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The decorations are packed away, the last mince pie has been eaten and 2024 is officially behind us. As we step into January, now’s the perfect time to focus on what’s next!
The marketing world moves fast, and this year is already shaping up to be a big one. To help you stay ahead of the curve, we’ve rounded up the top trends you need to know for 2025.
So, grab a coffee (or maybe something stronger – we’re not judging!) and let’s dive in.
AI: Not just faster, but smarter
If 2024 was the year AI went mainstream, 2025 is the year it gets even smarter. From AI-driven email campaigns that feel like they’ve been written just for you, to tools that predict what customers want before they do, the opportunities are endless.
AI will also save marketing teams hours by automating repetitive tasks. That means more time to focus on creative ideas and strategy – the stuff that really moves the needle. If you haven’t explored AI yet, this is your year to get on board!
Sustainability: More than a buzzword
It’s clear that sustainability is here to stay – and it’s more important than ever in 2025. Customers are no longer impressed by empty promises; they want to see action.
From eco-friendly packaging to carbon-neutral goals, brands that commit to genuine sustainability will stand out. Those that don’t risk being left behind. If you’ve been waiting to take that next green step, now’s the time to get started.
Finding your niche: The rise of community-based marketing
Social media is changing. While the big public feeds are still buzzing, more and more people are gravitating towards smaller, more focused spaces. Think private Instagram accounts, Facebook groups or thriving Discord communities.
For brands, this shift is a huge opportunity to create real, lasting connections with your audience. The key? Show up, add value and be authentic. People want to feel like they’re part of something special, and 2025 is the year to make that happen.
Ask Alexa: Voice and visual search keep growing
“Alexa, what’s the top marketing trend for 2025?” Voice and visual search have been creeping up for a while, but in 2025 they’ll become a must-have for your marketing strategy. People are using voice assistants more than ever, and visual search – where customers find products through images – is becoming second nature.
To keep up, make sure your content is optimised for both. Use conversational keywords, add proper tags to your visuals and double-check that your product imagery is search-friendly. If you’re not easy to find, someone else will be!
Short-Form: The video format still dominates
If you thought short-form video might lose steam, think again! TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are as popular as ever, and they’ll dominate again in 2025.
The secret is to keep it fresh, fun and authentic. Whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes moments, jumping on a trend or telling your brand’s story, short videos are one of the best ways to grab attention fast. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to hit record!
Human experiences: The return of in-person marketing
In-person experiences are back in full swing, and 2025 is all about brands getting creative with events. From pop-ups to immersive experiences, people want to connect in the real world again.
And don’t forget, those offline moments can easily go online too. Share live streams, hashtags and user-generated content to make the impact last far beyond the event itself.
First-party data: The secret to loyalty
As cookies crumble and privacy rules tighten, first-party data is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s not about tricking people into signing up, but about offering value in return. Customers are willing to share their information – if you give them a reason to.
Loyalty programmes, exclusive content and personalised experiences are great ways to encourage people to share their details. Be transparent, build trust and use that data to deliver campaigns your audience will love.
Digital PR: Time for a makeover
PR has come a long way, and in 2025, it’s all about blending storytelling with the digital world. Whether it’s building thought leadership, working with influencers or managing your online reputation, PR is a powerful tool for getting your brand seen – and heard.
A great PR strategy can put your brand in front of the right people in the right way. Whether it’s a feature in a digital mag or a partnership with a creator, it’s about making sure your story gets told.
Ready to make 2025 your year?
The new year is full of opportunities, and these trends are your roadmap to staying ahead. From AI to short-form video to experiential campaigns, the brands that embrace what’s next will be the ones that stand out.
If you’re ready to make 2025 your best year yet, we’re here to help! From strategy to execution, we’ll work with you bring your ideas to life. Let’s make this year your best yet – get in touch with us today!
Ever spent hours crafting that perfect piece of content, only to use it once and move on? We’ve all been there! But, what if we told you that a brilliant blog post, case study or whitepaper could transform into ten different pieces of content? Well it can – and that’s exactly what content repurposing is all about. Trust us, it’s about to become your new favourite marketing strategy.
