Instagram Marketing: Advertising in the Age of Coronavirus
Ever since the novel coronavirus broke out, it has had a far-reaching impact. The fact is that it is unlikely for our lives to return to normal. As customers continue to change their shopping habits to cope with the pandemic, businesses need to understand these changes. Companies experience uncertainty like never before. However, this does not mean that it is not possible to advertise and grow your business in the age of the Coronavirus.
Arslan Hassan
Guest Writer
Since traditional marketing options can be quite costly, it is important to focus on an alternative. This is where Instagram marketing comes into place. Boasting over a billion users, Instagram is easily one of the most-used social media platforms.
The following Instagram marketing tips will prove useful to help you make the most of the current pandemic:
1. Adaptation
A common mistake that companies are making during the coronavirus is that they are freezing all their marketing activities. However, cutting down on marketing can result in a dramatic downstream trend. The secret to survival is adaptation.
To make the most of Instagram, you need to monitor successful companies. Many businesses have used Instagram and adapted to changes to better serve their target audience. If you want to succeed, you need to do the same.
Create a strategy that monitors the changes in consumer behaviour and evolves accordingly. It will allow you to get ahead of the pack. Remember, only those businesses survive that learn to adapt. Hence, you need to study the latest coronavirus trends to grow your business.
2. Expand Your Reach Digitally
Instagram provides you with the perfect platform to expand your reach digitally.
With social distancing becoming the new normal, businesses have to communicate creatively with customers. Creative marketing is possible by leveraging Instagram to stay relevant and keep offering something that people love.
To market your brand on Instagram, you need to offer in-store shopping options and interactive experiences, which is possible by using IGTV, Instagram Live, and Instagram Shopping.
Get everyone together through Instagram Live. You can use the tool to host events online or even ask customers to join digitally. There is no limit to what you can do.
People are using Instagram Live more than ever before, and you need to use it to get a step further from your competition. Whether you are running a software company or any other type of online business, you can use Instagram Live to attract customers.
Offer teasers of your products with Instagram Live. Then, you need to provide ways for customers to shop online instead of at a physical store. As people are required to practice physical distancing, you have to provide them with online shopping facilities.
Share your online store URL on your Instagram bio or run your business on Instagram altogether. It is very easy to set up an Instagram Shopping account. Moreover, the returns make it worthwhile to create a shopping account.
3. Spread Your Message and Connect
When it comes to Instagram marketing, you have to spread your message across and connect with your target audience. Use advertising to reinforce your commitment towards the community and share positivity in uncertain times.
Now, you do not necessarily need to spend on Instagram ads as you can market your business through Instagram Feed and Instagram Stories.
The most important messages should be shared on your feed. Post content that helps put people at ease and convinces them to purchase from you.
To expand your online reach, you will need to run Instagram ads. If you are offering something new such as takeaway or free delivery services, you can let everyone know that through ads.
Use Instagram Stories to keep your brand human. It might sound like a strange concept, but people want to purchase from brands that appear human to them.
Share the story behind your business using Instagram Stories. It allows you to keep your followers updated about what you have to offer.
Keep things interesting by using interactive stickers like question stickers and polling stickers. It will help boost customer engagement and allow your customers to see the essence of the brand. Show them the behind-the-scenes if you want to keep them hooked.
4. Communicate with Customers
There is more to Instagram marketing than just running ads. You also need to communicate with customers.
Manage your direct messages on Instagram by setting up FAQs and sharing important answers through Instagram Stories
When you keep the dialogue open with your target audience, you allow them to put their trust in your business. To save time, you can even use Quick Replies.
According to an online survey, customers want to listen to brands more than ever before, which should be reason enough for you to communicate with your customers. Be honest about how the coronavirus has impacted your business and let them know how much you care about them.
5. Use Instagram to Convince Others to Comply with Physical Distancing Measures
Businesses have a greater responsibility than just making money. They need to use Instagram to convince people to follow physical distancing measures to flatten the curve.
The best way to show customers that you care is by educating them about the importance of physical distancing.
As the coronavirus is very real, you have to tell people to practice social distancing and self-quarantine. You can then jump on the advice by letting customers know that you offer delivery services or online shopping options.
6. Guide Customers
Not everyone knows what they need to do to curb the spread of the coronavirus. To show how responsible your business is, you can use Instagram marketing to guide customers. Let them know what steps they can take to get through this difficult time.
In addition to offering general advice, you should also suggest the most appropriate course of action that everyone can take to make it through the pandemic.
Instagram Marketing for the Win
By reading this post, you now know how to advertise and promote your business on Instagram during the Coronavirus. Take advantage of each tip to boost brand recognition and loyalty. You will be amazed by the effectiveness of these tips.
Did you try any? Share the results with us in the comment section below!
Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Dynamologic Solutions.
