Snapchat’s features are no strangers to being targeted by Facebook and Instagram. Last year alone, the two released their own versions of a story feature mimicking the already-successful “Snapchat Stories”. Just in case you aren’t aware of what’s been happening over the past few years on social media, here’s a brief overview of what we’re talking about:
- Snapchat Stories launches in 2013.
- That year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg offers to purchase Snapchat for $3 billion. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel declines.
- Instagram Stories launches in 2016.
- Facebook Stories launches in 2017.
Let’s take a look at what all of the fuss is about.
Pinterest Boards
Pinterest is like an online bulletin board where you can save and pin posts of whatever interests you. If you’re like many female millennials, you’ve probably planned parties or weddings by pinning on boards. Pinterest is special in the sense that you have personal gain when using it over other platforms. It’s best described as a worldwide catalogue of ideas. Have a party to plan or need a unique recipe for dinner? A few clicks and you’ll find your inspiration.
The site offers many categories with the most pinned and browsed being:
- Food & Drink
- DIY & Crafts
- Humor
- Weddings
- Technology
Besides all of the DIY ideas and fashion inspirations, marketers have taken into account how much an impact Pinterest has on consumers. Brand studies show that the site is more effective in driving sales over other platforms.
It also allows businesses to create pages that promote their products online! You’ll find a shopping category that lets you pin desired purchases within the “Your Bag” board. In this category, you’ll find various items up for purchase, like jewelry, apparel and home decor. The site has also become a key feature in digital marketing since marketers can investigate how users respond to products.
What is Instagram Collections?
In December 2016, Instagram introduced a feature called “Collections”. Many have argued that Collections is too similar to Pinterest’s boards. However, the difference between Collections and Pinterest’s boards is that only you, the user, can view the former.
Here’s how Instagram Collections works.
To save a post, simply click on the bookmark icon below it on the right. If you want to remove one from your collection, de-highlight the bookmark icon. This is a great way of keeping track of your interests on Instagram without having to take a screenshot. Instagram reported that within the first month of launching the feature, 46% of users had saved at least one post. Whether it’s an attempt to replicate what Pinterest is doing or a smart way of providing users with a new feature is left up to you.
Marketing Socially
Are you a business owner looking for some commercial success on various social media platforms? If so, then we want to hear from you. Gain exposure and inform customers on what your company is about and which products and/or services you offer. Contact our digital marketing agency in McAllen today to get started!