Why Content Repurposing Matters
Let’s face it, creating quality content consistently is tough. The good thing is that you’re probably sitting on a goldmine of content already! The trick isn’t just creating more, but working smarter with what you’ve got.
Think of content repurposing as giving your best work a second (or third) life. When you do it right, you’ll find yourself reaching new audiences across different platforms, reinforcing your message at every turn, and saving valuable time and resources – all while maintaining the quality your audience expects. And let’s not forget about the SEO benefits that come from having your content appear in different formats across the web!
Content Repurposing in Action
Want to see how this works in practice? Let’s take a typical piece of content, like a comprehensive industry report, and watch it multiply. Your detailed report can transform into a series of focused blog posts, each diving deep into specific insights. Those statistics you worked so hard to gather? Turn them into an eye-catching infographic. Got some particularly compelling findings? That’s perfect for a snappy video summary.
But why stop there? Those insights could also power an engaging podcast episode, fuel a series of LinkedIn carousel posts, or form the backbone of your next email campaign. Before you know it, one piece of content has become ten – each perfectly tailored to its platform and audience.
Smart Strategies for Effective Repurposing
From working with content day in, day out, we’ve learnt several things along the way: the first being to always start with quality. The better your original content, the more angles you’ll have to work with. Next, get to know your platforms inside out. What works on LinkedIn might need a complete makeover for Instagram, and that’s okay!
Timing matters, too. Space out your repurposed content strategically – you want to maintain a consistent presence without overwhelming your audience. And don’t forget to keep things fresh! When you’re repurposing, look for opportunities to add new insights or updated information. Your audience will thank you for it.
Making It Work in Practice
To give you a real-world example, we recently worked with Brunning & Price Careers, a premium pub group looking to transform their recruitment marketing. You might think a website launch is just that: a launch. But we saw it as an opportunity to create something much bigger!
We took their core website content about workplace culture and career opportunities and gave it the full repurposing treatment. We created pre-launch teasers showing the real magic behind B&P’s kitchen doors, turned employee stories into social media gold and crafted targeted PPC campaigns that spoke to everyone from aspiring chefs to experienced managers.
Each piece of content found new life across different platforms, like Facebook and LinkedIn, each working hard to attract the right talent. Over time, we found that a single launch had evolved into a series of meaningful content pieces, each contributing to the broader goal of attracting the right talent. It wasn’t about creating new content from scratch, but about getting more value from what was already there. And that’s exactly what repurposing is all about!
Getting Started with Content Repurposing
Ready to hop on the repurposing train? Start by taking stock of what you’ve got. Look through your existing content and identify your greatest hits – these are prime candidates for repurposing. Map out the different formats that might work for each piece, create a content calendar to keep you on track, and don’t forget to measure how each format performs. You might be surprised by what resonates with your audience!
The Bottom Line
Content repurposing is not just about doing more with less (though that’s definitely a bonus!). It’s about being strategic with your content and creating an ecosystem where each piece works harder for you.
Remember, every piece of content you create has hidden potential just waiting to be unleashed. The key is to look at your content through fresh eyes and think creatively about how it can reach and resonate with different audiences.
Want to explore how to make content repurposing work for your brand? Let’s chat about turning your content into a powerhouse of engagement.
🎂 Happy Birthday To Us 🎂
Today, we’re celebrating a huge milestone: 5 years of ie instinct! It feels surreal to think that we launched back in 2019, but what a journey it’s been. From day one, we’ve built everything on the very thing we’re named after, instinct, all while trusting our gut to drive bold ideas and make things happen.
Now, five years on, we’re excited to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re heading next.
When we started, our vision was simple: to create marketing that actually makes an impact.
We’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible clients who believed in that vision too, allowing us to push boundaries and deliver work that truly connects. Along the way, we’ve had some huge success stories, helping businesses hit new heights and launch creative campaigns that we’re seriously proud of – and we’ve loved every minute of it!
Of course, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Launching just months before the world was thrown into a pandemic was something we never saw coming – but we weren’t going to let that stop us, oh no! We adapted quickly, and found creative ways to help our clients stay connected with their audiences. It wasn’t easy, but the whole experience made us sharper, more flexible and more driven than ever.
