Red Bull #GivesYouWings

With over 870,000 followers, Red Bull has been named one of the top 20 brands to have mastered the use of Instagram by Business Insider.  

Red Bull has a great Instagram account that plays on the tagline, "Red Bull is the only Energy Drink that #GivesYouWings". It is filled with awesome action shots and videos of people snowboarding, surfing, dancing, biking, and many other exciting sports: 

These are two great shots that are exciting, fun, and visually appealing. Although there is Red Bull product placement, it is not the main focus of the photo. It definitely looks like these two men both "have wings". 

Similarly, these surfing action shots are great for Red Bull's Instagram. They fit the hashtag #GivesYouWings perfectly and they aren't even advertising the product. 

Like the company's Account Tagline says, "follow if you want to be inspired and have a zest for life." 

American Express

While some companies fail on their Instagram accounts, American Express excels. Rather than treat their Instagram site like an online billboard for showcasing their products, AmEx uses it to provide their follows with great deals and exclusive access to American Express sponsored events. Each photo posted follows their Account Tagline, "Follow American Express for insta-access to exclusive experiences, news, and rewards through our lens." 

Here are some examples of the deals AmEx card holders may find via Instagram: 

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, American Express offered card members advance tickets to an Asian Culinary 'Adventure'. 

American Express also offered a great price on a Rebecca Minkoff handbag exclusively for  card members. What a nice treat - finding a deal on an adorable new bag just for being an AmEx card member and following their amazing Instagram page.  

In addition, AmEx card holders can also find exclusive access to events like fashion shows, concerts, and sporting events. 

Here, card members get early access to the brand new Michael Kors Spring Collection and seats at the fashion show!
Sign me up!! 

The above Instagram is a perfect example of how followers get to see behind-the-scenes images rather than just an image of an American Express card. Instagrams like this appeal to AmEx customers and account followers because they would not get to see this picture in a TV commercial or print ad.
American Express is a master of Instagram because they use their Instagram account as something more than just another way to advertise their product. 

Cheeky Peach

Cheeky Peach, a local Athens, Georgia boutique is celebrating its third anniversary this month. The boutique is a unique store that brings LA, NYC, and Southern chic all together. 

Right from the beginning Cheeky Peach has offered deals, coupons, outfit ideas, and store inventory on numerous social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vine. 

Below are 2 Facebook posts just from today! Cheeky peach is incredibly active on each of the social media platforms they use. They even respond to users questions and comments within the day they are posted. This is exceptional customer service! 

On their Instagram account, Cheeky Peach (aka cheekypeach) uses the catchy tagline, hashtag #getpeached. If users click on the hashtag, they will be able to view every outfit cheekypeach has posted on their page. 

Customers can even easily find outfit ideas and inspiration via the boutique's Instagram page:   

And, they advertise their sales via social media so customers do not miss out on the deals! 

Cheeky Peach is definitely an example of a company that is doing social media well. The boutique is consistent, pro active, and has an unbeatable presence on each site they utilize. 

Starbucks Coffee

Designers are not the only ones having fun with Instagram! With over 1.5 million followers, Starbucks has created a savvy way to market their product through this social media outlet.

Starbucks' Instagram photos are surprisingly very artistic -  which gives them an edge on their competition. 

Here, Starbucks plays into the connections they have built with people just by showing the iconic green straws. It is all about the power of their brand image. 

Starbucks addicts can view and post pictures of themselves interacting with the brand by using the hashtag #starbucks. Through this feature, they are able to instantly connect with the Starbucks Instagram account.