Instagram, for all your retail fashion needs!

We all know that Instagram has taken over a huge portion of the social media world. If you aren’t already aware of Instagram here is a quick recap. This application was first created for iPhones as a way to share pictures. When it first appeared on the social media scene many considered the app as a watered down Facebook or a flip flopped version of Foursquare. No one would guess that it would have over 80 million users by August 2012. The ability to add filters to photographs allowed even the least experienced photographers to have a taste of being “artistic”. As its popularity increased companies began to consider the vast reach it could gain by creating accounts. While posting pictures doesn’t apply for all businesses (e.g. B2B or industrial retailers) it has made a huge impact in the retail industry. I’m not talking strictly about big names here. I’ve seen it’s greatest impact in smaller retailers.

Brandy Melville is a Southern California based retailer that I recently came across on a trip to Fashion Island in Newport, CA a few months ago. It’s simplistic beach front look includes worn wooden tables. white picket fence detailing and delicate floral lace hangers that help display the sheer, flowy, feminine clothing that makes the brand.

Instagram has become a place to market yourself, whether it be photography, style, or cooking. Small retailers like Brandy have used Instagram to reach users in a new way. As they say, pictures are worth a thousand words, and for retailers your main goal is to sell your look onto consumers. The impact that it has on users is immense. With 300k followers and product images receiving up to 20,000 likes, it’s easy to see how a companies website can be impacted.

Smaller boutiques are reaping the benefits as well. The utilization of hash tags can direct those who aren’t followers towards your page. Bella Bleu Boutique in Costa Mesa, CA is also known for updating customers about new shipments of clothing and accessories through Instagram.

The fashion industry relies on imagery for promotion and branding. By posting pictures of models wearing their clothing, style inspiration, or even the companies home office and employees you can show consumers what your brand is about while directing traffic to your website.

@brandymelvilleusa
@bellableuboutique