They say a picture is worth 1,000 words.
Looking at the massively popular photo-based social platform, Instagram, it’s hard to disagree. With over 300 million active users a month, and an average engagement rate that overshadows Twitter’s by a mile, the proof is in the photo.
Which is why smart business-to-business brands should take advantage of all the traction the photo-sharing app is seeing. Even despite the fact that Instagram is usually thought of as a platform for business-to-consumer brands.
Today, we’re taking a look at seven of the best B2B brands on Instagram. We’ll discuss who they are, why they’re successful on Instagram, and show you their most engaged with photo.
1. Buffer
141 posts | 3,374 followers | 94 following
Who they are: A startup and social media management tool who prides itself on positivity, transparency, and self-improvement.
Why they work: Buffer has a cult-like following for a reason. Their account showcases the brand by highlighting their specific company culture and values (such as the freedom to work remotely and a focus on self-improvement), new features, and overall shenanigans.
Average engagement per post: 95.33 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 2.75%
2. Zendesk
566 posts | 2696 followers | 215 following
Who They Are: A cloud-based customer service software that focuses on increasing customer satisfaction and building meaningful customer relationships.
Why They Work: It’s all about people. From the many pictures of their fun-loving employees, to the relationship-building events, to posts that show them giving back to the community, it all ties back to connecting with people.
Average engagement per post: 54 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 2.17%
3. MailChimp
280 posts | 19.4 followers | 0 following
Who They Are: The fun-loving email service with a hat-wearing monkey, Freddy, as its mascot. They have one simple mission: send better email.
Why They Work: One glance at the MailChimp account and three characteristics immediately come to mind: vibrant, colorful, and whimsical. MailChimp shows you what it’s like on the monkey-side of life: from a #MeetMailChimp mini series to highlight employees, to photos of awesome people, to creative ways to show off new features. They’ve brought a little mischief and wonder to a product that nowadays, most people dread. Also, they’ve managed to pull off the coveted “0 following” status.
Average engagement per post: 344.44 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 1.77%
4. Hootsuite
776 posts | 13.3K followers | 3,245 following
Who They Are: The original social media management tool founded by social media guru, Ryan Holmes. And whose mascot is, you guessed it, an owl.
Why They Work: With Owly as their mascot, how could Hootsuite not be fun-loving and smart? Their account does a great job of showcasing social proof with big name clients, showing off the employee-focused company culture, and incorporating adorable dog photos.
Average engagement per post: 203.44 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 2.02%
5. Canva
453 posts | 20K followers | 1,113 following
Who They Are: The über user-friendly, online design tool that notably has Guy Kawasaki as its Chief Evangelist.
Why They Work: If most people are visual learners, then Canva’s Instagram makes it incredibly easy to learn what they’re about. It’s visual, design-focused, and above all else, inspirational.
Average engagement per post: 262.22 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 1.38%
6. LinkedIn
251 posts | 48.5k followers | 5 following
Who They Are: The world’s largest professional social media platform. This is the hub for all things work-related; from job listings, to career advice, to industry leader think pieces.
Why They Work: When something can educate and inspire you, it’s a beautiful thing. LinkedIn’s Instagram shows you they care about you as a new-age employee or entrepreneur. The #LinkedInNextWave series highlights visionaries in their fields, while the #PictureOpportunity series is perfect for employees looking for a challenge.
Average engagement per post: 346.77 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 0.72%
7. Shopify
1665 posts | 49.4 followers | 4,149 following
Who Are They: The all-in-one eCommerce platform that’s all about empowering business owners and making the online buying experience as seamless as possible.
Why They Work: Being a business owner is exhausting and at times, you get short on inspiration. That’s where Shopify’s Instagram comes into the picture (pun completely intended). They blend inspirational quotes and people with eye-catching visuals for a metaphorical fest for the heart and eyes.
Average engagement per post: 271.11 likes/comments
Average engagement rate: 0.60%
Source: brandfolder.com