Instagram Nametag: What this New Feature Means for Businesses

November 01, 2018

Pertaining to business tools and marketing features, Instagram rolls out new updates with constancy. This is to stay ahead of the social media marketing competition or beat other social networks at their individual games—or both.
Thanks to this painstaking spirit, Instagram has become a platform for businesses—of varying sizes, in varying industries—to boost traffic, sales, user engagement, brand awareness, etc.

 

Instagram Stories already welcomes twice the number of users the whole Snapchat platform has ever seen. The newly-launched IGTV is Instagram's rivalry to the almighty YouTube. (Even though both platforms attend to the needs of different audiences, many websites and experts believe IGTV isn't up to par with Google's video-sharing platform for both creators and viewers.)

 

But that's not all! Instagram still hosts a surfeit of features and tools that are just waiting for agencies, brands, and small businesses to utilize. Well, that's another story for another day. 

 

Today, we're taking a dive into the pool of Nametag, a new feature launched by Instagram some days ago. Similar to Stories, the feature is evidently inspired by Snapchat...but no one has to know! Below is all you need to know about Nametag, how to use the feature, and then more.

 

 

Nametag: How did it start?

StartThe journey started in March when TechCrunch reported the feature without confirmation. Concurrently, an Indian tech website called Killer Features looked into the code of Instagram's latest release at the time and discovered the feature in progress.  A month later, the website gathered screenshots of the new Snapcode-like feature, thereby confirming its development status.

 

Nametag was eventually launched to the global audience in early-October to celebrate the new school session in the United States and help students connect with new friends. However, the Nametag feature is much more robust—and businesses can use them in a number of ways to amplify their follower base.

 

 

Nametag: What is it?

The concept is quite simple: Snapcode. If you've ever used QR Snapcode on Snapchat, then you probably know one or two things about Nametag on Instagram. But unlike Snapcode (which can unlock all sorts of potential to find new accounts, content, Filters, Lenses, and more), Nametag has one goal: to help users find and follow new accounts.

 

As your customizable and unique ID card, this feature delivers an easier way for non-followers to find and follow you whenever they scan your Nametag.

 

 

Nametag: How do I get mine?

Instagram NametagThe Nametag feature is cleaved into two pivotal parts:

 

1. Creating your Nametag

Thanks to the fact that it's highly customizable, you can create your own Nametag with an infinite number of designs. Below is how to create and customize your own Nametag in a few clicks.

  • Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
     
  • Open the sidebar menu by clicking on the three-lines button at the top-right corner of your screen.
     
  • Tap 'Nametag' to open the nametag editor.
     
  • Now you'll see the default design, which is your username in the centre and a background full of grinning face emojis.
     
  • Tap the middle button above, which reads 'EMOJI', to switch to Selfie or Color.
     
  • You can use the Color option to find your preferred hue; just tap the background and watch the color change.
     
  • Also, you can use the Selfie option—which comes with a selfie sticker—for a more personalized Nametag.
     
  • Alternatively, you can opt for the Emoji option, which is also changeable from the default face to any emoji on the Instagram network.
     
  • Once the design is good enough for you, you can tap the arrow button located at the top-right corner of your screen to share on Instagram (Feed or Stories), via text message, or on other platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. More so, you can share on other platforms depending on the apps you have installed on your device.

 

You can also save your Instagram Nametag as an image, enabling you to use wherever you please.

 

Pro-Tip: You can only use (a) an option at a time; (b) an Emoji at a time; and (c) the front camera in the Selfie mode.

 

 

2. Scanning your Nametag

Since this guide is custom built for businesses, brands, and agencies—i.e. not individuals—who aim to magnify their follower base and also looking for trendy ways to hook customers, we won't dictate how to scan an Instagram Nametag. Instead, let's teach you how to teach your potential patrons how to scan your Nametag.

 

In case your potential followers haven't heard the word, you should inform them that Nametag feature is way easier and more fun than the conventional find-and-follow process. There are four ways to scan a Nametag, which are detailed below.

 

a) From your profile

  • Open the Instagram app and open the Nametag editor from your profile as instructed above.
     
  • Locate the 'Scan a Nametag' button at the bottom-center of your screen, then click on it to open your camera.
     
  • Now move your device to hover the camera over the Nametag, thereby capturing and scanning it. And you're done.

 

b) Upload the image

  • As usual, open the app and the Nametag editor.
     
  • Tap the 'Scan a Nametag' button as instructed above.
     
  • But instead of using the camera, go to the Gallery by clicking on the small button located at the top-right corner of your screen, which displays your most recent image. Just tap the appropriate image and you're done. (This option is primarily for those who receive your Nametag via text messages, etc.)

 

c) From the Stories screen

  • Open the Instagram app and go to the Stories screen by either tapping the camera button at the top-right corner or swiping right on the home screen.
     
  • Then scan the Nametag by long-pressing on the screen while in camera mode.

 

d) From the Explore tab

  • Go to the Explore tab and locate the Nametag icon, which is a small scan icon located at the top-right corner.
     
  • Click on it to open the scan screen and again, hover your camera over the Nametag until the profile has been successfully scanned.

 

Pro-Tip: Whichever way your potential followers opt for, your account pops up once scanned and gives two options: Follow or View profile.

 

 

Nametag: How do I use this for my business?

In search of existing customers' loyalty and potential customers' attention, many entrepreneurs turn to Instagram marketing to promote their businesses and reach out to as many people as possible. For one, the new Nametag feature would boost the number of your followers if done right. You're basically helping people find you—period! There are countless ways to use Nametag but let's take a look at three.

 

1. Print on promotional materials woman in black long sleeve shirt sitting beside woman in black long sleeve shirt

This deal is quite simple and effective. Since you can save your Nametag as an image, you can have it printed on your business cards, posters, brochures, flyers, sales sheets, and even promotional marketing materials such as mugs, t-shirts, and keychains. Suitable materials are literally limitless.

 

This way, you give your customers an easier medium to follow your brand on Instagram. They just pick up their phone, open Instagram, scan the Nametag and decide between following you and viewing your profile.

 

 

2. Add to physical productsblack and white wall mounted calendar

If you sell goods that are visible to the naked eyes, this is a great chance to encourage customers to follow your Instagram page. You can have it printed on your packaging, label, or any other physical item that comes with your physical goods.

 

 

3. Share on your website and other platformsPerson Holding Iphone Showing Social Networks Folder

Yes, Instagram understands that businesses have their wings spread across diverse social platforms to reach a wider range of customers. Owing to this, you can share your Nametag to as many social platforms as you want—and you can also showcase it on your website and/or blog.

 

Pro-Tip: Since the goal of this feature is to win you more followers, there's little to no point in sharing your Nametag on Instagram as a regular post or as part of your Stories.

 

 

When all is said and done, the overtones of this newly-released feature to create an easier, faster, and more fun way for businesses to expand their clientele and for individuals to connect with more friends. Like most Instagram features, you can wrap your head around Nametag and manipulate it for massive business growth. Cheers!
 

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