68% of Instagram Users Aged 13-24 Interact With Brands Regularly from AutoAlert on Vimeo.

Instagram is more popular than ever before, especially for businesses that want to connect with their consumers.  Its visual format is especially appealing to today’s fast-paced mobile users who want to express themselves in ways that can be quickly and easily understood.  And brands looking to boost their recognition amongst shoppers should be paying attention to the numbers, because 68% of Instagram users between the ages of 13-24 say they interact with brands regularly on this popular app.

While it began as a photo editing app, it quickly ballooned into something much larger and more impactful for individuals and businesses alike.  And with 500 million active monthly users, there’s really no argument that it’s the place to be.  Instagram differentiates itself from other platforms with its fully mobile user capabilities, as well as its immersive and easy-to-use set-up that focuses on visual storytelling. Here, users can get all the social interaction they are looking for without being overloaded with copy, and their feed offers real-time updates, entertainment, and information about a wide range of topics.

User Interaction

Instagram users are interacting with the app in a variety of ways to both share their stories and interact with others who are sharing.  By looking at photos, double-clicking for likes, following other accounts, and more, they are contributing to a booming social site that’s attracting consumers—and in turn, the businesses who cater to them.  When users come across something that is really interesting to them, they can visit the website for even more content via a link that can be provided under the picture. This gives them a direct connection to businesses that have captured their attention, as well as a direct line to purchasing.

Brand Networks ad network can attest to the fact that Instagram is pivotal in reaching young consumers.  In fact, their ad impressions increased 13-fold—from 50 million in August 2015 to 670 million in December 2015.  Marketing pros everywhere are not only turning to Instagram to reach and align with today’s shoppers, but they’re touting the wisdom of connecting visually with shoppers and telling a story that’s quickly readable and appealing to the eye.

Your Dealership

The popularity of Instagram creates a huge opportunity for your dealership. Instagram allows you to create a new following and even build upon the audience you already have through visual storytelling. It gives you yet another way to develop brand awareness and build valuable relationships with your consumers—important things that will ultimately bring them into your dealership when it’s time to buy a vehicle.

“So, how do I do it?” you may be asking.  To gain traction and become popular on this social media platform, you’ll need to stay focused and keep your Instagram account authentic and visually appealing. And while there’s a large population of millennials who are flocking to this platform, don’t discount the rest of your audience.  Keep the up-and-coming Generation Z in mind, and don’t forget about the Baby Boomers and others who are still in the market and on the lookout for brands they can trust.

When you post, be sure to think about ways you can engage your audience—and don’t focus on selling.  Consider things like behind-the-scenes shots, real-time showroom updates, exclusive looks at new vehicles, and even event invites.  Remember, you’re there to build relationships and earn shopper trust.  When you share your dealership’s story with compelling visual images, you’ll capture consumer attention and keep them coming back for more!