The Purr-fect Instagram
We’ve all seen them – those adorably distracting cat videos invading our Instagram feeds, courtesy of accounts like @nala_cat or @realgrumpycat. With millions of followers, these feline influencers often boast better social media statistics than most businesses. This begs the question, “Why is your cat’s Instagram out-performing your business account?” It’s time to let curiosity get the best of us and reveal some lessons our furry friends can teach us about effective social media marketing.
Why Are They So Successful?
Cute, cuddly, and at times downright hilarious, cat-themed Instagram accounts have taken the social media world by storm, amassing more followers than many big-name celebrities or well-established businesses.
Nala Cat (@nala_cat) even won a Guinness World record in 2019 for having the most followers for an Instagram cat account with over 4.5 million followers!
But, have you ever stopped and wondered why? Why are millions of users falling head over heels for these furry internet sensations? In this article, we’ll pull back the curtain and delve into the reasons why these whiskered influencers are ruling the Instagram realm and what key marketing insights businesses can learn from their surprising success. Buckle in – it’s time for some fun (and insightful!) de-mystification.
11 Ways to Make Your Instagram Successful
Embracing Authenticity
Meandering between various plush toys and hilariously imminent ‘falling off the couch’ episodes, resident internet sensation ‘Lil BUB’ shares authentic moments with her 2.4 million Instagram followers. Takeaway for businesses: ‘Real’ wins on social media. Consumers are savvy and appreciate seeing the less polished, genuine side of a brand. As businesses, we need to show some ‘behind-the-scenes’, engage in real-time, and reveal the human side of our brands.
Consistent Content Calendars
Pay attention to the regular posting schedule of popular pet accounts. They ensure their audience gets its daily dose of cuteness. As a business, consistent posting is key. Your followers should know when to expect new content from you. This also keeps you fresh in their minds and improves your chances of being seen in their regular feed.
Engaging is Key, Not Just the Purr-fect Picture
Your catstar might not reply in human language to comments, but the account managers certainly do. Engagement is not a one-way street. Responding to your followers, liking their comments, or even visiting their profiles to interact can develop a strong community around your brand.
Leverage High-Quality Content
Even the most casual viewer might notice the high-quality imagery used by successful cat accounts. Every photo is in focus, well-lit, and aesthetically appealing. As a business, investing in high-quality content is crucial. Poorly produced content might put potential customers off, whereas sharp, appealing visuals would draw users in.
The Story sells – Cultivating a Compelling Narrative
Just as every beloved Internet-famed cat has a story—be it Nala who was adopted from a shelter or Lil BUB who was born with genetic anomalies—meaningful narratives hook audiences. Your brand also has a unique story of its origin, its values, or its contribution to the society. Craft and weave this narrative into your posts to help your audience connect on a deeper level. Tell them why you started, what challenges you overcame, who your unsung heroes are, and how customers are using and benefiting from your services or products.
Hashtags - The Game of Tag You Want to Play
These whiskered influencers can teach you a thing or two about hashtagging. A slew of cat-related hashtags are used generously within each post. Businesses can learn from this – wisely using relevant and trending hashtags increases visibility and helps you reach the audience interested in your offering.
Collaborations and Partnerships – The Crossover Episodes
Collaborations between cat Instagram stars are abundant: they feature products, share each other’s content, even visit each other. Co-marketing with businesses around your niche can provide exposure to a wider demographic and create win-win scenarios for everyone involved.
Utilize User-Generated Content
Ever seen fans’ artwork or pet photos replicating your feline influencer’s poses getting shared? User-generated content provides fresh perspectives on your brand and promotes community involvement and loyalty. The catch is to find fun and interactive ways to encourage your audience to generate content associated with your brand.
It’s a Fad-tastic World – Being Relevant and Trendy
Ever seen trending challenges where cats are seen responding to cucumbers, or jumping over rolls of toilet paper? Whether it’s celebrating “International Cat Day” or participating in the latest Internet trend, these accounts understand that staying relevant is key to maintaining engagement. Businesses can take a leaf out of their book and tap into viral trends or relevant events to boost visibility and engagement. Your posts could revolve around major holidays, international events or even respond to trending memes, all the while tying it back to your brand.
The Power of a Unique Selling Proposition
What sets ‘Lil BUB’ or ‘Grumpy Cat’ apart is their individual quirks. Grumpy Cat’s unique frowning face became a viral sensation. Finding your business’s unique selling proposition, and making it the hero of your stories, can help you stand out from the crowd.
The Lol-Factor – Injecting Humour and Wit
What’s more entertaining than a sassy cat displaying her “cattitude” or a feline completely failing at a jump? It’s the humor, the unexpected, and the downright ridiculousness that keep us coming back for more. Brands that can infuse humor and fun into their social media campaign are more likely to stick in the minds of their audience. As a business, don’t be afraid to show some wit, make a funny reference, or share light-hearted content that aligns with your brand. However, remember: humor can be subjective – so ensure it’s in good taste.
Our Thoughts…
And there you have it, several life-lessons we can learn from our furry friends enjoying social media limelight. Yes, social media can feel daunting, especially as it continually evolves. But a few key principles always hold true – authenticity, engagement, consistency, and knowing what sets you apart will always have relevance, whether you’re promoting a cat, a business, or anything else. While cats might always rule the internet, today’s businesses don’t have to be left in the litter.
By combining these lessons, you can ensure your business’s social media account is as compelling as any famous feline.
Reach out to Zodiac Global here to find out how we can help you align your brand with the stars. Or, if you’re an influencer, contact us for talent management services.
