Instagram

I have never been a huge user of Instagram and honestly didn’t really think that a stream of pictures could be that interesting. The problem wasn’t the content Instagram produces it was the people I was following. Many of my friends had pictures that would easily bore me but when I started to follow brands and realized the possibilities, I began to look at Instagram in a whole new light. Brands are usually professionals and produce more appealing content. On the other end of things, representing a brand takes consistent production of information and creative content. As Leia Lewis, owner of Be Inspired Public Relations, puts it “It doesn’t do you any good to set up an account and only post once a month. There needs to be a consistent presence, otherwise it defeats the purpose.” Furthermore, in the article, Instagram- The PR Perspective, professionals share their uses and strategies of Instagram in a PR perspective.

While the professionals agree that it is important to post consistently, they also agree that artsy industries such as fashion, beauty, food, and wedding benefit more from Instagram because they a mainly visual industries. But the articles goes on to explain that any industry can be successful using Instagram with a little creativity and imagination. This article made me begin to analyze the company I work for, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and how I could implement Instagram into our social media plan.

Cancer patients have many stories to share about their battles and success with cancer, their experiences with nurses and doctors, and with their treatment. Through all of the obstacles many cancer patients still love to share their story with a smile. What better way to do that through pictures?  Natasha Koifman, President of NKPR, explains, “[Instagram] opens up many opportunities to engage with our community on a different, more personal level.” Which is why I think Instagram is a great strategy for a cancer center, it helps patients and family members share their stories in one of the most personal ways.

So, I decided to do a little research to see what cancer patients are currently posting. When I searched #cancersurvivor, I found some of these proud survivors.

There are thousands of people such as these who want to share their stories. This creates a community for the patients to connect with each other and form bonds with the center and other patients.

            On a smaller scale I then search #marybirdperkins, and many people were already posting about the centers’ fundraising efforts and cancer races. I believe that with a little encouragement at events that the use of Instagram will increase dramatically for Mary Bird Perkins and anyone associated with them. Instagram not only gives the opportunity for cancer patients to share their stories but also employees and the people involved with making many wonderful events possible.

            Like the article stated, there are many opportunities available with Instagram with some creativity and encouragement.