Following on from the guest blog that Esther did a while back about “Instagram for Business: 5 Top Tips”, she thought she’d share with you some examples from her personal Instagram account (as a general follower – not a Social Progress Ltd social media manager). So here is “Instagram for Business (Continued)” by Esther Orridge @estherorridge…
Below are examples of the types of people/businesses that I personally follow and think are effective. I’ve included their Instagram usernames (so that you can click on them and check them out) and a short explanation about why I think they are effective.
@twobirdsmaids
twobirds is a special bridal company who specialise in their 15-way wrap bridesmaids dresses. Their Instagram is successful because of their particular use of imagery – they don’t need to shout out to sell the dresses because the imagery works in their favour – it makes you WANT to buy! They show off the variety of colours, styles and lengths and build us a gallery of photos for their 4553 followers to view to their hearts content. Another good idea they have is that they feature “real wedding” photos showing off their dresses. This gives it a personal touch rather than just using a load of models.
Image from @twobirdsmaids Instagram account – example of their product in use “real life”
Image from @twobirdsmaids Instagram account – showing the colour range of their products
Image from @twobirdsmaids Instagram account – demonstrating how to use their product
@brides
Brides Magazine currently have a massive Instagram following of 195k people all looking for inspiration and visual pleasure! Their Instagram is almost as glossy as their printed magazine! Their images are professional, varied and very relevant to their brand! They also use “real wedding” photos to give it a personal touch – although everything is still more expensive than I paid for my wedding ha! They feature all the things that you’d expect from a wedding magazine; they cover wedding dresses, flowers, cake, accessories, suits, and more! They also feature relevant companies for example photographers and bakers. Shout-outs or features are a great way to connect and boost interaction because it’s a mutual promotion. Good exposure!
Image from @brides Instagram account – promoting their magazine whilst being relative to their audience
Image from @brides Instagram account – example of a real life wedding feature
Image from @brides Instagram account – bright colours attract attention
@cr_uk
Cancer Research UK uses Instagram well to promote their activity and events. Imagery isn’t always shiny and filtered but it still keeps the standard clear. They use both photographs and graphics on their Instagram account to spread awareness. They feature fundraising events and show supporters in the action! Real time and real people!
Image from @cr_uk Instagram account – example of real life supporters getting involved in fundraising
Image from @cr_uk Instagram account – spreading the news about an event they’re involved with
@hallmark
Hallmark is about “celebrating all of life’s special occasions” and they use their Instagram to show the creativity and fun of the company. They use a lot of graphics on their Instagram account (as well as some photography) to reflect the designs of their cards. Their branding has shifted slightly over the years, they no longer focus on the greetings card brands (eg. Forever Friends) but they seem to generate more typographical artwork to showcase on their Instagram account. They have also started to feature behind the scenes / in the making photos and short videos which are really good – showing the employees and the creativity going on! I personally like this because it gives a friendlier feel to their messages. They also use a lot of quotes which provoke followers to think about what they are saying – for example “make extraordinary your ordinary thing”. They have a lot of encouraging messages too like “do what you love, it’s what you were meant to do” and “today will be awesome!” They have a positive and happy message to share with the world and they communicate that really well on Instagram.
Image from @hallmark Instagram account – example of their encouraging product & display of fun graphics keeping it on brand
Image from @hallmark Instagram account – behind the scenes video showing the creativity & products in the making!
@blush
Blush Publishing (letterpress printer) is based in Wales and they are great at using Instagram for promoting their products. This social media platform is perfect for them! The imagery they use really focusses on the details of the letterpressing and in turn communicates the high quality of the products. Not only are their photographs really effective but they also use the videos to their advantage. If you take a look you’ll see their “behind the scenes” videos which show the Original Heidelberg Letterpress in action! Again these are small things that connect the customer to the company! Keeping it personal.
Image from @blush Instagram account – showing off their product & using clear photography to depict the detail of the letterpress
Image from @blush Instagram account – video of behind the scenes “how it’s made”
@superdryglobal
Although Superdry isn’t one of my favourite Instagram accounts it’s a good example of how they keep everything bang on brand! All their imagery is professional, their typography matches their logo and they keep it consistent! They use their Instagram account to promote and raise awareness of their products. Simple. Personally I’d like to see some “real life” images rather than a load of glossy models dressed head-to-foot in Superdry gear BUT that is their call – would it be in-keeping with their brand to do that?
Image from @superdryglobal Instagram account – showing off their product & using their branding to enhance it
Image from @superdryglobal Instagram account – spreading awareness of their sales campaign/event without being shouty!
So overall, there are a few examples to look at. There are many many many more Instagram business accounts that you can follow and learn from – get connected and get Instagramming!
If you missed my previous blog post about “Instagram for Business: 5 top tips!” and you’d like to read it, click here!
Do connect with us on Instagram – @socialprogress See you there!
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Please note that all images have been taken from individual Instagram accounts and are credited as their property. Social Progress Ltd takes no credit for any imagery in this particular post. Images are solely there to represent the Instagram accounts featured in this blog post.