Fast forward to now, and ie instinct has grown in many ways. Our team has expanded into a diverse group of creative minds and strategic thinkers, and we have also picked up some industry awards along the way! While we’re grateful to have received this recognition, what matters most is the relationships we’ve built with our clients, who trust us to bring their visions to life – and the successes we’ve been able to share with them.
So, what’s next for ie instinct? Well, if the last five years are anything to go by, it’s going to be one heck of an adventure. We’re ready to dream bigger, take risks, and ultimately gain even better results for our clients – staying true to our vision every step of the way!
As we blow out the candles on our fifth birthday cake, we want to thank our clients, partners and team members for being part of this incredible journey. The last five years have been a blast, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.
Here’s to the next chapter of ie instinct – the best is yet to come!
Ah, video – it’s everywhere! From viral TikTok challenges to binge-worthy YouTube content, we can’t scroll anywhere without this addictive content format popping up on our screens. It’s no longer just about entertainment; it’s becoming an integral part of how we learn, shop and interact with brands.
But, as marketers who see trends come and go all the time, we can’t help but wonder: is this just another fad, or are we witnessing a fundamental shift in how we connect with our audiences? Let’s unpack the power of video content and its role in shaping the future of digital marketing.
The rise of video content
Video content isn’t exactly new, but its role in marketing has been expanding rapidly – and for pretty good reasons! For one, most of us are naturally drawn to visual content. We tend to engage more with moving images and sound than with text alone. In fact, many websites find that visitors stick around longer when there’s video to watch.
Another great thing about video is its storytelling power. Whether it’s showing how a product works or giving a behind-the-scenes look at your company, video can convey messages in a way that’s both informative and emotionally engaging. In a world where people are looking for genuine connections with brands, this can be really valuable.
Why video is taking centre stage
If you’ve been on social media lately (we’d be surprised if you haven’t!), you’ve probably noticed a lot more video in your feed. This isn’t by chance – platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are actively promoting video content. They’ve found that video keeps users on their platforms longer, which is why their algorithms often favour it.
Plus, we’re all walking around with mini-TVs in our pockets. Quick, bite-sized videos are perfect for filling those odd moments in our day. Waiting for the bus? Watch a video. Coffee brewing? Video time!
Overcoming the challenges of video
While video can be exciting, it does come with some challenges. One of the biggest is often the cost. High-quality video production can be expensive, but it doesn’t always have to be. Many brands start with simple smartphone videos or animations and scale up as they see results.
Another challenge is consistently creating content. One approach is to think about how you can repurpose your videos. A single long video might be cut into shorter clips for social media, turned into a podcast or even transcribed for a blog post. It’s about making the most of the content you create!
As with any marketing effort, it’s important to measure results. This might involve looking at view counts, engagement rates or how videos impact conversions. These insights can help you refine your approach over time.
How to incorporate video into your marketing strategy
If you’re thinking about using more video in your marketing, here are a few tips to consider:
- Understand your audience: What kind of video content would they find useful or entertaining?
- Think about search: Use relevant keywords in your video titles and descriptions to help people find your content.
- Keep it concise: In most cases, shorter videos tend to perform better.
- Focus on value: Whether you’re educating, entertaining or inspiring, make sure your videos offer something worthwhile to viewers.
- Be consistent: Regular video content can help build a following and improve visibility on social platforms.
The future is video (but don't forget the basics!)
While video content is undoubtedly shaping the future of digital marketing, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive marketing strategy should incorporate various content types to reach and engage your audience effectively.
That said, video’s ability to capture attention and convey messages is hard to beat. As we move forward, brands that make good use of video are likely to have an advantage in the digital space.
So, is video content the future of digital marketing? We’d say it’s not just the future – it’s already here! The question now is: are you ready to press play on your video marketing strategy? Get in touch with us now and let’s help you embark on this journey!
Can you believe it’s September already? Nope, neither can we! As we dive headfirst into Q4 planning, we’ve been having some great chats with clients. From what’s next for social media (will the updates ever slow down?) to the latest in – you guessed it – AI, there’s always something to keep us on our toes. But, while we’ve been working on some exciting new website builds, the question on everyone’s mind seems to be: “Is SEO still worth it?”
