🔥 Instagram Tricks, Photo Hacks, & Why 4 Stars Won't Cut It Anymore

New look, who dis? 🤔 That’s right, our newsletter got a facelift. But the real transformation is in the content – brace yourself for some seriously actionable tips.

In today’s edition:

• Branding insights

• Trend in customer reviews

• Quick Instagram tips

• Free tool for photo editing and image manipulation

Trust: 81% of consumers need to trust a brand to consider buying.

Take a Stand: 53% of consumers say they need their brands to take a stand on at least one social issue.

Values: If there’s a value mismatch, 39% of shoppers say they’d permanently stop supporting their favorite brand, while 24% would at least take a break from it.

Read more online

Online reviews are crucial, with 88% of consumers trusting them as much as personal recommendations.

Additionally, 57% of people won't buy from a business with less than a 4-star rating.

77% of consumers prefer shopping with brands they follow on social media. Here are three reasons why consumers choose to follow brands online:

Exclusive Stuff
They want the good deals and sneak peeks. 68% of users are all about those promos and early access to new drops.

All the Inspo
From outfit ideas to home decor tips, 80% of users are there for the inspo. Basically, Instagram is their personal Pinterest board.

Entertainment
45% of people follow brands that keep it interesting with memes, Reels, and fun posts. Half of Instagram users are in it for the laughs and good vibes.

Quick Guide: Spruce Up Your DMs and Keep Customers Engaged

Instagram is turning up the heat on DMs with some snazzy new features. With private messaging on the rise, the platform has decided it's time to spice up your inbox experience. Here’s the scoop:

1. Drawing Tools & Stickers: Make Your Messages Stand Out

Instagram is now offering drawing tools and stickers in DMs. Yup, it’s no longer just about text. Customize your images with doodles or throw on a fun sticker before hitting send. 🎨

Why you care: The next time you’re messaging a customer about an order or sending a product update, add a little flair. A customized image is more memorable than a plain ol' message.

Action step: Take five minutes today to respond to a customer with a sticker or drawing on a product photo. They’ll appreciate the personal touch!

2. Cut-Out Stickers: Get Creative with Your Products

This feature lets you cut out specific elements from your photos and turn them into stickers. Want to send a pic of your top-selling donut, but just the donut? You can now crop it out and send it as a sticker. 🍩

Why you care: It’s a fun way to highlight your products in DMs. Use this for promos, sneak peeks, or just to send something cool!

Action step: Send a cut-out of your top product to a loyal customer. Watch them marvel at the coolness (and maybe buy more).

3. Birthday Reminders: Never Miss a Customer's Special Day

Now, Instagram will show birthday notifications in your inbox’s Notes bubble. Plus, if you tap on a birthday note, it triggers a confetti animation! 🎉

Why you care: This is perfect for sending birthday wishes to customers, or just adding a little festivity to your day. It’s an easy, no-brainer engagement tool.

Action step: Next time you spot a birthday notification, shoot a quick message with a personalized discount offer or just a friendly “Happy Birthday!” with confetti!

4. Fall-Themed Chat Backgrounds: Set the Seasonal Vibes

Get your inbox ready for pumpkin spice season. Instagram’s new chat themes let you switch things up with fall-inspired backgrounds. Whether you’re feeling cozy or vibing with Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album, you’ve got options. 🎃🍂

Why you care: It’s all about creating a fun, seasonal customer experience. Even small changes like a chat theme can leave an impression.

Action step: Switch up your DM background to fall and send a seasonal promotion to your customers – instant cozy vibes guaranteed. Whether you're crafting the perfect Instagram post, sprucing up your DMs, or debating whether or not to take a stand on a social issue, there's plenty to chew on here. Go ahead, give these tips a whirl, and let your brand sparkle! ✨.

Tip: Use local hashtags on Instagram to boost reach

• #ExploreRhodeIsland

• #ShopLocalRI

• #RIInsta

Tip: Offer free wifi in-store, capture emails, and retarget customers.

Tip: Aim for 3-5 posts per week on social media to keep your audience engaged.

Tool of the Week: GIMP

GIMP is a powerful open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It’s ideal for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design, though it has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools.

Best for: Photo editing, image manipulation

Cost: 100% free

Check it out here.

Resource of the Week: