Instagram Reels Ads

Reels Ads: New Era Of Social Media Advertising

by Digital Marketing

Social media advertising is an important tool for businesses to engage with their customers. Instagram Reels emerged as a result of continual innovation to compete with the success of TikTok. So, what exactly is it, and how is it different from Instagram stories or TikTok?

On August 5, 2020, Instagram launched Reels in 50 countries worldwide as a response to TikTok. Reels are 15 to 30-second videos comprising multiple clips. They appear on a Reels page within an Instagram profile and on the Explore page, offering an immersive and interactive form of content that can boost a company’s following.

 

Reels Ads: All You Need to Know

In June 2021, advertisements on the reels became available.

According to Instagram, Reels is the ideal place to reach out to individuals who don’t follow you and to be noticed globally.

Unlike Organic Reels, you submit a video of up to 60 seconds in length. If the user does not scroll any farther, the movie will loop. The user may also engage with your audience by liking, commenting, saving, and sharing your advertising.

If you opt to advertise on Reels, make sure the creative matches what the user expects to see when they browse Reels. Instagram has its own in-app Music Library in addition to all the ‘trending songs’ – you can use the music as well as the transition effects to make an eye catchy reel.

According to Meta, Instagram Reels advertisements can reach up to 675.3 million people.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Utilizing Instagram Reels Advertising Like a Pro:

1. How do Instagram Reels Advertising Work?

It allows creators and businesses to expand their reach to a wider audience, including users who may not have previously followed them. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses seeking a global audience.

Reels will appear between individual Reels on the Reels tab and the Reels Explore feed, much like how Stories ads are displayed.

It can be full-screen, vertical, or looping, and when users tap on the reel in the Reels tab or Explore feed, they will be taken to a viewer that only displays vertical reels.

The duration cannot exceed 30 seconds. Since users can comment, like, share, and bookmark these ads, engagement will likely to increased. Additionally, if a particular Reel has the opposite effect, users can skip the ad or even choose to hide or report it using the menu if they find it particularly unappealing.

2. How to Make the Most of Instagram Reels Advertising

Given that Reels produce 22% more engagement than ordinary Instagram video posts and that six out of ten Gen Z TikTok users want to spend more time interacting with Reels, you’ll want to employ every technique in your arsenal to maximize the Instagram Reels Advertising feature. Here’s how –

 a. Boost your Reels

In 2022, Instagram introduced a new update that allowed businesses to build Boosted Reels to help them reach more viewers and generate more engagement. A Reel that has been boosted appears in the feed, Stories, Reels page, and Explore tab.

Nevertheless, not all Reels can be boosted. Only reels that are less than 60 seconds long and have an aspect ratio of 9:16 (that is, are filmed vertically in full-screen format) will be considered. Also, no GIFs, copyrighted music, camera filters, or interactive stickers can be included in the Reel. Finally, if it has already been uploaded on Facebook, it will be ineligible for boosting.

If your reel satisfies these requirements and you want to investigate this possibility, all you have to do is locate the reel you want to enhance in your grid and select Boost Post. Next, remember to evaluate your data to see which advertisements elicited the most engagement.

It is projected that Instagram will have 2.5 billion Monthly Active Users in 2023. 

b. Integrate Instagram Reels into Your Ad Manager Campaigns

Another approach to incorporating Instagram Reels into your sponsored marketing efforts is through Ad Manager campaigns.

After creating your ad, navigate to the Ad Manager (you’ll need an Instagram business account to do this) and click “Create”. Then, select the objective you want to achieve by placing the ad on Instagram Reels. You can choose from the following objectives for Reels ads:

    • Reach
    • Brand awareness
    • Traffic
    • Video views
    • App installations
    • Conversions

Once you have set your business goals, complete additional ad campaign elements such as target audience, budget, and timeline. Then, select “Manual Placements” and choose Instagram Reels from the drop-down menu next to Stories.

You can also customize the call-to-action prompt based on the type of ad and its objective. For example, if you’re offering a subscription, it would make more sense to choose “Sign Up” or “Learn More” instead of something like “Shop Now”.

47.84% of the world’s 4.18 billion smartphone users access Instagram every month.

3. Add subtitles, text, and audio

Adding audio to your Reels content is a great way to make it stand out from the rest of the material published on Instagram. However, it’s important to remember that you must use music without any copyright issues.

Additionally, although music can help bring your post alive, many Instagram users have their sound turned off when scrolling through their feed. Therefore, adding subtitles and on-screen text can be an effective way to make sure that your message reaches everyone in your target audience, including those who may be hearing impaired. By taking into account these various elements, you will create an inclusive piece of content that appeals to a wider range of viewers.

