If you know me or my blog, you had to know this post was coming. It's Monday, so you know I'm blogging about Instagram. And Lexus just released a pimp promo commercial for the new 2014 Lexus IS based solely on Instagram photos! So you know I had to write about it!

So, you take three of my favorite things: Instagram, Lexus, and Angel's Stadium. Then you put them all together to create the first ever Instagram commercial? I have to admit, I'm really bummed that I wasn't a part of this (I may have actually lost some sleep over it). Unfortunately, I found out about this a couple days after it was filmed. But, at least I can make up for it (if only a tiny bit) by writing about it!

Before you read any further, stop, and watch the video here. It's pretty freaking cool!

First of all, Lexus is relatively new to Instagram. Shocking, I know! But they're here now. And in typical Lexus creativity, they couldn't just start an Instagram account and post some pretty pictures. No, they had to be the first to ever create a full Instagram based commercial.

In case you didn't go watch the video (it's ok, I don't blame you - but go watch it later, it's worth it), the video is a compilation of still photos provided by 212 instagrammers. It's called #LexusInstafilm. The photos were taken in succession on a closed course at Angel's Stadium in Orange County, CA using only smartphones and Instagram. The instagrammers uploaded the photos to their accounts and the photos were immediately added to a story board and uploaded to the Lexus development team for rendering. You have to watch the video to understand the finesse and science that went into creating this compilation.

And the final outcome (though a little awkward if you're susceptible to seizures) is artistic, innovative, creative, and fun. Oh, and totally unique!

Ok, so what does this mean for you? You probably don't have a ginormous budget to create a video with this level of intricacy. I know I don't! But how cool would that be...? Sorry, easily distracted by pretty cars and Instagram.

When it comes to marketing with Instagram, sometimes you have to think a little differently. Lexus demonstrated this to an extreme level. But you can take lessons from this.

Try inviting your audience to film or photograph your service or products. When they upload the images, have them tag you or a key hashtag. If you use a special hashtag, make sure you advertise it so that your other followers can see the other photos and videos. Nothing advertises better than your customers! So let them do it for you!

You can also run a contest for customer images. Have them hashtag their image with your defining hashtag and then reshare the image to your audience. Encourage votes on the photos and advertise how winners will be chosen. Then, let your audience and the photographer's friends take it from there. Reward the winner with a prize of some sort for their hard work.

On a side note Barilla Pasta does a really good job of this contest style on Instagram. You can find them at @BarillaUS on Instagram.

You can also host Instagram events for your business, much like Lexus did. Have a special event where your customers are encouraged to come to one central location and participate by taking photos and sharing them to Instagram with a key hashtag. Allow them to connect, share, and discuss with each other. Here's a little marketing fact: people love to feel included and special. Inviting them to participate in an "exclusive" event and having them share the photos and videos is a great way to achieve this. I promise you, they will be talking about the event way beyond just Instagram too. Talk about creating brand advocates!

I hope this gives you some creative ideas of how to take your Instagram marketing to another level. If you have any questions on setting up an Instagram strategy, please contact me!

And, Lexus, the next time you have anything like this in Southern California again, I will be there! I can't afford to lose any more sleep 😉