We get it: with all the buzz around social media and AI changing how people find information online, it’s tempting to think SEO might be taking a backseat. Spoiler alert: it absolutely isn’t! In fact, SEO isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving these changes. Let’s break down why SEO should still be a key player in your business strategy in 2024.
1. Your Customers Are Still Searching
Despite all the noise from social media, search engines remain the go-to resource for people looking for information. If you want your business to be visible when potential customers are actively searching for what you offer, good SEO is non-negotiable.
The twist? Search behaviour is evolving. People are getting more specific with their queries, using longer phrases and questions. To stay ahead of the curve, you need to target these long-tail keywords and create content that directly answers those niche questions. Not only does this boost your rankings, but it also brings in traffic that’s ready to engage with your brand.
2. Local SEO Drives Footfall
If you have a brick-and-mortar store or cater to a local area, local SEO is your best friend. The rise in “near me” searches and location-specific queries means people are actively looking for businesses like yours.
However, local SEO isn’t just about being found; it’s about standing out. By optimising your local presence – think up-to-date Google Business Profile, glowing reviews and easy-to-find contact details – you’re making it easier for nearby customers to choose you over the competition.
3. SEO Builds Trust and Authority
Showing up in the top search results is like getting a virtual high-five from Google. It signals that you’re a trusted authority in your field, which is especially important in industries where credibility is everything.
Plus, optimising for SEO often leads to a better overall user experience on your website. Faster load times, mobile optimisation and quality content all contribute to a site that not only ranks well, but also earns the trust of your visitors. Win-win!
4. Content and SEO Go Hand-in-Hand
Gone are the days when SEO was about keyword stuffing and link schemes! Today, it’s all about creating high-quality content that genuinely helps your audience. When you align your content strategy with your SEO goals, you end up with a website that’s not just optimised for search engines, but also truly valuable to your visitors.
By focusing on content that answers your audience’s questions and meets their needs, you’re not just improving your rankings – you’re attracting more qualified leads. These are the people who are already interested in what you offer, making them more likely to convert into loyal customers.
5. SEO Offers Long-Term ROI
Unlike paid ads, which stop working the moment you stop paying, SEO is the gift that keeps on giving. A well-optimised site with strong content can continue to draw in traffic and generate leads long after your initial investment.
Think of SEO as a marathon, not a sprint. It requires time and consistent effort, but the long-term payoff can be huge. With SEO, you’re building a foundation for sustained growth and success.
SEO in 2024 and Beyond
SEO isn’t just still relevant; it’s essential! It keeps you visible when it matters most and ensures you’re reaching your target audience in a meaningful way.
But remember, SEO isn’t a one-and-done strategy. It’s constantly evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends is crucial. That’s where we come in. We’re not just here to help you keep up – we’re here to help you lead the pack.
Ready to take your SEO game to the next level? Let’s chat about how we can tailor a strategy that works for your unique business needs. Drop us a line – we’re excited to help your business thrive on search engines!
It’s that time again: time to create some content! You know the drill: you’re sitting at your desk, coffee in hand, ready to tackle your social media posts for the month – then suddenly, your mind goes blank. Yep, we’ve all been there!
But, the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. At ie instinct, we live and breathe all things Social Media Marketing, meaning we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves to help you break out of that content rut and start creating posts that’ll have your followers coming back for more.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill suggestions – we’re talking about tried-and-tested tactics that’ll help you connect with your audience, showcase your brand personality and keep your feed fresh and engaging.
Get ready to say goodbye to creator’s block and hello to a vibrant, engaging social presence!
1. Tune into trending topics
In a world where feeds are constantly refreshing and attention spans are shorter than ever, staying on top of trends is crucial. But where do you start? You could try setting up Google Alerts for keywords relevant to your industry, follow industry-specific hashtags on platforms like X and LinkedIn or even join industry groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay in the loop. Just remember to always align trends with your brand voice and values before jumping on board!
2. Peek behind the curtain
People love feeling like insiders, so give them that exclusive access they crave. This could be snippets of your team’s day-to-day, walking through your product development process or giving a virtual tour of your workspace. This kind of content humanises your brand and helps build a stronger connection with your audience.
