Android users have unfortunately not been able to partake in the latest mobile application that has been sweeping the nation; a photo sharing application called Instagram. The good news is, it is on the way to Android phones and should be released very soon. There is no specific date yet as to when this release will occur; it is still being tested.

Instagram was originally an app that only iPhone users could download and use, however with the release of the app to all android users the opportunities are endless. With currently 27 million downloads for those users with an iPhone, a number that is sure to rise exponentially with the addition of Instagram to Android users, why wouldn’t you want to be a part of Instagram?

Co-founder Kevin Systrom said when speaking about the new Instagram app for Android phones, “in some ways, it’s better than our iOS app. It’s crazy, the app is fast, works great on large screens and can share photos to Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler and other networks”.

How would a dealership use Instagram? Dan Allen, our Creative Director at Potratz breaks it down for you:

• Tip #1 Post interesting images of the vehicles: Don’t just take straight on photos of the vehicles but look for interesting angles, a close up of the rims, dashboard, headlights. Apply a filter to it, use the blur feature, and presto, an artistic shot that any car enthusiast or a loyal customer will surely like.

• Tip #2 Post interesting images of your staff: What will make your Instagram gallery stand out is to start taking fun and interesting photos of your staff. Visually appealing lifestyle photos thrive on Instagram. Your staff is a subject matter that will always give you plenty of ideas. Do this with your service, sales, customers, and with everyone involved at the dealership.

• Tip #3 Post consistently: A pet peeve of mine on Instagram is when someone will not post anything for weeks and weeks and then in one day post 20 photos in a row. To me this comes across as spam. Even if the photos are good, it’s overload and might result in people unfollowing you.

• Tip #4 Get social with your posts: Like anything else, when a conversation gets going, more and more people want to chime in. By utilizing the @replies and hashtags you will see more and more activity that will give exposure to your profile. Using these features can open doors for social contest both internal and external. Do a photo contest within your dealership between the employees and choose a winner. Or have followers submit photos with a particular hashtag. You can be the judge and give them a prize. Make sure you’re supporting any contest on Instagram with other social sites like Facebook and Twitter.

To read Dan’s full article to see the possibilities of how Instagram can be used for your automotive advertising, click here.