Instagram is one of the largest social media platforms, boasting 600 million active monthly users. Nearly 60% of users say they discover new products on Instagram and 75% take an action in response to a post. That’s a large audience of potential clients ready to interact with your brand, but are you ready to take on the ‘gram?
Instagram is a global social community built on the power of visual storytelling. So make sure that whatever industry you’re in and whatever product/service you promote, you can tell the brand’s story with engaging imagery.
How can brands post engaging imagery and video content to grow their customer base? Here are eight tips to ensure your brand stays relevant and engages an audience on Instagram:
(1) Set up a business profile and link it to your Facebook profile
Fill out your contact information, including your physical address (if you have a storefront) and URL. Instagram allows you to view actionable metrics on posts and followers. You can cross-post, meaning what you post to Instagram will post to Facebook too, which allows for wider exposure.
(2) Use compelling imagery to tell your unique story
Give users a behind-the-curtain look at your company culture, or create infographics to explain complex/technical facets of your industry. And remember that Instagram is a platform all about the imagery. If your images and video aren’t compelling and scroll-stopping, you won’t get noticed. You can use apps like Layout or Boomerang to enhance your shots.
(3) Build brand equity with a cohesive personality
Be consistent in your branding throughout all marketing channels, including social, by using the same look/feel of imagery, voice, etc.
(4) Commit to a consistent posting frequency
Whether it’s every day or twice a week, find a cadence that works for your brand and stick to it so your followers know what to expect and you stay relevant.
(5) Create buzz and shape your brand around hashtags—#BeRelevant
Find trending hashtags that are relevant to your brand to increase discoverability. Posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement. Hint: be sure to research hashtags before use to ensure they don’t have an unintended double meaning.
(6) Share the love and cross-promote other brands
This increases reach and recognition for both brands…a win-win!
(7) Promote high-performing posts to a targeted audience using a clear CTA
Ads can be targeted based on a variety of options like age, gender, location, behaviors and interests. Be clear in your CTA (call-to-action): do you want them to visit your site or your physical location?
(8) Interact with your followers and potential followers
If you want your users to engage with your content, they want the same in return. Comment, like, re-gram…all of the above.
Go where your users are. They are on social media, and over half a billion of them are on Instagram. Use these tips to expand your brand by tapping into the world of Instagram.
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