Effective marketing is key to increasing your sales, but what can you do to generate the traffic you need for leads? Marketing your business is easier than ever thanks to the internet; social media platforms provide free advertising and an easy means of connecting with your target audience all over the world. One such platform is Instagram. More than 25 million companies utilize Instagram for business, and more than 200 million users are shown to visit at least one business profile per day. Whether you’re just starting out, or need to redefine an existing business strategy, here are some tips for making Instagram work for you.
If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to optimize your profile for the best results. Your profile bio is the heart of your Instagram, and it may be the first point of contact for someone who’s discovered your brand by clicking through from another post or hashtag. Link your websites, fill in your contact information, and most of all, convey your personality. Instagram bio hashtags are clickable and are a great way to show off user-generated content. You’ll also need to determine your target audience, think about what kind of content they want to see and perform some thorough competitor research.
Once you’ve done all of that, do some more research. Yes, more! This is where Instagram’s analytics tools come in; an Instagram Business account allows you to view realtime metrics with Instagram Insights on how your posts perform throughout the day, down to the details such as when your followers are online and how they interact with your content. Data shows that the best time to post on Instagram varies depending on your industry. Also, Instagram posts are ordered based on the likelihood of the user’s interest in your content, their relationship with your brand, and the timeliness of your post. Once you’ve determined the best time to post, create a content calendar and schedule your content in advance.
What sort of product are you trying to showcase? Will you use stories, photos, or maybe ads? Instagram is all about visuals. Once you’ve decided on a brand theme, go for consistency. Create striking visuals with filters and colors and use compelling captions that will be instantly recognizable as your audience scrolls through their feed.
Lastly, don’t forget the social aspect – you need to engage with your followers! Promote your Instagram page. Respond to comments and mentions of your brand to encourage users to continue to engage with your business. Tag your audience, ask questions in the caption, organize giveaways, and promote your page on other channels. Most of all, have fun with it. To find more help and tutorials, check out Instagram’s Guide to Get Started on Instagram for Businesses.
