In the age of social networking, platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have become important marketing tools. Unfortunately, for startups, competing with already established businesses can be overwhelming. Instagram is one of the social media marketing platforms to consider. Considering that Instagram has over one billion users, there is a likelihood of finding a large number of your targeted customers using the platform. In this article, I take you through the process of promoting your small business using Instagram marketing platform.
Step1. Create a good Business profile on Instagram
If you do not have an active Instagram business profile yet, you can convert the personal profile into a business profile. The business accounts on Instagram are just like the basic personal accounts and so, simple to use. The business account will allow you access to different Instagram analytics. These give you an insight into how your campaigns perform. Therefore, you shall be able to identify potential room for improvement.
Step2. Post Scheduling –Ensure regular posting to keep the audience engaged
With Instagram marketing, consistency is key. Once you have the profile ready and set up to begin posting, you need to come up with a scheduling plan to make sure you do not miss important postings. Therefore, come up with a post schedule that resonates with your business marketing strategy. Remember that to keep your target audience engaged, regular posting is the most important strategy.
Step3. Take advantage of Instagram hashtags
Utilizing Instagram hashtags allows a business an easy way to attract traffic from users who are following similar hashtags. Ensure that you target users who are using a relevant hashtag. To popularize your hashtag, ask your followers to use it wherever they are posting on your page. You can run contexts in the initial stage, to ensure fast adoption of the hashtags. Hashtags that are currently trending is also a great approach for reaching your target audience.
Step3. Instagram Stories
Started in 2016, Instagram stories is a great approach for reaching a wider audience. Consider that Instagram stories sit at the top of the Instagram news feed. This leaves Instagram stories more noticeable and clickable by Instagram users. You can use Instagram stories to share news about your company, a sneak preview of upcoming products, or even announce upcoming promotions. The idea behind using Instagram stories is attracting the audience to view your page. Therefore, go for attractive content to achieve the objective.
Step4. Video content is important
Instagram is much more of a video and graphics platform. therefore, promote the visibility of your profile by sharing what attracts Instagram users. Come up with fast loading videos to catch the attention of Instagram users. Still on video content, Instagram gives users access to the live stream platform that allows users to broadcast live webinar or illustrative video sessions.
Step5. Respond to user’s comments and actions
Your followers want to feel recognized and so you need to go out of your way to mention them on your comments. Respond to inquiries whether via direct messaging or comments session. This acts to encourage user engagement.
Step6. Post at peak times
Research to find out at what time your postings is getting more reactions. Therefore, purpose to post at such times in order to attract more interactions. Posting at wrong times might be resulting in low interaction rates.
Step7. Look at your competitors
What are they doing right that results in more interaction or higher page traffic? Probably you can borrow some insights and supersede the competitor when it comes to Instagram marketing. Do not just look at what they are doing right. Also, factor what they are doing wrong to ensure you continue beating them, by avoiding failing in the same trap.
Whether you are getting started with Instagram marketing or you are looking for insights on how to improve Instagram campaigns, the above tips come in handy.