9 Brands That Won on Instagram This Summer

Social media is crucial for brands to master. Not only is it a low-cost method of marketing, various social media platforms provide the opportunity for brands to connect more than ever with fans and followers. However, once you get beyond Facebook, many businesses can struggle with how to utilize social media. Check out these 9 brands below for inspiration and pointers on how to take the best advantage of Instagram.

1. Taco Bell

Taco Bell is already known for its witty interactions with customers on both Facebook and Twitter, and now they’re tackling Instagram as well. By not only including photos of both their food and customers, but also interacting with customers on their accounts, Taco Bell has built up a following. Here they’ve also used Instagram to show more real people behind the brand – they’re painting themselves as colorful people who exist beyond being taco salesmen.

2. Sephora

Not only does Sephora regularly update their Instagram feed with photos of their products, but they actually include a link from the like2b.uy platform on their account that enables customers to purchase the products they see. It’s a smart way to use social media to actually drive sales.

3. Cause a Scene

Created by Larry Kloess, this Nashville-based organization works to find new artists and get them recognized, while also attempting to cultivate a sense of community in the city. By using their feed to feature artists, announce secret shows, and invite followers behind the scenes, Cause a Scene has created an Instagram feed with a purpose. Part advertisement, part collection, part scrapbook — it’s an effective mix that helps spread the word about their cause.

4. Warby Parker

Sometimes the best way to promote your brand may be to not promote your product at all – at least when it comes to social media. Warby Parker has hit on the perfect mix of this, by mixing posts featuring their glasses with posts that have very little to do with business. Here they’ve focused instead on supporting the Little Free Library book exchange while also engaging their followers by sending them on a scavenger hunt. Customers and followers want to get involved, and giving them the chance over social media will only make them pay that much more attention.

5. Third Man Records

A recording label would be expected to post about their artists and upcoming releases – but not all of them put up photos from their company morning yoga session. Third Man Records has found success on Instagram by offering their followers a peak behind the curtain at both the artists and employees. They’ve also figured out the importance of maintaining a consistent brand aesthetic.

6. GoPro

GoPro exploits their built-in advantage as a camera company by having customers submit photos and videos they’ve taken with their own GoPros. This not only shows off their brand and product capabilities, but it engages their customers and followers. After all, who wouldn’t want to be featured on their feed? GoPro is able to cleverly fill their feed with pictures of summer adventures without having to put the effort into going out and creating all this content themselves.

7. Airbnb

Airbnb has mastered Instagram in two ways. First, almost 75% of their content is user-created. These photos of travel and bookable accommodations not only serve as inspiration, but can also showcase the best of the properties they have to offer. Second, Airbnb made their account bookable last year. Now, their followers are just one click away from being able to make reservations at the gorgeous properties that are featured in their feed.

8. Lightning 100

Lightning 100 is all about the music, and so is their Instagram feed. As Nashville’s local independent radio station, they take their brand seriously by sharing content from local and visiting artists, highlighting the best of what the local music scene has to offer. Even though it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Nashville still values tight-knit community, and by promoting local events and artists, Lightning 100 is doing its part on Instagram.

9. Xbox

Xbox gets one of the most important things about Instagram – it’s important to look good. After recently revising their approach to Instagram, Xbox began focusing on higher quality that make gaming look cool and creative again. And as one of the best performing brands on social media in the past few years, Xbox’s emphasis on quality on quantity has obviously paid off.

So if you’re reconsidering your social media strategy and adding Instagram to your list, we hope that you use these brands as an inspiration.  Best of luck on your social media adventures!