Through Instagram’s blog page, they have announced that they’ve gained over 300 million users. If you are a business owner, you cannot ignore this huge social network. You can definitely use this opportunity to advertise your business. Here are some of the advantages of Instagram in your business.
1. Visual Marketing
Instagram, as well as other visual content platforms like Pinterest, are capturing great popularity in the online world. You’ve heard the quote “a picture is worth a thousand words” many times before. If you are a brand, you can take advantage of visual marketing through Instagram.
2. High Visibility of Posts
One of the main reasons why Instagram posts get such high extent of engagement is that their posts are highly visible. Every single post appears in the feeds of every single follower. That is why the strategic use of hashtags can significantly boost the exposure of the posts. Some brands also buy Instagram likes so that their posts will become more visible.
3. Targeted Audience
With millions of Instagram users, your customers are there. It may take some time to grow your audience to significant levels, but taking advantage of a smaller community will somehow produce real brand advocates, and they will be your loyal customers. You know how active and passionate real Instagram followers are – they would want to engage with you and get to know your brand.
4. Drive Traffic to your Site
As a brand, your goal is to drive more traffic to your website. You can do this through Instagram. Post a link to your website in your Bio as this is the only section in Instagram where you can put an active hyperlink. Another great way to generate traffic to your site is by mentioning your website in your post comments. Some companies even buy followers Instagram just to drive more traffic to their sites.
Here are some tips for using Instagram for your business:
1. Create a winning profile
Instagram has launched their Paid Advertising and Instagram Business Profiles. If you have a business profile, you can now add your contact number to your Bio. You will also gain access to extensive analytics data.
2. Build anticipation
Keep your customers interested by rewarding your loyal followers. Create teaser photos to add curiosity and build anticipation for your new products or stores. Your real Instagram followers will look forward to more information.
3. Get more audience interaction
As a marketer, you would want to get more audience engagement. Some marketers even buy Instagram comments just to make other followers interested. Here’s how to get enough Instagram interaction to your brand.
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Always respond to your followers
Make sure to always respond to the comments of your followers regardless if the comment is positive or negative. Address negative comments properly and thank those who left you with kind comments. Respond when your followers ask you questions and show them that you are personally reaching out to them.
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Post Consistently
To be visible on Instagram, you have to post consistently. Your followers are your potential customers, so letting them know you’re there will constantly remind them of your brand. To post consistently while effectively saving time, you can schedule your posts using social media tools.
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Find Perfect Timing for Posting
Before posting on Instagram, keep in mind that your audience may have different time zones. The perfect time to post is when your followers are online. Also, decide on the frequency of your posts. Most brands post at least 2 to 3 times in a day.
How to effectively use Instagram to promote your business and drive sales:
1. Set-up an Optimized Business Account
Your business account must not be used for personal posts. Marketing is about your audience and not about you. Pictures of your trips and your selfies should stay on your personal account. Only post relevant topics about your brand. You should never appear on your brand’s Instagram page.
2. Put your website link on your Bio to boost traffic to your site
You can only put a website link on the Bio. Make use of your bio to lead your followers to your website. You can also use a targeted landing page. Your Bio should also be interesting and informative. Just keep it light and avoid using a sales tone. Unlike your online shop, Instagram has a different culture. So, create a bio that appeals to the Instagram community that you want to reach.
3. Stay recognizable by using a consistent brand name and photo
Make your brand more recognizable by using a consistent brand name and photo. Show what your brand really is by choosing an Instagram name that describes your business and uses the same name across different social media platforms.
4. Create interesting Instagram posts that people would want to follow
Promote your brand using creative and professional photos and come up with attention-grabbing captions (not the sales tone). Videos are also a great tool in grabbing your follower’s attention. Use quick and unique videos to increase views on Instagram videos. Customers consider detailed and professional images and videos to be more credible and valuable.
5. Increase your followers
One way to increase your followers is by increasing the visibility of your posts. You can increase views on Instagram videos and photos by using hashtags. Hashtags can widen your discoverability, thus, increasing your followers. Just make sure not to use too many hashtags as this will give a cluttered look and may turn users off.
Businesses should definitely use Instagram to promote their brands. You know that a picture is worth a thousand words. With Instagram’s photo and video-centric approach, visual marketing will help you build your authority in your industry.
Sheena Mathieson understands the essence of making excellent content that suits the needs of every business, especially when it comes to online marketing. She can spice up your marketing campaign with the content she makes and then incorporates Buy Real Marketing services.