From Likes to Leads: Social Media’s Evolution
Over the past thirteen years, KR Squared’s been on the forefront of social media’s evolution. We’ve navigated these platforms as they evolved from 100% community to profound marketing tools. Our client’s have received posts with almost half a million views, campaigns with an increase of 2500% engagement, and record-breaking sales. In other words, we can confidently say; Instagram is not just a scenic mountain view—it’s the summit.
But let’s rewind a bit and explore how social media transformed from a virtual hangout to a potent marketing tool. Remember the days when platforms like Instagram were merely places to share cat memes and vacation photos? (The ‘Valencia’ filter, anyone??) Fast forward to today, where Instagram alone boasts ad revenue reaching a staggering $50.58 billion, with expectations to climb even higher.
Here’s where it gets interesting: 72% of users are making purchase decisions based on what they see on Instagram. That’s right – people aren’t just scrolling; they’re shopping. Whether it’s snagging the latest fashion trend or scoping out the newest gadget, Instagram has become a virtual mall with a plethora of thumb-stopping options.
But for consumers, Instagram isn’t just about shopping, it’s also about awareness. Social media has become the go-to resource for brand research. Over 62% of social media users turn to Instagram to follow and learn about brands and products. It’s not enough to have a presence; brands need to stand out. With 97.6% of U.S. marketers utilizing Instagram, the competition is fierce. But we know a little bit about that.
At KR Squared, we understand that social media is more than just a marketing add-on, so we’ve made it the cornerstone of our creative endeavors. With our innovative approach, we seamlessly integrate social media into every aspect of our strategy, ensuring that our clients stand out in the digital landscape.
But while we know how to harness Instagram’s power for successful outcomes, we personally enjoy a more old-fashioned approach on our company accounts. Put simply: we have fun! If you follow us on Instagram, you already know about our shenanigans, but it bears emphasizing: we absolutely love connecting with our KR2 friends both near and far. Whether that connection happens over dance-offs, internet challenges, or virtual heart-to-hearts, we value our online community.
So, what's the takeaway? Instagram is the new-age advertorial AND a relationship-building platform. Both things can be true. At KR Squared, we’re happy to make the most of social media—wherever it takes us—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
