Instagram Map Feature

July 28, 2022

In its latest update, Instagram has announced their brand-new feature, Instagram Map Discovery. This will allow users to expand their in-app abilities and discover new businesses. Instagram Map Discovery is a compelling factor when it comes to getting businesses to be active on Instagram.

What is the new Instagram Map Discovery Feature?

The Map Discovery Feature allows users to search and discover businesses in their area, functioning similarly to Google Maps/Reviews. The feature heavily utilizes User-Generated Content (UGC) to showcase user experiences with the business, as well as simply promoting content surrounding the business. This new feature will not only encourage businesses to keep their information updated, but will also drive more businesses that are inactive on Instagram to become active on the platform for these promotional features.

What can users do with Map Discovery?

The primary focus of this new feature is to allow users to discover popular locations in their area. Users can view the recent story posts, most popular posts, and Instagram guides that businesses have created. It allows users to immediately gain knowledge about a business, without having to leave the app. The feature also allows users to filter their search by specific types of locations such as restaurants, salons, retail stores, etc. and users can then save and share locations for easy-access in the future.

How to use the Instagram Map Discovery Feature

The Map Discovery Feature is available through the Explore Tab on Instagram. To use it, simply search for a restaurant or other type of business and once you’ve hit search, a tab labeled ‘places’ will appear. Tapping this will take you to the map feature, allowing you to view top and recent posts, locations, phone numbers, websites of the businesses, and reviews through user-generated content that appears in search. If you are satisfied with what you find, you can then automatically open Google or Apple Maps

Businesses can claim their locations by adding an address to their Instagram bio when using a business account, and can add new locations to the Instagram map by creating a new location on Facebook.

How can this impact businesses?

This new feature is impactful to businesses since it furthers user’s focus on Instagram and how the content that they’re viewing impacts buying decisions. It also contributes to the recent increase in social shopping due to users beginning to use social media more for brand research over search engines. For example, 58% of users have stated that they are more likely to be interested in a brand or product after seeing it on an Instagram Story.

This means that businesses should be posting to Instagram on a regular basis (if they are not already) and utilize the app to its fullest capacity. The Map Discovery Feature is a new opportunity for businesses to gain new followers and customers, as well as promote brand awareness to those in their area. The feature’s heavy use of UGC opens new doors for businesses because it gets users talking about the brand and users tend to trust the opinions of each other when it comes to deciding on what brands to use.

Ready to ignite your Instagram Strategy? Contact the SparkShoppe team today!

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