Using Instagram in a Zombie Apocalypse: Wine Marketing with Social Media

Shows like "The Walking Dead" may have cornered the market on zombie drama, but there's one distinct element of a zombie apocalypse that they've overlooked: someone, somewhere is going to an end-of-the-world party. If that mega party is happening at your place, you absolutely want to make sure to record it properly on Instagram for all the other survivors to see and envy (for what little time they have left).

Obviously, most wineries are at an advantage during Z-day because of the visibility afforded by the neat rows of vines. This makes them the smart place to gather. Here's how you can step up from your role as winery owner into Hero of the New World using your Instagram account – in just five easy steps. (You could probably use these steps outside of a zombie apocalypse as well.)

1. Use Instagram Hashtags

Working just as effectively on Instagram as they do for Twitter, hastags offer a really handy shortcut for your followers in finding relevant content. Chances are there are going to be a few timely zombie-related hashtags floating around the platform so do a quick search before just making your own up – you'll boost your account's coverage this way and you never know, you might increase the numbers at your party.

2. Shoot in the Square

It's all very well to edit and crop photos when you have lots of time on your hands, but when a zombie has just eaten your director of marketing you're going to need to cut a few corners – quite literally. Make sure you set up your camera to take square-shaped photos right from the start; or make sure they're in landscape and there's plenty of extra image you can afford to chop off when it gets into Instagram. Mind you, Instagram is a little more flexible on the shape of photos these days, so if you don't mind a little extra darkness around your pics you'll be OK.

3. Be Selective

Okay, so it's the zombie apocalypse. Do you want to see something that looks like a zombie selfie series? We don't. Your Instagram page will show a limited number of images at first, and you want them to each have impact. Don't post one similar photo after the other – instead be selective and try to tell a story with each one. You may decide you only want to use a particular filter or always add a brand mark, that's OK as long as those pics you're using are interesting and varied.

4. Connect

One of the problems of a zombie apocalypse is people lose touch with each other. The best way to give your post-Rapture afterparty some coverage is in making friends with Instagram influencers – social media celebrities who can send attention your way. Find the influencers in the food, wine and lifestyle (and possibly survivalist) areas and connect.

5. Reach Out

Just like the living dead whose clutches your guests will be evading, you might want to increase your reach. Just because it's the end of the world doesn't mean people won't want wine (in fact, chances are they'll want more wine...). Use your Instagram account to give people a way to keep in touch. Don't be satisfied with followings on your account: actively ask them to get in touch and you their email. Have something to offer them in exchange for getting their contact details.

To sum up: take reasonable photos of interesting things, label them well and talk about them to the right people, and your Instagram account can be your second-most useful tool for the apocalypse. Right after your cricket bat.