Study
Innovation & MarketsHigh ImpactModerate effect

Brand Identity Keywords Drive Consumer Engagement on Instagram

Fashion brands that strategically use symbolic and sensibility-driven keywords in their Instagram hashtags are more likely to align with consumer responses and marketing trends.

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology · 2019

01

Key Findings

  • 01Posting type proportions varied based on brand characteristics.
  • 02Brands frequently used symbolic keywords to convey brand identity.
  • 03One designer brand exclusively used practical keywords, lacking sensibility.
  • 04A strong alignment between posting types and consumer response was observed for certain brands, particularly those with a high proportion of matching posts.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Designers and marketers should prioritize using keywords that reflect brand identity and evoke desired emotions or associations, as these are more likely to capture consumer attention and generate engagement on platforms like Instagram.

How to apply

When developing social media campaigns for fashion brands, analyze competitor keyword strategies and test different types of keywords (symbolic, descriptive, emotional) to see which best aligns with your brand's identity and target audience's preferences.

Project actions

  • 01When analyzing social media, consider the specific platform's features and user behavior.
  • 02Categorize content not just by type, but also by the underlying message or tone.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow do the types of postings and keywords used by fashion brands on Instagram correlate with consumer engagement and brand identity?
MethodContent analysis and frequency analysis
ProcedureThe study classified seven types of Instagram postings from six Korean fashion brands across three categories. Frequencies of posting types and keywords, particularly symbolic and sensibility-related ones, were analyzed. The number of hashtags and 'likes' (hearts) were examined to assess consumer response in relation to marketing trends and posting strategies.
ContextFashion brand marketing on Instagram

Variables

IV["Type of posting","Use of symbolic/sensibility keywords"]
DV["Consumer response (number of hearts/likes)","Alignment with marketing trends"]
CV["Brand category (classic casual, outdoor sports, designer character)","Specific fashion brand"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Categorization of posting types provides a structured approach to analysis.
  • +Inclusion of both quantitative (frequencies, likes) and qualitative (keyword analysis) data.

Limitations

The study's findings are specific to fashion brands on Instagram and may not apply to other industries or platforms. The definition of 'sensibility keywords' could be subjective.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be improved by having multiple coders independently categorize keywords and posting types. Validity is supported by the correlation found between posting strategies and consumer response, suggesting the analysis captures a meaningful aspect of social media marketing.

Think critically

To what extent does the 'sensibility' of keywords depend on cultural context, and how can brands adapt their language for international audiences?

05

Design Principles

"Brand messaging on social media should be consistent, evocative, and strategically keyword-optimized to foster consumer connection."

Understanding how specific keyword choices influence consumer perception and engagement is crucial for brands operating in the digital space. This research highlights the importance of aligning brand identity with the language used on social media platforms to foster stronger connections with target audiences.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using the right words in your social media posts, especially on Instagram, can make a big difference in how many people like and interact with your content. Brands that use words that describe their style and feelings often do better.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this study to justify the importance of analyzing social media language and its impact on brand perception in your design project.
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Add to My Project

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Quick Cite

(2019). Sensibility and response keywords of users according to posting types of fashion Instagram. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijcst-03-2018-0032 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/dfb79aa1-6114-4b4a-acba-590c79ffe138/brand-identity-keywords-drive-consumer-engagement-on-instagram

Paragraph starter

This research indicates that the strategic use of symbolic and sensibility-driven keywords in social media content, particularly on platforms like Instagram, is crucial for fashion brands aiming to enhance consumer engagement and align with market trends. The study found that brands effectively conveying their identity through such language often experience a stronger positive consumer response, underscoring the importance of thoughtful keyword selection in digital marketing strategies.

09

Source

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology

Sensibility and response keywords of users according to posting types of fashion Instagram

journal · 2019

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about brand identity keywords drive consumer engagement on instagram?
Designers and marketers should prioritize using keywords that reflect brand identity and evoke desired emotions or associations, as these are more likely to capture consumer attention and generate engagement on platforms like Instagram. Evidence: International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology (2019).
Why does "Brand Identity Keywords Drive Consumer Engagement on Instagram" matter for design?
Understanding how specific keyword choices influence consumer perception and engagement is crucial for brands operating in the digital space. This research highlights the importance of aligning brand identity with the language used on social media platforms to foster stronger connections with target audiences.
How can designers apply this research?
Designers and marketers should prioritize using keywords that reflect brand identity and evoke desired emotions or associations, as these are more likely to capture consumer attention and generate engagement on platforms like Instagram.
What were the main findings?
Posting type proportions varied based on brand characteristics.. Brands frequently used symbolic keywords to convey brand identity.. One designer brand exclusively used practical keywords, lacking sensibility.. A strong alignment between posting types and consumer response was observed for certain brands, particularly those with a high proportion of matching posts.
What research method was used?
Content analysis and frequency analysis.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When developing social media campaigns for fashion brands, analyze competitor keyword strategies and test different types of keywords (symbolic, descriptive, emotional) to see which best aligns with your brand's identity and target audience's preferences.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on a specific set of Korean fashion brands and may not be generalizable to all fashion markets or social media platforms. The analysis of 'consumer response' was primarily based on 'likes', which may not fully capture the depth of engagement.
Is there evidence that brand identity affects design outcomes?
Fashion brands on Instagram see varied engagement based on their posting styles and the keywords they use. Brands that focus on symbolic and 'sensibility' keywords tend to resonate better with consumers, though some brands may prioritize practical keywords. Understanding how specific keyword choices influence consumer Source: International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology (2019).
Where does this keywords research apply?
Fashion brand marketing on Instagram It sits within innovation & markets research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

brand identity design research · evidence on brand identity · does brand identity improve design outcomes · keywords studies for designers · brand identity and keywords findings · innovation & markets research evidence