Video needs to be in your marketing strategy NOW
So with Instagram announcing its intention to increase its focus on video over the next 6 months, it means that video NEEDS to be in your marketing strategy.
Yes, I know what you are thinking…
👉 Instagram keeps changing and you can’t keep up
👉 You’re only just getting the hang of posts, let alone videos
👉 You can’t think of anything worse than having to film long professional videos
But let me tell you friend, this isn’t the end of the world.
There are so many good things that we can take from these changes to help us connect with our dream customers and increase our audience – which in turn grows our business.
FIRSTLY – LET’S START WITH THE INSTAGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
So on the 1st of July Adam Mosseri, who is the CEO of Instagram went live on his Instagram saying that there are changes coming to video as they are moving away from being known as the square photo-sharing app and want to be known as a full entertainment app.
These were the words on his post:
“Changes Coming to Video 📺
We’re no longer just a square photo-sharing app.
At Instagram, we’re always trying to build new features that help you get the most out of your experience. Right now we’re focused on four key areas: Creators, Video, Shopping and Messaging.”
So what does this mean for your Insta strategy??
🏆 Firstly, if you’ve been following me for a while, and have been listening to me harping on about embracing video for the past 12 months, and you’ve started doing that – then you’re already winning!
❌ If you haven’t embraced video yet, you need to NOW. It is no longer going to be an optional part of your strategy, it is vital to the growth of your socials.
Many people have had a lot to say about this move from Instagram. There have been meltdowns across the internet and debates about if this is the right move. People who are excited and on board, and then those who believe Instagram should stay in their own lane and stop trying to copy everyone else.
THOUGHTS I HAVE ABOUT IT
There is so much buzz right now since this simple live where Adam said they are becoming a platform focused on video. It has sent everyone into a tailspin. 🤯
These are my initial thoughts about what is going on:
The update isn’t drastically changing everything – so we can calm the f down! The app has already been moving in this direction for a while now, you would know with the introduction of Reels and the focus on stories. So you have already been getting warmed up to the changes that are coming with those.
If you’ve been working with a marketing or social media expert you would know that video has been coming for the past 2 years and you already would have started adapting.
It’s from a change of consumer behaviour, not just Instagram being annoying and making you do video. I know that a lot of people are saying that Instagram is intentionally making things difficult for business owners … But they are just following the trends of consumer behaviour. People are already watching more video, hence why they are moving in this direction.
There is a full range of options for including video in your marketing strategy, it is just finding what works best for you and your brand.
If video scares you, then don’t fear. We have done hard things before and we will journey this together.
ACTION: This week take some time to look at your marketing strategy and work out how you can include video into what you are already doing.
Make sure you are following me on Instagram so I can keep supporting you as these changes roll out.