Instagram’s rise seems unstoppable. Last year, the social network picked up 100 million new users.
The community now consists of more than 400 million users with 75% living outside of the US. Research from 2015 shows that 28% of online adults use Instagram, compared to 23% of online adults using Twitter.
More and more charities are now taking advantage of the platform. Here are six charities smashing Instagram, with ideas to try based on their success.
1. Innovation from National Trust
National Trust’s weekly photo challenge #NTchallenge taps into how Instagram users already use the platform; sharing beautiful images. By adding an element of gamification, the trust has been able to encourage Instagram users to share and generate content that’s engaging and authentic.
Think: what are people already sharing on Instagram that could benefit your organisation?
2. Connecting audiences with Doctors Without Borders / MSF
MSF works in some of the world’s most challenging environments and its staff see things most of us can’t imagine. They use Instagram to share arresting images of captivating situations, helping to bring MSF’s online audience closer to the action.
Think: does your charity have compelling and distinctive stories to share about the work you do?
3. Using humour with Dogs Trust
Everyone knows the web is mainly made up of animal pictures. So if you want to be noticed, you’d better do something different. Dogs Trust uses meme style posts coupled with popular Instagram hashtags to stand out and entertain.
Think: could you incorporate humour into your content marketing?
4. Inspiring posts from MS Society
MS Society focuses on content that’s popular on Instagram – inspiring posts about beating the odds. There’s also a strong emphasis on overcoming MS through fundraising that helps to reinforce the positive messages.
Think: do you have stories from beneficiaries with the power to inspire others you can share?
5. Focus on topical issues from Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch doesn’t shy away from talking about injustices around the world and doesn’t hold back on Instagram either. The human rights organisation focuses on topical issues and capitalising on news stories in real-time. In fact, it doesn’t always share original content (often crediting images to news agencies).
Think: does your organisation regularly respond to breaking news stories?
6. Celebrity power from Malala Fund
Malala Fund doesn’t underestimate one of its most valuable assets – the inspirational story of Malala Yousafzai, who rose to fame after being shot for her commitment to education. Malala isn’t your average celebrity and is arguably one of a kind. It’s her personal connection to the fund that makes sharing images of her so powerful.
Think: do you have ambassadors who could help you further your reach?
Measuring success on Instagram
It’s useful to be able to show the impact of your work on social channels, in order to make the case for investment or innovation. Here are three tools that help you measure and plan Instagram activity.
Iconosquare allows you to manage and measure your Instagram account on your desktop. Analytics are currently a paid-for feature.
Sprout Social has incorporated management and analytics tools into its dashboard.
Hootsuite allows you to schedule and monitor Instagram activity, as well as manage multiple accounts.
More like this
Check out our free social media guide
Join us for our content marketing conference