Yesterday Instagram, following the footsteps of its parent company, Facebook, launched Instagram Live, a new feature that is currently rolling out to the U.S. While Instagram Live is a great tool that gives followers a live, voyeuristic look into one’s day-to-day life, it is also a great tool social media marketers can use to reach and to connect with customers. If Instagram is anything like Facebook, whose Live video helped Vin Diesel promote Fast and Furious to millions of viewers and helped the Chewbacca mom go viral, then it, too, will succeed in garnering an audience for its users—and it’s not difficult to imagine why.
Within two months after its launch, Instagram Stories garnered 100 million active users. With this success, it is easy to imagine that Instagram, too, will have a surge in popularity within the next two months.
Although Instagram Live has not yet rolled out to everyone, as soon as it appears on your app, you should give it a try. Here are 4 reasons why you should add Instagram Live to your marketing strategy.
1. Instagram Live Is Cost Free
Shooting a live video on Instagram costs you nothing. It is unlike Instagram ads which you pay for. Instagram Live doesn’t require a creative for which you need to hire a graphic designer and copywriter, and you don’t need to buy high-tech video equipment such as a microphone, a camera, and studio lights. In fact, all you need is your smartphone.
Instagram Live allows you to reach your followers (your high interest group) and your target audience at no cost.
2. Video Content Is on the Rise
Video content has been growing in popularity. It has been so popular, in fact, that Mark Zuckerberg believes that social media will be all video in the future. It’s not hard to imagine why: people love videos. From video chatting to watching 3-minute Buzzfeed videos to Facebook Live to Youtube, people flock to video content. If you’re not producing video content, then you’re behind.
3. You Can Engage with Customers in Real Time
Much like Facebook Live, Instagram Live allows followers to post comments during the live recording, giving you an opportunity to connect, engage, and strengthen relationships with your customers. Doing so will not only improve for your ethos but also cultivate your customer’s loyalty.
When shooting an Instagram Live video, consider hosting a Q&A during or after the video event. This will make your customers feel as though your video is personalized for them, and they, consequently, will appreciate you taking the time to connect with them during their video experience.
4. You Can Stand Out
Since Instagram Live launched yesterday, it is likely that not many brands have flocked to use this tool. Now is the time to rise above the others, to reach your audience through a road not yet taken.
If your brand is a food or beverage company, for instance, consider hosting a weekly or bi-weekly cooking show, showcasing recipes using your product. If you’re a hospitality brand, consider giving live tours of your hotel or restaurant. As for fashion brands, give sneak peeks at new lines or host interviews with designers using Live.
As the list illustrated, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about Instagram Live. Because this new feature launched yesterday, it has not yet rolled out to all users. If it hasn’t rolled out to you yet, do not worry. It will get to you eventually. If it has rolled out to you, then what are you waiting for? Get on Instagram Live now.
Do you think Instagram Live is a good marketing tool for you? Leave your comments below or share link to friends.
