#socialauthority - CrowdChat

Instagram for B2B

Does Instagram deserve top billing for B2B engagement for a brand? for professionals?

#socialauthority @paulkrappman @profitecture @robinscharpf b2b instagram marketing

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#socialauthorityWord of Mouth & SocialTips for leveraging social media to boost your organization's word of mouth marketing

#socialauthorityB2B Social SellingBest practices and advice for B2B Social Selling

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Robin Scharpf16

Let's get this party started! Q1: How are #B2B Organizations using #Instagram?

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they are mostly using it to build their brands to help them showcase their company to others. #instagram #b2b

A1: Successful #B2B brands are using #instagram to create tone through imagery. It is impactful.

Companies with tons of visual assets are using it like Pinterest boards.

A1: Instagram: Allowing the public in for a peek at what goes on behind the scenes.

A1: I see that many, like #IBM #HP and even #Lockheedmartin are using it to convey a human side.

@profitecture agreed. Companies that have a lot of physical products to take photos of do really well on #instagram.

A1: #Instagram is a good way to share visuals of what's going on inside the company.

Companies can also use it at events to help engage and showcase others. #B2B #instagram

Mimi Murray Meagher

A1: To humanize their company and share company news! #instagram #socialauthority

A1: Like Twitter, it is good for sharing activity at events.

Robin Scharpf12

Q4: What are elements of a successful #Instagram presence for #B2B?

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Q4: There is no substitute for cleverness when it comes to #instagram for #b2b.

Mimi Murray Meagher

It's all about building trust, and #Instagram is one more place to do that!

A4: Regular posting schedule and a good stream of content thats visually appealing. #Instagram #B2B

A4: Instagram: Getting outsiders engaged - it's all about the people! Faces, not just products!

Q4: Visual oriented social channels like #instagram demand that you "plan your tone" ahead of time.

A huge marketing budget is an element of successful #b2b #instagram presence

A4: Invite your followers to share their images. Stay true to your identity.

A4: Keeping a good balance between images of the company, products, events, and other engaging elements that don't come off as to sales like. #Instagram #B2B

I disagree. I think companies can be successful with #Instagram on a low budget. Even a menial presence can have an effect. #B2B

A4: You need a lot of $$ to post some of the great photos I see from the big #b2b brands

Mimi Murray Meagher

A4: Big bucks, but you can always utilize mobile tools at hand!

Q6: Would you encourage your #SocialMedia Boot Camp students to be active on #Instagram? Why or why not?

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A6: I would only recommend #instagram to our #smbootcamp (ers) if they sit down and plan it first. (1of2)

A6: Absolutely. In a few years that might be an emerging market for #B2B, as this is one of the stronger and fastest growing #socialmedia platforms today. #Instagram

A6: I tell my students to focus on LinkedIn and Twitter - more opp for engagement. #socialmedia

A6: #Instagram can be a time suck if you aren't sharing with "purpose." (2of2)

Mimi Murray Meagher

I would recommend to use it personally, even to have fun then take it professional!

A6: I would encourage #instagram if they have a HUGE marketing budget and don't need to show results

@denisebahs True, #Instagram doesn't have the best engagement. However the power of images can have the same power as engagement (might be even more so at some point) #Instagram

A6: Like other networks, it can be a good place to source content, but not the first choice to focus.

Mimi Murray Meagher

I am also a fan of #hyperlapse by #instagram, another cool tool!

A6: Don't mean to be a hater, but I agree with @RobinScharpf , it takes a big budget! #socialmedia

I don't think you need a large #marketing budget to have a successful #instagram platform for #B2B.

Mimi Murray Meagher

Don't forget #instagram is where young audiences are now spending their time, maybe it's worth the marketing $$!

@MeagherMimi you mentioned gramblr as well http://gramblr.com/u...

Q3: What #B2B organizations are using #Instagram successfully?

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A3: I love what #mailchimp is doing. It's tough to pull off a poop emoji in #B2B, but they did it.

Mimi Murray Meagher

#IBM #Intel #GeneralElectric

welcome #fifthgradehumor from @paulkrappman

@PaulKrappman My son introduced to that one! :P

A3: I always point to #GE ... they bring good things to life!

A3: @Mailchimp has a engagement rate of 3.98% on all of their posts. For near 10,000 followers, thats significant. #Instagram. #B2B

A3: @Fedex also has an engagement rate around 3.5% for their 11,000 followers. Not too bad. #Instagram #B2B

A3: @IBM is another good example. https://instagram.co...

A3: IBM has an engagement rate of about 4% for their 10k followers. Probably the best out of most of the #B2B sphere. #Instagram

One for the ages: https://instagram.co...

A3: #MaerskLine https://instagram.co...

A3: The company my father works for @CBRE has a great #Instagram as well. Who knew?

Final minutes, any final thoughts on #instagram for #b2b?

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#Instagram can be used effectively for #B2B brand building. #forthewin #standyourground

I would say take a shot at posting some images on #instagram that show the human side of your biz.

Take a look and see what others are doing before jumping in.

Mimi Murray Meagher

Don't knock it, use #instagram to humanize your company and stay on trend with the upcoming generation! #socialauthority

A8: Get over your selfie! ha! #instgram

It can never hurt to show your human side in #b2b.