4. Keeping it fun and original

Instagram Reels Advertising, as an alternative to TikTok, should be all about having fun. Use your imagination and concentrate on your brand’s lighter side. Avoid seeming excessively promotional, or your viewers will lose interest and move on to the next ad (remember the platform gives them that option).

Although Instagram Reels is similar to TikTok, it’s important not to simply repurpose your old TikToks. Doing so may decrease your chances of appearing in the Reels Explore feed.

5. Use Hashtags

Including relevant hashtags in your Instagram Reels can be beneficial in many ways. It can help increase reach and interaction, as well as create brand recognition. An easy way to do this is by using branded hashtags that reflect your company’s beliefs and values, or other related hashtags that are pertinent to the content of your Reel. This serves to show viewers that you care about issues that matter to them, such as transparency and social justice, which are becoming increasingly popular topics.

If you use more than 11 hashtags on a post, then you are going to have 79% more interactions.

You can also check out what your competitors and influencers are doing for hashtag ideas. You may even look at other social networks like TikTok to gain insight into what trends are currently popular. As there is a strong rivalry between Instagram Reels and TikTok, it can be helpful to stay up-to-date with what’s hot on both platforms. By taking advantage of these strategies, you can ensure that more people see and engage with your content while also building a strong brand presence online.

6. Instagram Reels insight

Analyzing data analytics is crucial for your social media marketing campaigns. You can easily assess the success of your campaigns by using services like Hootsuite, which provides useful metrics such as reach, engagement rate, plays, likes, shares, and ad comments on a user-friendly dashboard.

 

If you have a business account, you can also access Instagram’s own app to gather insights on your Reels content. These insights can help you evaluate your content’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

It’s important to double-check your conclusions to gain a better understanding of what your audience reacts to best. You can use this information to optimize your calls to action, filters, effects, audio, and text for future content.

Whether you choose to promote your Reels or incorporate them into your sponsored campaigns through Ads Manager, both methods can help you expand your reach and achieve your business objectives.

MOST-SUCCESSFUL-ONLINE-MARKETING-CAMPAIGNS-OF-2019-

Most Successful Online Marketing Campaigns of 2019

by Digital Marketing

Another year has passed. Events have transpired, some memorable, some less so. Timelines are filled with pictures capturing the gradual passage of time.

Social media feature unfiltered streams of consciousness, spewing forth a healthy blend of opinion with limited facts. The gram is littered with a litany of #ad featuring all manner of products and “experiences”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6wrbP-hFRt/

With such a smorgasbord of information bombarding us at a nearly constant rate, we look back at the online marketing campaigns that cut through the noise. Rising to our prestigious title nomination of the Most Successful Online Marketing Campaigns of 2019.

Let’s begin with that cuts close to our hearts. Gillette’s masterful marketing moves have been on the mainstream radar for some time now.

Utilizing the perceived qualities of manhood to sell razors with an ever-increasing about of cool strips and blades, is no simple task. Unlike the simplicity of shaving with a Gillette branded product. This is why the public was taken aback when Gillette used their ideal man imagery as a call to arms with ‘The Best Men Can Be’ campaign.

Imploring the male masses to be better and treat others with the respect they deserve is an aggressive strategy. Well suited to reflect popular movements that gained momentum over the past years, the campaign shot to the foreground of public perception.

However, the campaign caused a significant stir, showered in praise and backlash at near-equal rates. The bold decision paid off with a healthy bump in conversion thanks to a target millennial approach.

An equally thought-provoking strategy was used by beloved chocolate connoisseurs Cadbury. In conjunction with Age UK, they created a campaign that highlighted the loneliness our elders experienced. ‘Donate your Words’ was a moving testament to our propensity for compassion and empathy.

Designed to raise awareness and funds to combat this dreadful isolation, endearing Cadbury to the public and proving they are the true masters of sweetness.

We would be remised without mentioning the masterful follow-up campaign conducted by marketing legends Heineken.

Utilizing their immensely successful ‘Go Places’ campaign to once again claw out a hefty chunk of mindshare with ‘Go Places 2.0’. Embracing the iterative trend so prominent in 2019, Heineken was able to deliver thirty-three stories from the employee perspective. Offering a refreshing beverage with a refreshing amount of transparency.

However, there is one clear winner in 2019. Toting an impressive following with an immensely positive brand image, at a shocking three to one ratio in their favor, Spotify.

Algorithm informed advertising is prominently used throughout the digital marketing industry. Never quite like this. Whether identifying the perfect MEME ‘the _____ for every mood’ campaign’s use of pop culture is astounding.

The proper balance of humor and personalized recommendations endears the platform to users old and new. Who can forget the Laurel or Yanny moment that held the spotlight and cemented Spotify in pop culture? Utilizing tracked data for their #2018Wrapped turned out to be the perfect stepping stone for an unbelievable 2019 pop culture campaign.

