Recently, I hosted a webinar on Instagram for Business, where we discussed how to organically grow your account, how to create massive engagement on your posts, and how to integrate Instagram Stories and Instagram TV into your overall marketing strategy.
In case you didn’t know, Instagram turns 10 this year, and what began as a simple photo sharing app has since become a major platform for online marketing. In fact, Instagram is the second most logged in social media site for daily use after Facebook, with over one billion monthly active users, and counting.
No doubt, Instagram is growing — and not just in stats and numbers. There have been some new and exciting updates to Instagram over the last couple of weeks, from tools that will help businesses and consumers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to features that help you connect with your audience on a more personal (yet virtual) level. Check them out here:
Direct Messaging On Instagram From Your Desktop
Instagram is making it easier to get and send messages via the mobile app and desktop, no matter where you are in the world. According to The Verge, this is a welcome change for businesses and social media managers who need to respond to inquiries on a large scale. Why? Because it gives greater access to direct messaging and the option of typing on a keyboard, which is easier than a small cell phone screen. Not just convenient, these features also make customers more likely to engage. Like in the app, direct messaging from your browser will include the emoji keyboard and a gallery to view photos and video.
New Tools To Aid Businesses During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Instagram knows that, for many businesses, every sale helps. To assist during the pandemic, they have announced the addition of gift cards, online food orders, and fundraising tools, where businesses can share shoppable stickers in their Stories and on their profiles. Shoppers simply tap on these stickers to make a purchase or to contribute to a fundraiser, and everyone can help spread the word by resharing stickers. Instagram is also partnering with ordering platform ChowNow with shoppable food posts. Customers can see food pictures, click on a sticker, and place an order for take-out or delivery.
Instagram Live Videos Can Now Be Viewed On The Web
In the past, Instagram Live was limited to mobile devices, but you will now be able to watch Instagram Live videos via the web on your desktop computer. This update will make cross promotion considerably easier and will no longer require you to monopolize your cell phone for a long period of time. Instagram is also working to simulcast Instagram and Facebook Live. The platform is testing an option that would enable you to simulcast your Instagram Live sessions over to your Facebook page, essentially broadcasting to your audiences on both platforms at the same time.
Want to learn more? Follow Aliya Hammond Consulting on Instagram for social media quick tips!
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
