[author: Noreen Fishman]
Instagram isn’t just a platform for personal connections—it’s a powerful tool for businesses, including law firms. With the right strategy, law firms can harness Instagram to reach new clients, engage with their community, and bolster their brand. But as Instagram evolves, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest features and trends. This blog post will guide law firms and legal marketers through the newest Instagram updates, providing actionable insights to enhance their digital presence.
Why Instagram is Crucial for Law Firms
Instagram offers law firms a unique opportunity to connect directly with potential clients and the broader community. It provides a platform to share expertise, build trust, and showcase success stories. For legal marketers, understanding how to leverage Instagram effectively can lead to increased visibility and client engagement.
Instagram’s Latest Features
‘Lately’ Feature
Instagram’s ‘Lately’ feature is designed to keep your profile fresh by showcasing your latest stories. This is perfect for law firms wanting to highlight recent accomplishments, client testimonials, or behind-the-scenes looks at their daily operations. By automatically creating a highlight feed, you ensure your content remains visible beyond the typical 24-hour story lifespan.
Send a Preview
Getting feedback on your content before posting can be invaluable. Instagram’s “send a preview” feature allows you to share your Reels with friends or non-followers for feedback. This is particularly useful for law firms that want to ensure their content resonates with their audience before going live.
Unskippable Ads
Instagram is testing unskippable ads in user feeds. While this might be controversial, it’s an opportunity for law firms to ensure their ads are seen. By creating engaging and informative ads, you can capture the attention of users and drive traffic to your website.
Text Overlays on Carousel Posts
Enhance your carousel posts with text overlays. This feature allows you to add explanatory text to individual carousel images, making it easier to share detailed information. Law firms can use this for ‘how-to’ guides, explainer posts, or showcasing case studies.
Instagram Advises Against ‘Engagement Baiting’
Instagram recently advised creators and brands to avoid answer-specific calls to action (CTAs) in video clips. The platform stated, “If we believe your content explicitly asks for engagement through shares, comments, tags, or other actions, then we won’t recommend it.” This isn’t a new revelation, as Instagram has always been against engagement-baiting. However, this could impact those using marketing automation tools that prompt engagement through automated triggers. Law firms should note this guideline to avoid penalties and ensure their content strategy aligns with Instagram’s policies.
Takeaway:
Navigating the dynamic landscape of Instagram requires both creativity and adaptability. As outlined, the newest features offer law firms innovative ways to keep their audience engaged, build trust, and expand their reach. By leveraging tools like the ‘Lately’ feature, unskippable ads, and text overlays on carousel posts, law firms can present their content in more engaging and impactful ways.