3. Harness the power of nostalgia
Nostalgia is a powerful tool in social media marketing – it helps people connect with your brand on a whole new level. But you don’t have to limit yourself to sharing old photos (although those can be great too!). Share your company’s history, revisit past campaigns (just like Coca-Cola have again recently with their ‘Share a Coke’ campaign) or showcase how your industry has evolved over time. This type of content not only provides interesting insights, but also helps position your brand as an experienced player in your field.
4. Get visual
Eye-catching visuals are no longer nice-to-haves – they’re essential for stopping that scroll. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a professional graphic designer to create content that stops thumbs in their tracks! Infographics are a great way to show information in an easily digestible format. Got some impressive stats about your industry or product? Turn them into a colourful, shareable carousel.
And let’s not forget about video! Short videos or reels, whether educational, entertaining or both, are continuing to dominate every platform. From quick tips related to your product or service to those behind-the-scenes peeks we mentioned, video is a no-brainer for getting your content in front of new eyes.
5. Celebrate the little things
Everyone loves a good celebration (we know we do)! From National Donut Day to World Emoji Day, quirky holidays can be a fun way to connect with your audience on a lighter note. We recommend looking for social media holidays that are relevant to your industry, and thinking about how you can tie them back to your brand in a meaningful (or entertaining) way. For example, if you’re a tech company, you might want to mark World Password Day or Computer Security Day.
Final word: How to create effective social media content
And there you have it! A bunch of content ideas to freshen up your content calendar. Remember, the key to great social media content is to mix it up and stay authentic to your brand voice – don’t be afraid to try new things, keep an eye on your analytics to see which content works best, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed? Fear not – we’re here to support you with all things social media! So if you’d love some friendly backup from an experienced partner, be sure to drop us a line here or via our socials.
And hey, while you’re here, why not grab our free Social Media Content Calendar? It’s packed with daily prompts, holiday reminders and space for your own brilliant ideas. Get in touch here to grab yours and let your social media content shine!
Ah, Social Media Management. It’s like trying to tame a digital dragon – it’s exciting, but boy oh boy, can it breathe fire! As the social media landscape changes faster than a TikTok trend, so do the challenges and opportunities that come with its management. What worked last month might not cut it today (yep, a lot can happen in 30 days!), algorithms are constantly changing and people’s online habits are always shifting. Basically, there’s a lot to keep up with – especially when you’re busy keeping your business afloat.
So if you’re thinking, “How am I supposed to keep up with it all?!”, that’s where we come in: your remote Social Media Specialists. We’re not talking just sprinkling a few posts here and there, oh no! We’re talking a full Social Media Strategy that can drive real business results. But, why exactly do you need us in your corner? We’ve broken it down into 5 reasons why your business could benefit from expert Social Media Support.
1. You want to stay ahead of platform changes
As we know, social media platforms love to keep us on our toes. One day, everything’s smooth sailing. The next? Algorithm change alert!
As Social Media Experts, we’re always on top of the latest changes and trends. When Instagram drops a new feature or Meta does a 180, we’re already 10 steps ahead, turning potential pitfalls into golden opportunities for your brand.
For example, when Instagram introduced Reels, we quickly embraced this format as part of our clients’ strategies, helping them reach new audiences and increase engagement. We’re also partial to sharing a few ourselves, which you can check out on our profile!
2. You want to share impactful content
It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly trying to churn out content that’s engaging, relevant and resonates with your audience. But, from our experience, it’s not just about quantity – quality and consistency are key to building and maintaining an engaged audience.
Our Content Management skills mean you’ll have a steady stream of posts that tell your brand story and have the power to stop the scroll. We handle everything from eye-catching visuals to compelling copy, using a tailored content calendar – that’s right, made just for you – to maintain a consistent posting schedule, keeping your brand fresher than a mojito on a hot summer’s day (oops, now we fancy a drink!).
3. Your ad spend doesn't have a great ROI
With so many targeting options and bidding strategies to navigate, advertising on social media can feel a bit like a maze. And without the guidance of social media specialists, budgets can quickly go to waste on ads that don’t deliver.
