I’ve recently started to explore Instagram, the über popular photo-sharing platform bought by Facebook in 2012 for an astounding $1 billion. Instagram had just 13 employees at the time.
Today, there are more than 200 million active users on Instagram; more than 75 million people use the mostly mobile platform on the daily—and those numbers continue to grow. So I guess that means I’m a late bloomer, especially since 34% of teens and millennials, 20% of online females, and 15% of online males are already posting, filtering, and sharing photos on Instagram. With that kind of engagement, I can certainly hear the tintinnabular sounds of great sales potential ringing for marketers looking to reach those coveted demographics.
So I’ve decided to highlight some of the plucky brand marketers who are crafting social campaigns that educate, engage, and prompt action. Especially since this year’s Social Media Marketing Industry Report says that 42% of marketers plan to increase their use of Instagram. These are just a few, so feel free to share your favorites, too.
No. 1 Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia’s designer Stacey Bendet is an artisan in the way she gives loyal followers a behind-the-scenes look at one of today’s most popular fashion brands. Bendet uses Instagram not only to showcase the clothes through gorgeous images but provides unending inspiration to lovers of style.
No. 2 Porsche
The sleek designs of Porsche are on display with the brand’s Instagram page. Marketers for Porsche unveil new designs, feature vintage cars, post videos that show off the machine’s amazing power and of course display the worldwide love for the luxury car with colorful, lustrous images.
No. 3 Dylan’s Candy Bar
This NYC-based whimsical emporium uses Instagram to merge candy with fashion, art, and pop culture. Dylan’s Candy Bar encourages confectionery lovers from every corner of the world to satisfy their sweet tooth with one of the brands colorful treats, by attending a sugary event, or simply ordering a fun creation from a cornucopia of home décor and fashion delights.
No. 4 Williams-Sonoma
The high-end housewares company features much more than kitchen utilities, furniture and linens. Williams-Sonoma shares images of specialty foods, spotlights famous chefs, and highlights the brands most recently published books. Followers can draw endless inspiration for seasonal recipes and creations.
No. 5 Budweiser
This page not only features the brand’s libations for those of legal age, but creates a sort of counterculture among music lovers. Budweiser features major artists, concerts, and events—all fueled by the pale lager, of course. Some of the world’s most popular musicians, such as pop superstar Rihanna, and dedicated fans are featured on the non-conventional, pictorial blog.
