How do we look on Instagram? : A communication strategy for Swedish branding agencies.

Abstract: Marketing today is no longer mainly about using traditional medias to reach a desired public. As consumers are moving to the digital world for information search, social media has provided new possibilities for companies to market themselves online. Newly started branding agencies often have a limited budget for marketing, but the need to increase brand awareness is high. In this situation, social media will be a good solution, because it is easy to use, cost effective and has a great range of reach to the desired target group. Instagram is a photo-sharing based app where the communication is done visually, which can be a good choice for branding agencies. The purpose of this thesis is to suggest a strategy for Instagram using results from a study of Swedish branding agencies’ use of Instagram, during a period of one year. The empirical study was done using a quantitative content analysis, in combination with an image analysis. A selection of six agencies were used for the two analyses to gain understanding of the research topic. Findings showed that Instagram was mainly used to humanize the agencies’ identity, and at the same time filled a showcasing function. A digital strategy plan was created for a Swedish branding agency called LLC Design. The plan created a total of 62 posts for a period of six months, with four different themes called Vi Värmland, Vi i LLC, Showcase and Kunskap, to deliver diverse content.