With our expertise in audience targeting and ad optimisation, you can rest assured your campaigns will be fine-tuned for maximum impact and budget-friendliness. We’ll work with you to set clear goals for each campaign, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic or generating leads. From there, we’ll craft ad content that speaks directly to your target audience.
Oh, and we’ll also keep a constant eye on your campaigns by analysing performance data and making real-time adjustments to boost results, so you can really get more bang for your buck.
4. You need help turning data into action
We don’t just collect data, we crack the code, providing you with clear, actionable insights about your social media performance – and use this information to continuously refine your strategy.
We go beyond basic metrics such as likes and followers – we dive deep into all the data we can get our hands on, be it engagement rates, click-throughs and conversions, to get a full picture of your social media performance. We’ll then whip up custom reports that focus on the metrics that matter most to your business.
But of course, we don’t just stop at reporting! We turn these insights into solid recommendations for improving your strategy. This might mean switching up your content mix, changing posting times or tweaking who you’re targeting. Whatever your data’s telling us, we listen and do what’s best for your business.
5. You don't have time to manage everything Social Media
Great social media management is more than just posting. It involves engaging with your community, constantly monitoring trends and handling any PR hiccups among a bunch of other surprises – which can be a full-time gig in itself!
From content calendars to performance tracking, our all-in-one Social Media Management services aim to make your social presence shine. We respond to comments and messages quickly, keep tabs on conversations happening in your industry and are prepared to handle crisis management when needed.
Think of us as an extension of your marketing team: versatile, reliable and always here when you need us!
Ready to take your Social Media to the next level?
So, what do you say? If you’re itching to take your social media to new heights, we’re always happy to chat about how our Social Media Support services can help your business flourish. Get in touch here and let’s start making some social media magic together!
Whew, what a ride it’s been since ChatGPT burst onto the scene! Since November 2022, the groundbreaking language model has truly taken the world by storm. And of course, being a team of marketers who thrive on instinct and intuition, we’ve been front and centre watching how this technology could potentially level up (or down) our marketing game.
But now, with the benefit of hindsight, we wanted to share what we’ve learned 18 months on from its release. Buckle up!
Can AI truly replace human marketers?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: no, ChatGPT and its AI cousins aren’t going to replace human marketers anytime soon! While they can without doubt lend a helping hand with creating first drafts or even sparking content ideas, they just can’t capture the nuances of a brand’s unique tone of voice and overarching goals the way seasoned marketers can.
Using AI as a supportive tool
That being said, AI is here to stay – so we might as well take advantage of it to facilitate our marketing efforts, right? They’re not perfect, but AI tools have the potential to streamline and enhance certain aspects of our work. After all, why spend hours agonising over the perfect opening paragraph when an AI assistant can provide a solid starting point? The key lies in recognising its strengths and limitations and using it as a sidekick rather than a substitute for human expertise.
AI’s strengths and limitations
From our experience, AI can be really handy for high-volume content needs. But even then, we put in the work to tweak and tailor that content to perfectly fit our clients’ needs. Because at the end of the day, there’s simply no comparison to the deep, nuanced understanding an experienced marketing team has when it comes to truly grasping a company’s mission and crafting authentic strategies that resonate.
The bottom line
All in all, the past 18 months have only reinforced our belief that the most effective marketing solutions come from the sweet spot where human creativity meets technology-powered efficiency. Sure, AI can lighten the load and streamline processes, but it’s that strategic vision and deep understanding of a brand’s essence that truly sets great marketers apart.
While we’ll keep exploring and adapting to the ever-evolving AI landscape, one thing remains constant: our commitment to providing clients with strategic, instinct-driven marketing solutions that strike a chord with their audiences and drive real results. AI may be revolutionary, but it’s no replacement for the real deal (that’s us, by the way!).
So, what’s your take on AI’s role in marketing after 18 months of ChatGPT? We’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch and let’s discuss!
Be sure to keep up with the ie insights and all of our socials so you don’t miss out on any updates!
As you’ve probably heard, Instagram has been at it again, shaking up its algorithm and announcing all-new updates! But what do these changes actually mean for marketers? The short answer: probably not much, if you’re already executing a sound, authentic Instagram strategy.
