Can Using Instagram Jump Start Your Franchise? Some Pointers…

We know that there is an amazing array of social media platforms that can greatly enhance your franchise profile and brand awareness. Stalwarts such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn were the original three giants in a crowded field, but today, we’re going to take a look at one of their distant cousins. While actually owned by Facebook, it seems to be picking up some serious momentum for business promotions—welcome to Instagram. It’s all about the visuals.

If you’re not familiar, this is the definition of Instagram and what it does, here’s a primer from the social site, TechTarget.com:

“Instagram is a free, online photo-sharing application and social network platform that was acquired by Facebook in 2012.

Instagram allows users to edit and upload photos and short videos through a mobile app. Users can add a caption to each of their posts and use hashtags and location-based geotags to index these posts and make them searchable by other users within the app. Each post by a user appears on their followers’ Instagram feeds and can also be viewed by the public when tagged using hashtags or geotags. Users also have the option of making their profile private so that only their followers can view their posts.”

And how is it specific to a franchise business, per se?

“The photo-sharing app offers companies the opportunity to start a free business account to promote their brand and products. Companies with business accounts have access to free engagement and impression metrics. According to Instagram’s website, more than one million advertisers worldwide use Instagram to share their stories and drive business results. Additionally, 60 percent of people say they discover new products through the app.”

Did you catch that last line? Could you imagine people discovering what your franchise has to offer because you posted some fascinating photos? If that sounds like fun, let’s look at a real-world example.

Hashtags with your Instagram images are a great place to start. Let’s assume you have a franchise-based QSR with mouthwatering cheeseburgers. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to imagine how you might use photography to trigger hunger pangs among your local target audience. A hashtag of related words and phrases will collate the post into common Instagram feeds. For example, #hungry #lunch #starving. You get the picture (in this case, literally). Always remember to add your website address to your posts, to facilitate a broader reach of your franchises’ products and/or services.

Keep in mind three simple rules for Instagram. Your photos must be high quality and enticing. Make sure your accompanying post clarifies your message (it’s basically an ad, right?) and finally—always include some kind of call to action. You want to encourage trial, so communicate exactly what it is you have to offer and why your customers should care.

Instagram is perhaps one of the most engaging and enticing of the social media platforms. At FranNet, we have a theory about that, but it’s not scientific. You know how most people would rather look at pictures than read a book? If you apply that to social media platforms, Instagram becomes a logical choice.

To sign up for a free account, you just need to associate it with an email address and password. You can get started by visiting www.instagram.com.

Happy posting!

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