In today’s media-driven world, having an Instagram marketing strategy is critical for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
This popular platform is constantly changing, so staying on top of new strategies and features is important for establishing a brand presence on various social networks.
With over 500 million active users daily, it can seem impossible to stand out. That’s why we put together this ultimate guide with tips and tricks that you simply just can’t afford to ignore when it comes to your Instagram account.
So grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable—let’s dive in!
First things first, what exactly is Instagram marketing anyway?
Instagram marketing is a type of social media marketing in which marketers use the platform to promote their business to Instagram users. If “promote their business” sounds a little broad, that simply is because it is: Instagram marketing can involve a number of different tactics and strategies used to accomplish all kinds of business goals. That said, it utilizes very different strategies than marketing on Snapchat or LinkedIn would.
When looking at different ways to use this popular platform for marketing, you can split the activity into two main categories:
In general, business goals typically might include selling your services or products, getting more followers and engagement, building relationships with other brands and potential customers, and boosting a brand’s reputation.
You’ve probably heard the term “algorithm” before, which is a widely misunderstood term. You don’t need to be a master of Instagram’s algorithm, but a basic understanding of it can help you to achieve your business goals faster and with fewer headaches.
While some people feel that the Instagram algorithm is their number one arch enemy, it’s actually a friend. That’s because its ultimate goal—like every other algorithm online—is to deliver entertaining, engaging, and relevant Instagram content to each user.
Algorithms do this by carefully studying their users’ behaviors and activities, then using this data to make informed guesses on what those specific users will want to see in the future. If your content happens to pass the “test,” you’re teed up for success with your target audience!
At the end of the day, there is a lot to know about algorithms, and we could go on for hours about it, but the main takeaway here is that you should always focus on creating high-quality content that really proves to be beneficial for your Instagram audience. This means no spammy reposts or comments and no redundant content just for the sake of creating something. Be strategic and be thoughtful while constantly asking your Instagram followers want and how you can serve them through your efforts on this marketing channel.
Okay, now that you understand exactly what Instagram marketing is and have a basic understanding of the algorithm, let’s dive into a few great marketing tips that you simply can’t afford to ignore when using Instagram for business.
Before you even start to think about your Instagram marketing plan, be sure that you have an Instagram Business Account.
A business account gives you access to features that you can’t use with a personal account, including:
A creator account has its own set of benefits for content creators and influencers. But for most marketers and small businesses, a business account is where it’s at.
All social media platforms are tools, but you can’t use those tools properly unless you know what it is you are trying to build. Instagram marketing can mean different things to different people. Are you looking to:
You might even want to combine several different outcomes, but unless you know what path you want your Instagram strategy to take you on, you’re unlikely to get there. You can use Instagram analytics tools and metrics to gauge whether your efforts on the Instagram app are successful.
A little bit of research ahead of time can help you to figure out who you can best reach when you are thinking about how to market on Instagram. For example, Instagram demographics shows that:
But that doesn’t mean you should only use this platform to try to reach urban Americans in their twenties. Instead, you need to define your target market so you can create the types of content that speak directly to your viewers whether it’s in different countries or more local. An always-on business like most online businesses can be difficult to manage so definitely look to outsouce support 24/7 if you have trouble keeping up. This will also become crucial when it comes time to pick targeting options for your Instagram ads.
For many businesses, your Instagram profile photo should be your logo. This helps to provide credibility and allows visitors to see at a quick glance who you are. Your Instagram profile displays at 110 by 110 pixels, cropped to a circle with a 110-pixel diameter. However, it is stored at 320 by 320 pixels, so it’s wise to upload a file that’s large to ensure it still looks good if Instagram happens to change how profile pictures are displayed.
You should pay the same level of attention to your Instagram bio, Instagram captions, and any other copy that you’re posting, ensuring that it engages customers and maybe even leads them to your landing page.
What if you could sell more products on Instagram just by posting product teasers?
Well, you can.
Instagram is an excellent place to advertise your products. And if you play your cards right, you won’t annoy users or scare them off with ads, either.
Product teaser posts are a simple way to talk about your product and stir up some excitement without looking like you’re trying too hard. However, if you’re too pushy, your number of followers (and your engagement rate) will drop like flies.
When you tease people with a carousel of photos of new products they’re interested in on their Instagram feeds, and you don’t push them into purchasing anything, they will be more likely to pull the trigger and actually purchase something. If not, they will at least engage with your post by commenting on it, liking it, or sharing it with a friend, which can lead to new followers and new potential customers.
So don’t be afraid to show off the goods by posting product photos—just do it gently and don’t be too pushy!
Instagram has dominated the social media world. It is the go-to place for image sharing, with millions of users daily.
Billions of likes are handed out each day, so you need to do your part to scoop some of them up. Switch your account to an Instagram Business Profile if you haven’t done so already, and follow our tips to start marketing on Instagram like a pro.
Not exactly social media savvy? Don’t worry. There are incredible advertising agencies like MuteSix that can help to transform your Instagram into a powerhouse. At the end of the day, your job is to run your business. So leave the marketing to the pros at MuteSix and watch them make magic happen.
With over 82% of their clients doubling their business revenue in just the first year, it’s no wonder why MuteSix is an award-winning advertising company. Give them a call today—you’ll be glad you did!
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