22 Powerful Examples of Brands Using Instagram
byIn 2014, Instagram reported that over 200 million people use the app to capture and share photos. Each and every day, 60 million new photos are posted by users all around the world.
The increasingly popular photo-sharing app is also being used by businesses and brands of all sizes as an additional way to connect with current and prospective customers.
Have you been thinking about how to use Instagram for your business? If so, start by taking a look at the examples I’ve included in this post. These handpicked photos from brands in all sorts of industries will show you how to use the app to connect with more customers, sell more products, and increase brand awareness.
1. Primp Boutique
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Were starting to crave everything fall. #PrimpBoutique #PrimpYourself. T-shirt $24. Denim $62. Scarf $16. Booties $56.
Who they are:
Primp is a boutique shop (now with multiple locations) in Minnesota that sells dresses, tops, skirts, and basics for under $100.
What you can learn from them:
Sell to your online communities directly on your social sites.
2. Lowe’s
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Upcycle an ordinary dresser into an organization system with loads of cubby space and a sleek look. Start with Valspar Cracked Pepper paint. Then, use modern house numbers to create smart handles. #Lowes #Upcycle #Paint #DIY
Who they are:
Lowe’s is a home improvement store that sells quality appliances, paint, patio furniture, tools, flooring, hardware and more.
What you can learn from them:
Display your products in real world situations as a way to connect with customers.
3. Rustica Bakery
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Hand made and baked fresh! Delicious baguettes! #baking #rusticabakery #mpls
Who they are:
Rustica is an independent, owner-operated, neighborhood bakery in Minneapolis, MN that offers a unique selection of breads, pastries and dessert tarts.
What you can learn from them:
Give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at how your products are made.
4. Oreo
Who they are:
Oreos are the classic cookies you know and love.
What you can learn from them:
Share holiday-themed posts with your followers.
5. Starbucks
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We gave ourselves a little photo assignment: Capture the stories and unique relationships of people in cafes from around the world. All this week, we’ll show you what we found—and invite you to join. #HowWeMet
Who they are:
Starbucks roasts, brews, and sells coffee all around the world.
What you can learn from them:
Make your customers part of your brand story.
6. HomeGoods
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We are looooooving this accessorized feature wall by @lizbeth08! #HomeGoodsHappy #decor
Who they are:
HomeGoods is a furniture store with locations across the country.
What you can learn from them:
Don’t be afraid to mention the other individuals or business partners you work with.
7. Ben & Jerry’s
Who they are:
Ben & Jerry’s is one of the most well-known producers of ice cream in the U.S.
What you can learn from them:
You can (and should) post Instagram photos that incorporate or feature your products in playful ways.
8. Aromas Coffee/Bliss Bakery
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June brings a new cupcake-of-the-month. Say “hello” to this shortcake-style cupcake, filled with a strawberry/rhubarb compote, and topped with an orange, cream cheese frosting. #sweetmercy #blissoldmarketbakery
Who they are:
Aromas Coffee serves specialty coffee and made-from-scratch baked goods in Omaha, NE.
What you can learn from them:
Tell your followers about your limited-time or seasonal products.
9. Sephora
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Every single one of @thekatvond’s new lipsticks. Blink and you’ll miss your new favorite!
Who they are:
Sephora is a cosmetics and beauty supply store with locations around the U.S.
What you can learn from them:
Use grids or video to feature an entire line of products.
10. Intel
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Back in co-founder Gordon Moore’s day, a #computer was “two assistants and a mechanical calculator.” #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #blackandwhite #portrait #technology
Who they are:
Intel designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices.
What you can learn from them:
Tell your company’s story and spotlight the people who made it what it is today.
11. Taco Bell
Who they are:
Taco Bell is a fast food chain with locations across the U.S. and around the world.
What you can learn from them:
Use Instagram to announce when new products will be available.
12. AMEX
Who they are:
American Express offers charge and credit cards, gift cards, rewards, travel, personal savings, business services, insurance and more.
What you can learn from them:
Be creative when attempting to engage with followers.
13. Warby Parker
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Meet Ryan from our Customer Experience team! He’s looking for a new pair of frames to wear this fall. Which pair do you like on him? Clockwise from top left he’s wearing Bensen, Ripley, Burke, and Downing. #warbyhometryon
Who they are:
Warby Parker sells prescription eyewear and sunglasses online.
What you can learn from them:
Take time to feature the passionate and loyal employees who work for you.
14. IKEA
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#IKEAHomeTour tip: Small #livingroom? Try multi-purpose furniture, like the FRIHETEN sofa bed with built-in storage space for linen! More ideas from the Squad at IKEA-USA.com/hometour
Who they are:
Ikea is a global furniture and home goods store.
What you can learn from them:
Help paint a picture to show how your followers could actually use your products.
15. Sharpie
Who they are:
Sharpie manufactures writing instruments that are sold in over 20 countries.
What you can learn from them:
Post photos to Instagram that piggy-back off of pop culture.
16. Om Nom Nom Cookies
Who they are:
Om Nom Nom Cookies is a boutique vegan cookie company based in Miami, FL.
What you can learn from them:
Launch contests that encourage your customers to create original content that feature your products.
17. The Honest Company
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Is your baby getting enough breast milk? We’re continuing the celebration of breastfeeding today over on blog.honest.com!
Who they are:
The Honest Company sells safe, eco-friendly baby products.
What you can learn from them:
Be helpful on Instagram. Help educate your customers and target audience.
18. Chobani
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#ChobaniLyft out! 1,000 cups of Pumpkin Spice delivered in NYC with @Lyft! Thanks to our amazing fans for a great day. #FallForChobani
Who they are:
Chobani produces and sells Greek Yogurt and other related products in stores across the U.S.
What you can learn from them:
Partner with other businesses on Instagram and launch campaigns to say “thanks.”
19. Russ & Daughters
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A private cocktail party tonight at @RussAndDaughters Cafe. Here, one of the passed hors d’oeuvres: mini potato latkes with creme fraiche and wild salmon roe. (Ask us about booking private parties: e-mail jen@russanddaughters.com) #AppetizingSince1914
Who they are:
Russ & Daughters is a cafe in NYC that has been open since 1914.
What you can learn from them:
Convince customers to buy your products or services by giving them a glimpse of what they’ll get.
20. Mission Bicycle
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There’s a right way to turn right. Click the link in our profile to test your knowledge of the “mixing” zone. bit.ly/rightright
Who they are:
Mission Bicycle is a custom bicycle shop in San Francisco, CA.
What you can learn from them:
As mentioned earlier, be helpful on Instagram. Also use your photos as a way to direct people to your other web properties (blog, social media pages, etc.).
21. New England Outerwear Company
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Here is our man Pee-Wee in the shop, wearing the Fieldsman 4-pocket jacket, with our oatmeal ragg wool beanie, and holding a pair of harvesters boots he was boxing up! #madeinamerica #americanworker #maine #madeinusa #fieldsman #wool #harvester #boot #beanie #factory #newengland #newenglandouterwear #fall #winter
Who they are:
New England Outerwear produces and sells high quality handmade footwear and apparel.
What you can learn from them:
Show your customers the care you put into each product that goes out the door.
22. Bolthouse Farms
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So you love oranges, but hate the peel? Here are 5 things to do with it. #orange #peel #orangepeel #tips
Who they are:
Bolthouse Farms sells carrots, smoothies, juices, dressings, and other food products.
What you can learn from them:
Don’t always worry about featuring products in your Instagram post. You can connect with potential customers by sharing content that ultimately helps make their lives better.
