Instagram has been a popular platform of course for many brands and events. It is one of the major platforms that is going to be utilized in the #Freberg14 social media campaigns for the semester. It is going to be interesting to see what ideas and strategies the students come up with for the clients this semester.
I do think that Instagram is a platform with lots of potential and opportunities both for research, practice, as well as teaching. Besides Twitter, I have used Instagram to share visuals not only for class, but also inspirational quotes and updates on what I am doing as a PR and social media professional. I don’t have the number of followers of course on Instagram like I do on Twitter or Pinterest, and the number of connections I have is still lower than what I have on Facebook. However, like all platforms, it’s about growing your community and presence visually and share your stories.
So, how can we use Instagram to enhance our own stories? There are a few things to consider in terms of best practices for Instagram for both in and out of the classroom:
- Not only use official hashtags, but also try to use personal ones as well: Hashtags are a way to not only follow a conversation, but be part of a community as well. I use of course #Freberg14 for my social media class, but I also use #socialmediaclass and #uoflsocialmediaclass.
- Be aware of how much you are posting. The most I have posted at one time was at the Integrate conference last year – and that was due to an Instagram theme contest. 🙂 However, I try to have at least one a day – maybe a couple if I feel motivated or if I am at an event (conference, speaking engagement, activity, etc).
- Visuals are great, but don’t forget other components you can create and share visually: Pictures are awesome, but think about also looking at other ways to brand your content by either creating a watermark or text to personalize it a bit more. Here are some apps where you can do this. One thing I do make sure to do at times is to include the class hashtag on certain pictures from class.
- Connecting with professionals: Like Twitter and Facebook, social media and PR professionals are on Instagram as well. They are sharing different content somewhat, but they are still there. It’s a good idea to connect with them and share what you are doing in the classroom as well. Guest speakers and meeting professionals at a conference are just a few ideas to consider here.
Guest Panelist of #Freberg13 students for #Freberg14
- Create content that engages, motivates, and allows the Instagram community to be part of the experience: This is where video really comes into play. I have tried to use short videos for guest speakers ,but then you have to consider also what other elements you can create with the video function on Instagram. I found with Flipagram, you are able to create short slideshows with pictures. However, if you want to try out a really cool app – you can create an animation with a picture with various layers with Partykl. It’s awesome! You may want to check out this list as well.
- Read up on the resources dedicated to Instagram: One of the things we are seeing with Instagram compared to other sites like Pinterest, Vine, and Snapchat – there are a TON of resources and guides where you can share insights and provide others with an overview of the social media platform. I have found that Nitrogram has been one of the best resources and they have an awesome guide on Instagram. This is one I have shared with my class since it’s a great resource to not only have information and background on the platform, but it does provide great tips for how to use the site for business purposes.
- Opportunity to share your story: As a professor and researcher, I have found this to be the most important when it comes to Instagram in particular. I try to post pictures of what I am doing and experiencing on a regular basis – some are from conferences or at home, or even my love for coffee! However, it allows me to present my story, and this should be emphasized here as being a key component to consider. Everyone is going to have a different story to share – whether it is of selfies or landscape or food pictures – it’s their point of view, and that’s what makes it very powerful to experience and share this with a community.
In summary, it would be great to hear how other professors are using Instagram both in and outside of the classroom. If you have any other best practices to add to this list, please let me know! I would like to have this conversation with you all about this. Hope you all are having a great evening!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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