In light of this weeks Instagram outage, agents are urged to diversify digital presence efforts

This week's global outage of Instagram is but another one of the ongoing issues plaguing the platform & raising concerns for those who heavily rely on it, for marketing and engaging with their audience. According to Bespoke Media's Nic Fren, this disruption serves as another reminder that we need to diversify our digital presence across multiple channels to mitigate the impact of such outages. Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms, experienced a widespread outage that affected users worldwide on Monday. Thousands of reports flooded in, indicating problems such as the inability to refresh feeds and encountering error messages, leading to frustration among users and businesses. "It's certainly had an effect on many of our members" Mr Fren says, emphasizing that the reliance on a single platform like Instagram poses significant risks for agents & businesses. "While Instagram has been a dominant force in the industry, this outage demonstrates the vulnerability of those who solely depend on it," he says. "Agents must diversify their digital presence across multiple channels to ensure they can continue operating effectively, even in the face of unexpected disruptions." Diversifying the digital presence offers several key advantages:

1. Reach a broader audience: Each social media platform attracts a unique user base. By expanding their presence beyond Instagram, agents can tap into different demographics and reach a wider pool of potential buyers. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and even emerging platforms like TikTok can provide valuable opportunities to connect with diverse audiences.

2. Adaptability in a dynamic landscape: Digital trends evolve rapidly, and the popularity of platforms can change overnight. Relying solely on one platform leaves agents vulnerable to sudden shifts in user preferences. By actively engaging on various channels, agents can adapt to changing trends, remain connected with their audience, and ensure their marketing strategies remain effective regardless of which platform is currently in vogue.

3. Diversification reduces dependency: Relying solely on one platform exposes agents to the risks of service disruptions, technical issues, or policy changes. The recent Instagram outage highlights the detrimental impact such events can have on an agent's ability to conduct business. By leveraging multiple channels, agents can spread their risk, ensuring continued engagement with clients even during unexpected outages or platform-related challenges.

4. Enhanced brand visibility: Establishing a multichannel presence ensures that agents have a consistent brand image across different platforms. It strengthens their online reputation, increases brand recognition, and fosters trust among potential buyers. Consistent messaging and branding across various channels contribute to a cohesive and professional online presence.

We've reached a pivotal moment where we must evaluate our digital marketing strategies and adapt to the changing landscape.

The Instagram outage serves as a stark reminder that relying on a single platform can be detrimental to success and long-term growth.

By adopting a multichannel approach, agents & business owners can future-proof their business, reduce the impact of unforeseen disruptions, and maximize their reach and engagement with clients.