Over the last few years, Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, having built up a truly global community of over 300 million accounts.
Not only have individuals flocked to this photo-sharing network to express themselves and document their days, businesses have also viewed Instagram as a great channel for reaching out to both existing and potential clients.
However, with so many brands vying for attention on the very crowded platform, what would help your business to stand out, gain influence and conduct effective engagement?
Here are some tips that would set you on the road to Instagram success.
Learn how to use Instagram’s features, mix them up to keep it fresh
Instagram has evolved from a simple app that lets users share square format images to one that supports videos and ads. To keep your content varied and entertaining, use a mix of these features to bring your message across.
High quality and visually pleasing images, easily enhanced with the various filters and manual controls, would catch the eye of users who are scroll rapidly through their feeds. Short videos can also be an engaging way to highlight your products and services.
If you are looking to invest in ads on the platform, Instagram recently introduced a new format called “carousel ads”. These allow brands to share more of their images with followers in a single post.
Add personal touch and mix business with pleasure
A brand that is only interested in selling on Instagram would find it very difficult to build any meaningful following.
While it is a great avenue for boosting sales and publicity, there is a need to balance sales-generating posts with fun and personal ones that tell a positive story about your brand.
Offer your followers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of your business. This is a fantastic way to forge a closer bond between your customers and your brand.
You may also wish to share other interesting visual bits of information about your business. By doing so, you will can a unique and personal touch to your content.
Inspire followers and reward to keep them
Once you have identified the target audience that you are trying to engage on Instagram, create content that would inspire them and serve their interests.
For instance, an organic food business could share recipes for healthy dishes that its followers would want to try out. Such useful posts add value instead of being mere eye candies. This makes them something which followers would want to look forward to.
Reward your followers with special discounts and promotions. This attracts them to pay special attention to your account. Holding Instagram contests is another effective way of offering goodies to your followers while spreading the word about your brand through Word Of Mouth (WOM).
Engage users through comments, hashtags, and follows
The online relationships that are forged on Instagram are often based on engagement.
To network and build an active community around your brand, it is necessary to interact with users who have, or are likely to have, an interest in your business. Liking the photos or videos of these users are the easiest way to let them know that you are operating on Instagram.
To bring your engagement up a notch, comment on related accounts and respond to comments that have been made on yours. Using the right hashtags can be a powerful way to extend your reach on the platform—alternatively, you can create a brand-related hashtag that would hopefully go on to trend.
Build strategic friendships by following other brands in your industry, and show good will by following your most active and loyal followers back.
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