Still, it’s important we understand these updates and what they could potentially mean for our strategies moving forward. So, let’s break down the key updates!
What are the new changes to Instagram?
First things first, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has announced four new changes to the platform and its ranking system:
- A new input to ranking that will give smaller creators more distribution
- Replacing reposts with original content in recommendations
- Adding labels to reposted content, linking to the original creator
- Removing content aggregators from recommendations
The main goal? Making Instagram’s never-ending recommendation feeds a much more balanced place by boosting original content from up-and-coming creators.
Why is Instagram making these changes?
For years now, creators have been calling out Instagram for favouring accounts with tons of followers in recommendations, making it nearly impossible for smaller accounts to be discovered organically.
Then there was the rise of meme pages and regram accounts that solely existed to repost other people’s viral content without giving any credit which, according to Instagram’s data, were being recommended and shown to viewers much more than original creators’ posts.
Adam Mosseri finally acknowledged this criticism, saying the platform wants to “give all creators an equal footing in terms of reach” with this ranking revamp, with a laser focus on rebalancing the Reels recommendation feed.
The latest Instagram updates: Breaking it all down
So what is changing, exactly? Here are the key points:
Boosting smaller creators
A new “input” is being added to Instagram’s ranking algorithm that will specifically give smaller creators way more distribution in places like the Reels recommendation feed. The idea is to help these accounts get in front of new audiences if their content resonates, rather than just having it come down to follower numbers.
Prioritising fresh content
Instagram says it will start replacing reposted/regrammed reels in recommendations with the original source video. So if you create something that gets reposted by another account, your original post would be the one that gets prioritised.
Labelling reposted content
For cases where reposted/regrammed reels do still appear, Instagram will add a new label linking back to the original creator. Account owners will apparently be able to opt-out of these citation labels initially, but who knows if that flexibility sticks around in the long run!
Removing content regram accounts
This is the big one: Instagram says it plans to eventually remove accounts that primarily exist just to reshare other creators’ content from recommendations entirely over time. So those meme pages and viral regram accounts may be in trouble in terms of reach.
What do these changes mean for marketers?
For brands and businesses using Instagram for marketing, these updates likely won’t require any major strategic overhauls. You’ll still want to focus on creating super engaging, original content that resonates with your audience.
But say you run an account that highlights user-generated content, or you collaborate with smaller influencers/creators on branded posts, then these updates could present some new opportunities. In theory, investing in those authentic creator feeds could get far more exposure through Instagram’s revamped ranking system.
It’s also just another reminder about the increasing importance social media platforms are placing on short-form video content. Prioritising Reels as part of your Instagram strategy will be key to showing up in those valuable recommendation feeds.
The bottom line
All in all, it looks like Instagram is clearly trying to evolve its recommendations from being an exposure machine for accounts with massive followings and reposted/regram content to a real launchpad that highlights more original, engaging videos and creators – regardless of follower count.
While the specific impacts are yet to be seen, it’s absolutely an important shift to keep tabs on as the Instagram algorithm continues to evolve.
As these updates roll out over the coming months, we’ll be keeping a close eye on what’s working (and what’s not!). But as always, the focus should remain on creating high-quality, audience-first content that captures attention and provides value.
And there you have it! What do you think – will you be giving these updates a ‘like’? And if you have any more questions about what these changes could mean for your business, you can reach out here or via our socials – we’re all ears!
We all know branding is one of the most important driving forces behind any business, right? It goes far beyond just whipping up a new logo or quickly refreshing your website; it’s the entire emotional experience you create through every interaction with your customers.
But is it really worth the investment, time and resources? If you’re on the fence about turning your attention to your branding, we’ve put together a few compelling reasons why nailing your brand identity is so crucial for long-term business success. Strap yourselves in – we’ve got a lot to cover!
First things first: What is branding?
Let’s start with the basics. At its core, branding is how you shape the perception of your company in the minds of customers and the public. While a logo and colour scheme are crucial brand elements, your brand encompasses much more than just visuals. It’s the intangible: your company’s personality, values, voice and the promises you make to your audience. In essence, branding is all about how people view your business – and how it makes them feel.