Lastly, it is worth noting that our selections primarily feature industry titans with existing brand recognition. However, according to metrics gathered over this past year, small businesses and mid-tier businesses are the true winners of online digital marketing.

Utilizing a reputable digital marketing agency has proven invaluable in capturing potential growth at an unprecedented rate. Skyrocketing brand awareness to previously unattainable heights with ease and efficiency.

The emergence of SEO marketing provides a compelling option with a return on investment well above previous standards. We implore businesses to adopt this effective method of marketing. Who knows, maybe your business could climb to the upper echelon and earn our coveted title of Most Successful Online Marketing Campaign of 2020.

5-winning-marketing-strategies-for-2019

5 winning marketing strategies for 2019

by Digital Marketing

If you own a business these days, then you know that the competition just keeps getting stronger, so you have to be ahead of the game when it comes to winning marketing strategies. Here are five of the best upcoming trends for 2019 to help your business stay successful:

1. Vertical Video via IGTV by Instagram is expected to be big

Visual content is the thing in 2019 in many ways, especially when it comes to social media marketing trends. When you use any sort of content marketing in 2019, you had better include vertical videos via IGTV on Instagram in your next marketing strategy, as 80 percent of what people are consuming online these days is video content, according to the marketing experts.

Vertical videos are the newest hot trend, especially after IGTV by Instagram launched a way to show longer videos that can actually be up to an hour in length. Plus, you don’t have to turn your phone sideways to view this kind of content marketing videos! IGTV is dedicated to showing vertical videos, which are especially great for mobile optimization strategies, which bodes well for businesses who want to reach mobile-only audiences.

IGTV is great for all kinds of video from animated content to interviews, 360-degree virtual reality, live streaming, and just about any other type your business could ever need to bring in the customers. So be sure to count it in during your next marketing strategy meeting.

2. Content marketing is still going strong

Some may think that content marketing is an old strategy, but the truth in 2019 is that it is still kind and still going strong. In fact, today’s content marketing is opening the door for your business to have one on one conversations with your clients and create a successful relationship that will help grow your brand and spear it on to greater success.

Content marketing can be used as a tool to meet a precise objective, so you need to have a strategy that fits your company, not something generic. You can start with something like generating leads or getting better SEO and from there tweak it so it precisely meets your business’ niche and needs. Studies by Content

Marketing Institute showed that 65 percent of the companies with the best success used properly aligned content marketing strategies to spur their brand to success.

For instance, do a content marketing assessment to figure out where you stand, then use it to your advantage. Salespeople might decide to use content of some kind to boost their sales pitches, while your brand manager could find a way to use it to produce good will, and your recruiting staff could use it to attract top candidates by posting specific types of content where the kind of people you need might read it, i.e. posting something on LinkedIn.

3. Influencer marketing has become a top way to deliver content

The whole idea of publishing content is to reach your target audience, so why not get the help of someone or someplace they are already paying attention to?

Influencer marketing is when you leverage the reach of someone who is popular in your niche that has a big following and a strong reputation to help you support your own business brand. That helps you get the clients you need because it increases your own brand’s product awareness and drives new sales.

These days instead of relying on celebrities to do influencer marketing, micro-influencers and nano-influencers are the ones with the most pull in 2019. Micro-influencers have between a thousand and 100K followers and nano-influencers have less than 1,000 followers, but they still have a lot of influence and credibility in small specific markets.

That’s because people connect better to the “little people” and trust that they are more genuine and honest. That helps you to sell the fact that your brand is also genuine and honest, which in turn makes more people want to buy your products and services. So, it’s time for your company to find some appropriate influencers to help you stay ahead in 2019.

4. Voice search and Mobile Optimization has become huge for 2019

Research done by Search Engine Land showed that voice-based sales in the US were nearly two billion dollars in 2017, and are predicted to hit 40 billion by the year 2020.

Additionally, in 2020 it’s predicted that about half of all the search engine requests will be made via voice because people love talking into their devices. So, now’s the time to jump on that bandwagon.

That’s because it reduces their screen time for one thing. So, to make things work in your favor, you need to do some mobile optimization to make your search options more voice-friendly so it recognizes conversational questions.

Expect to see a lot more than people just choosing to use it while they are driving around in their cars and they can’t hold their phones.

Mobile Optimization

Did you know that way over half the online page views is done on a mobile device? Any business these days that expect to grow it’s Internet customers must have a top-notch mobile ready website along with appropriate mobile apps.

No customer in 2019 or beyond will wait around for a website that doesn’t work on their phones and if you don’t keep up with the proper mobile optimization, your business will fail.

