertise in creating mass content.
Create mass content more productively with UGC. UGC allows you to source content created by your consumers. Essentially, this is third-party type content that works as free advertising.
Examples of UGC
Airbnb are one of the most successful Instagram accounts using User-Generated Content. In fact, they are almost 100% based on User-Generated posts. Every day, around the world in multiple locations, their team asks the simple question to users. They find great photos and videos shared with the #Airbnb hashtag, and ask
Why did you travel? Where did you stay? What did you find? - AirBNB
Airbnb curates the stories of thousands of people with User-Generated Content on Instagram.
Here’s 4 important tips in a UGC strategy
Tip 1: Give a reason to create content
Get users to create content and value for your business by giving them a reason to do so. Start encouraging other users to join in on conversations. This helps you to understand your audience so you know which themes and subjects fuel their interest.
So what is the reason why users would want to generate content? Because as with tip 4 they will get tagged on the brands post, thus raising their own profile. People love to have any opportunity to increase their audience.
Tip 2: HAVE CLEAR GOALS
Before implementing a UGC strategy without having the right plan in place. Goals could vary from
Increasing followers
Creating sales
Make a topic trend
Defining your goals is crucial so you can easily tailor fit the type of content you want your users to create. Align these goals to your overarching and long-term objectives.
Tip 3: DEFINE YOUR DIRECTION
Users should have a definite sense of direction of what to create. Be clear in the content for users to create without putting up too many rules or you might end up deterring people from joining
TIP 4: SHARE THEIR CONTENT
Don't just let your users create content, share them on your pages and give proper credit when using your followers photos. People love shoutouts and seeing their content being reposted. Call out those dedicated users and build a relationship with them.
User generated content harnesses those who value you and your brand. Allowing you to engage and co-create content with your audience.