Think iconic brands like Apple, Nike and Disney. What instantly comes to mind? Each one has carefully chiselled an instantly recognisable brand identity through their marketing, product design and overall brand experiences they cultivate over time that resonate on a deeper level.
And these strong emotional connections are no happy accident – they’re the result of careful, strategic branding decisions over decades. Companies like Disney have raised branding to an art form, making their brand pillars of magic, family fun and imagination an integral part of their movies, parks, merchandise and more to become a household name. Now that’s the power of strong branding!
Why Branding is Make-or-Break for Businesses
Still not sold on the idea that branding deserves a prime seat at the strategy table? Consider these crucial ways it impacts your business:
It gives you a competitive edge
With so much noise out there, having a quality product or service alone is often not enough to truly captivate customers and earn their loyalty long-term. Your unique branding communicates what makes you special and memorable compared to others on the market. It’s your secret sauce that can’t be replicated, even if another company offers similar products or services on the surface. Without strategic branding, you risk blending in and being perceived as a commodity.
It builds trust and loyalty
These days, customers have more options to choose from than ever before, meaning they’re highly selective about the businesses they support. They’re more likely to purchase from brands they feel they can trust and view as credible, authoritative figures in their industry. Consistent, professional branding that’s reinforced across all your channels – your website, products, customer service interactions, social media profiles and more – builds that recognition as an established, reliable brand worthy of their business.
What’s more, when your brand personality, values and overall experience resonates authentically with your target audience, it creates a bond that can turn one-time buyers into passionate advocates for your brand. People want to feel loyal to companies whose purpose and philosophies align with their own values and lifestyle.
It future-proofs your business
From a financial perspective, there are clear incentives for prioritising branding. A cohesive brand lays a solid foundation that prepares your company for future growth through increased recognition, equity and credibility. It also gives you the flexibility to explore new products, services or brand extensions that make sense within your brand identity down the road.
Most importantly, your brand is one of your company’s most valuable assets that directly impact revenue. Cultivating a powerful brand enables you to maintain pricing power, add perceived value to your offerings and ultimately boost profits over time. Highly resonant brands can even command premium pricing for their products and services. Strategic branding is an investment that continues giving to your business.
Bringing your brand to life
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you by now that strategic branding needs to be a top business priority, not an afterthought! But how do you build and reinforce a cohesive brand identity that connects with your audience? Here are some key components:
Define your brand's core identity and strategic foundation
Before creating visuals, you need to get clear on your brand’s core identity through an in-depth consultation process. This involves defining your company’s core values, brand personality, tone of voice, unique value proposition, positioning in the market, target customer profiles and what they’re looking for in a brand. This crucial discovery phase lays the strategic groundwork for all your brand’s visuals and messaging.
Develop memorable and distinctive brand identity visuals
With your brand strategy solidified, it’s time to bring it to life visually through consistent assets like a unique logo design that captures your brand’s essence, a vibrant colour palette that evokes certain feelings and associations, a distinctive typography system, custom iconography or illustrations, defined photography styles and more. These cohesive visual elements are what will make your brand highly recognisable.
Create comprehensive brand guidelines
Once you’re set on your brand’s strategic foundations and visual identity, you’ll want to thoroughly translate them into detailed brand guidelines. This includes specific guidelines around your voice, tone, key messaging, content pillars and more which will not only help maintain brand consistency across all channels, but ensure your entire team stays aligned for years to come.
Nurture your brand through meaningful customer experiences
Ultimately, your brand needs to be embedded into every single interaction and experience customers have with your company. Whether it’s your website design and UX, product packaging, customer service approach, in-person events, social media content or advertising campaigns. Staying true to your brand at every touchpoint is crucial for memorability and creating meaningful connections.
Final word: Why you need to invest in branding
All in all, branding is so much more than just visual elements – it’s the embodiment of how you make customers think and feel about your company. When you thoughtfully nurture every component of your brand’s identity, the payoff is huge in differentiation, loyalty, added value and bottom-line impact.
Does your current branding feel outdated or like it fails to capture your business’ full essence and potential? Our team can help bring your company’s story to life through an insightful brand strategy and top-notch creative execution across all channels and customer touchpoints. Get in touch here to arrange a chat about your branding needs!
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