Plus, Google is now taking a customer’s mobile experiences to heart when they assign a search ranking for a business.

If your site loads too slow or otherwise works crappy with mobile devices, it will be ranked way low in the search results. That is death since we all know that most customers pick the first companies on the list of options when they are searching for specific products or services.

In $ dollar terms, this means that if your website typically earns $100,000 a day, this year you could lose $2.5 million in sales

You also have to take into consideration that most mobile customers don’t have keyboards so it can be hard to enter text or other such tasks.

So, your mobile site must have properly designed controls that are placed optimally for your mobile users. It should have, for instance, fewer buttons, fewer reasons to have to scroll, plus it’s time to get rid of Flash since it doesn’t work for instance on iOS systems and get rid of pop-ups since they could cover up the whole screen of some mobile devices.

5. Artificial Intelligence and chat boxes are the way some customers communicate

The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing in leaps and bounds, and things like chat boxes are getting more popular. The Grand View Research people predict that by 2025 the chatbots market all over the world will grow to more than a billion dollars. That means almost half of the end users out there prefer using a chatbot for their customer service needs.

Using AI can help make your business more efficient if it is used properly. AI can do many tasks that take humans more time to do, and AI does it more efficiently in most cases too. A business can use AI to do things like monitoring their customer’s online habits, and then suggest products and services they may want or need.

Businesses need to use AI to be able to determine things like the type of content their potential clients are consuming, no matter if this refers to some type of technical support or other usages.

This, in turn, will help a business personalize its offerings to better meet a customer’s needs. For instance, you can use specific algorithms to study how your marketing campaigns are going and be able to change them in real time so as to increase your business’ return on investment.

All in all, these five trends will help your business succeed in 2019 and beyond.

Instagram-Marketing-Strategy

How to build an effective Instagram Marketing Strategy?

by Digital Marketing

Instagram was launched in 2010 and acquired by Facebook in 2012. Since then, It has taken the mobile photo-sharing niche by storm and has attracted businesses from all over the world.

The social network claims that there are more than 15 million accounts with business profiles on the platform.

Business owners who want to improve their social media marketing campaigns turn to Instagram to reach their targeted audiences and engage other users.

how-instagram-started

Let’s check out some interesting Instagram stats.

  1. Instagram is estimated to have brought in $1.53 billion in global mobile ad revenue in 2016, which is a 144 percent increase year-over-year and would amount to 8.4 percent of Facebook’s global mobile ad revenue according to International Business Times.
  2. 100 million users use the “stories” feature daily.
  3. 95 million photos and videos are shared on Instagram per day.
  4.  Instagram has 1 million monthly active advertisers—up from just 200,000 in March 2016.
  5. 60% of users say that they have learned about a product or service on the platform.

 

Success on Instagram takes more than just uploading beautiful images. A successful Instagram marketing strategy is the product of a well-defined brand identity, strategy, and effective community management. Below are some of the ways that can help you come up with a good Instagram marketing strategy for an online business.

Determine the Objectives

Before an online business registers for an Instagram account, one should know what they want to achieve on the social network. It is important to determine first the purpose of the brand in using Instagram.

InstagramWith the platform’s focus on photo and video sharing, it provides businesses with a unique platform to showcase its products and/or services as well as the people and culture where the business is based.

Instagram is basically a mobile social media marketing platform. It is the perfect place to show in-the-moment or candid visuals. It provides followers a channel that allows them to interact personally with the brand. Engagement on the platform is also more instantaneous and casual than other social media networks.

It can help an online business achieve some of its marketing objectives that include increased brand awareness, recruitment of new talent, feature products and services, share company news, connect with influencers, and drive sales through traffic, just to name a few.

Know Your Audience

It is important to know who your target audiences are. That way you will be able to come up with a strategy involving content that your audience will want to engage with. The more you know about your target market, the better you can personalize your campaigns for their needs.

The best way to know about the audience is to follow them on Instagram. You can use the suggested feature of the platform to find other users like your target customer. This will also allow you to know them more and what they want to see on the social network.

Determine Content Strategy

Content strategy is one of the important elements of an Instagram marketing campaign. If the content is not interesting or relevant to the target audience, you will have a hard time becoming successful on Instagram.

The first thing that you need to do is to find out what you are going to share on the social media platform. These are the kind of images that will make up the majority of your Instagram posts. Some of the categories include product-centric, culture-centric, or a combination of both.

instagram content

If your brand already enjoys a good customer base, you might want to post content that is created by your loyal customers.

Instagram is a very important channel for all businesses these days. A good social media marketing campaign on the platform can take the business to the next level. All it takes is a little planning, creativity, and a lot of passion.