SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram Inspiration

5 must-visit pages from ECPs with social vision

Launched in 2010 as a quirky photo-sharing site, Instagram now has more than 400 million users worldwide. In the U.S., it’s used by 34% of the digital population and is heavily skewed toward users under the age of 35. But that’s quickly changing.

This social media site has also become an inexpensive, innovative marketing tool for businesses. Like Facebook (but cooler), Instagram allows businesses to post relevant information to its followers, who are a self-selected audience likely to pay attention. Because it uses easily uploaded photos to convey information, inspired Instagram marketing can drive sales, excite customers with new product launches, hype events, and engender loyalty.

Many optical retailers and practices have already jumped on Instagram with great success—posting photos of new products and customers plus hyping trunk shows. Check out these exceptional optical Instagrams to follow for inspiration.

Linden Optometry

This Pasadena, CA-based practice posts relevant, fun, and creative photos to connect with its more than 700 followers. Its tagline cuts to the chase with important info: Open seven days a week, huge selection, vision plans accepted, and an on-premise lab—and links to the practice’s website. Clever and descriptive hashtags maximize search-ability.

InstaGrade: A+

Link: instagram.com/lindenoptometry

Ocean Eyes Optical

This Brooklyn, NY-based boutique uploads product shots, customer photos, and the occasional celebrity for its almost 800 followers. One recent post shows celebrity Kylie Jenner wearing stylish Miu Miu sunglasses with the hashtags #miumiu #kyliejennersunglasses #sunnies #shades #eyewear #accessories, and more. Ocean Eyes Optical also includes its phone number with most posts and tells its followers it has the posted style in stock.

InstaGrade: A

Link: instagram.com/oceaneyesoptical

Selima Optique

With shops in New York and L.A., Selima Optique boasts an impressive 8,000 followers and more than 780 Instagram posts. Simplicity is key, with beautiful photos of a single frame or an in-store display, a window advertising a sale, images of people wearing unusual frames, plus messages of love or gratitude (jelly beans in the shape of a heart).

InstaGrade: A

Link: instagram.com/selimaoptique

Two Trees Optometry

With over 400 followers, this Ventura, CA practice posts photos of eyewear on models, uploads screen shots of Yelp review, and posts quirky pics like one shot of waffles in the shape of eyewear with the hashtag #framesforbreakfast.

InstaGrade: A-

Link: instagram.com/twotreesoptometry

Georgetown Opticians

Based in Washington, D.C., this family-owned upscale retailer has a quirky sense of humor. It uploads simple but funny photographs (a birthday cake next to a pair of eyeglasses, a dog wearing glasses, a single frame against a beautiful backdrop) to tell its story, with lots of creative hashtags.

InstaGrade: A+

Link: instagram.com/georgetownoptician

—Frances Nuelle

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