How to use Instagram in Employer Branding

Here’s the first part of the series - check it out if you haven’t read it and want to find some examples of WHY you should use Instagram before you find out HOW you can do it.

When I approached the topic of using Instagram by the IT industry, I thought that I would have a problem with choosing between the variety of great post. It turns out that I was a bit too enthusiastic - many interesting companies decide to focus only on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter. It's obviously a good idea to be active on those platforms, but let's not forget about Instagram and the unique advantages it offers! And please, someone explain to me why I saw so many Google+ accounts - what year is it?

Most famous social network sites worldwide as of September 2017, ranked by number of active users (in millions)

Source: Satista.com

After a bit of research, however, I was able to find a few examples of the great Instagram usage. I wanted to avoid showing accounts of the biggest companies - they have whole teams that are responsible for their social media accounts. Instead, I chose some “regular” companies with a more natural content - while Google’s account is really entertaining, I wanted to show companies that are not as gigantic as the giants of the industry. ;)

Chosen post showcase how Instagram can be used to create an image of a modern company that is worth working for. So, in short, you're going to so how to use this platform for Employer Branding. Let’s review them and talk through why they are working and what can be achieved thanks to them.

Types of post you should have on your Instagram

#1 Day to day life at a fun workplace

Regardless of how many fun integration parties your company organizes or how many fun additions to the break room it installs, a normal day in the IT office mostly consist of, well, working. That’s why it’s worth to try and show that everyday life can also be fun and entertaining.

It’s either birthday celebrations or a simple case of goofing around that show that there’s a friendly atmosphere. This kind of photos works as a proof that coworkers enjoy each other’s company, what is a big deal when you spend half of your days with them.

It doesn’t have to be anything big - this simple photo, probably snapped in a second, made me smile and think that people must really like each other there to (lightheartedly!) make fun of their coworkers. In short - create a vibe that will make your followers think “It would be fun being part of this group”!

Here at Raizlabs, we love getting crafty with birthday celebrations. Happy almost-Birthday to @mpldesign! 🎉🎂🎨 #raizlabs #raizlabsdesign #birthdayart #birthdayartwork #iterativedesign #almostbirthday

Post udostępniony przez Raizlabs (@raizlabs) 28 Lip, 2017 o 10:51 PDT

#2 Show some heart

Speaking of fun at work, here’s a photo that combines it with the second type of posts that are worth posting - the charitable ones. I really love how both stupid and noble this post is - on the one hand, you have grown professionals wearing pajamas in the office, but on the other, they are doing it for a charity. And I can only imagine how cozy that day must’ve been for them. ;)

I know that I’m going to sound heartless, but engaging in charitable activities and being socially responsible (hello, CSR) is trendy. It’s a drag that for some the act of helping is not enough, but this is the harsh reality of the world - it looks good when you acknowledge your privilege and do something for the community.

So, if you’re not doing it for the community (but please do!), do it for the potential new employees, so they’ll know that they can make a difference in the world when working in your company. Just like it’s done in this post, which not only shows the team working together, promotes the cause, but also reminds followers that the employees can do charitable work on their paid time off. Kudos, Citrix, job well done!

Today is Red Nose Day here in Australia and the crew are, of course, all dressed in support! Red Nose Australia have saved over 8,959 babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Australia since they began and rely on the generosity of the public to continue their life-saving work. If you'd like to donate, you can do so right here: https://rednose.com.au/donation

Post udostępniony przez Digital Pacific (@digitalpacificwebhosting) 29 Cze, 2017 o 11:08 PDT

#3 That thing caught my eye!

You know what is the trait of the most creative and interesting people? They are a bit weird! So don’t try to hide behind the facade all the time - if there’s something unusual in your office, show it! It can even be something as silly as a balloon in the potted plant - it's all about catching the eye of the follower and showing that you are human.

The thing is, those type of posts show that working in the office doesn’t have to be boring and that it’s not taken seriously all the time. They simply draw the attention of the followers, who will probably do a double take when they see a customized KitKat (Human, if you’re reading this - how did you do it?:)).

Take a break! We've got hold of our own custom KitKat. #kitkat #human

Post udostępniony przez Human (@human_mcr) 30 Mar, 2017 o 7:30 PDT

#4 Spending time after work

The biggest proof of a great vibe at the office can be found outside of it - when coworkers spend time together after work. They can stay in the office to drink beer or go out together, run an obstacle course or take part in some sporting event - the possibilities for a great post (and fun times with your colleagues) are endless!

All that matters is the fact that you must really like someone when you’re not sick of them after spending 8 hours together (5 times a week, may I add!). Especially with Netflix being filled with so many gems - Stranger Things, anyone?

Another amazing Fab Friday with the Tribe. Swipe left to see all the fun #sandiego

Post udostępniony przez Telepathy (@dtelepathy) 19 Maj, 2017 o 9:55 PDT

#5 People showing their love for the company

Another variety of the previous type of posts is people showing love for their company - but this time not by spending time with their coworkers, but simply by not forgetting about them when they are on vacation.

And, obviously, I’m not talking about doing working instead of resting on your free time - but thinking about snapping a photo of corporate stickers while traveling seems to be a proof that the particular employee is not treating his/her job as only a mean of making money. And that’s a kind of place that people want to work at.

Our #evolvezavr is traveling the world. This time he stopped at Dubai to give you a beautiful view at constructing of the world's largest ferris wheel - The Dubai Eye!😎🙈🔥 #dubai #dubaieye #ferriswheel #travel #travelingram #traveling #team #coding #developing #marketing

Post udostępniony przez Stanfy (@stanfymobile) 13 Lut, 2017 o 11:36 PST

#6 Brag about your cool office, Mr. Braggadocio!

You are a part of the coolest of the cool companies, and you have the coolest office there is. And if the latter part of this sentence may not necessarily be true, don’t despair!

To be fair, our last office was far from the ones of Google or YouTube. However, what made it the best was the way we used it! It didn’t have nowadays omnipresent beanbag chairs (I’m even writing this while sitting on one), but it was ours, and we made it awesome. With the three floors, we were able to play hare and hounds or create unforgettable office parties. How we made it and what we've shown made it cool! That’s why you should show the best sides of your office - either ping-pong tables, arcade games, or big, Broadway-esque signs (and yes, I gasped when I saw that photo).

Visit our vintage tech themed meeting rooms at our Virginia office. What are these things? They're called “cassette tapes” – they play music 😛

Post udostępniony przez Viget (@viget) 10 Lut, 2017 o 2:02 PST

#7 Show those, who are really liked by everyone!

All this talk about the great vibe in the office, enjoying each other company, but we know that’s it’s all for nothing when you compare a bond between coworkers with a bond between a human and an office dog. As you can see - people (and work) will be ignored when there are adorable dachshunds in the office!

People usually love dogs, and when said dogs are well behaved, then they are more than welcome in the offices around the world. So if your workplace has a barketing department, show it on your Instagram feed.

Not only you will get mad likes for the doggos, you will also show your potential employees that yes, you are indeed a place where the dreams of spending time with dogs without worrying about vacuuming come true. Also, the office with dogs seems like a fun office that listens to the needs of people working in it.

Everything normal at @aerolab 😁 🐕 #doge #random #mask #dachshund #dachshundlove #puppy #rocky #vsco #iphone7plus

Post udostępniony przez Aerolab (@aerolab) 28 Kwi, 2017 o 9:02 PDT

That's obviously not all - there are many, many more ways to use Instagram in Employer Branding. If you have a fun welcome pack for new employees, show them off! Are you proud of the companies values and want people to know about them? Hey, you have another post going! The most important thing on a corporate Instagram profile is to appreciate the employees, make them seen and showing that they are a crucial part of the team.

At the end I would like to make the plea to people managing social media accounts - please, don't forget that you and your coworkers are human. Don't be afraid to show it off! A little bit of honesty and cheek in your posts is in my opinion far more important than the quality of the photos. But don't overdo it by posting some moved, grainy snaps - it's all about balance. Remember, you won't steal hearts of potential employees with the composition of the photo, but with the fun vibe you are displaying!

Navigate the changing IT landscape

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