What started as a mobile app to simply share photos has evolved into a robust social media platform.
With over 1B users (and about 60% of whom use the app daily), Instagram is a solid platform to grow your audience and build brand awareness.
Fun fact: 83% of users have said they discovered new products or services via Instagram. Source: Facebook Business News Article
Wanna get your brand in front of Instagram’s engaged user base?
It’s easy to get started!
Let’s discuss:
switch to a Business or Creator account
With a Business or Creator account, you have access to additional:
- insights
- analytics
- ability to advertise
- special profile benefits (such as contact info)
optimize Your Profile
Take the steps so people can (just by looking at your profile):
- easily find you in search
- learn about your business by looking at your profile
Steps to take:
- Use a recognizable profile picture
- Have searchable username and name
- Choose the correct category for your business
- Write an engaging, descriptive bio
- Include website and contact information
Hashtags
Decide which hashtags to use for posts.
Hashtags help categorize your content.
You can use up to 30 hashtags per post, but make sure they are relevant to your business and content.
Choose at least 3-5 relevant hashtag so that users can find your business.
Post Types
You are going to have to get familiar with the types of posts on Instagram.
There are a variety of ways you can share content and engage your audience on Instagram:
Grid
Your grid displays photos and videos that appear on your profile.
Your posts can have captions with up to 2,200 characters.
Keep in mind that the first few lines of your caption will appear before a “Read More” prompt, so be aware of what you put above the fold.
Try to make the first two lines:
- engaging
- enough to incite curiosity
Stories
Stories are photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours unless they are added to your profile highlights. They are perfect for sales and promotions.
You can post more often.
More behind the scenes.
IGTV
You can post vertical, longer form videos via Instagram’s IGTV platform.
These IGTV videos can also be displayed on your grid and stories.
Reels
Instagram Reels are 60 second vertical video clips that can be shared on your stories as well. These are a great way to engage your current audience.
Content Schedule
You should create a content schedule of what to post on Instagram.
So, what kind of content should you post?
Behind-the-scenes
Post content that shows followers the behind-the-scenes of your company:
- a picture of your office pet
- employee recognitions
- your broken printer/fax machine, etc.
- your office walls with pictures and inspirational prints
Motivational
Quotes that:
- align with brand values
- resonate with your audience
- are shareable
- inspire your community
TIP: add your company’s branding to quote graphics you post on social media.
Tutorials
Tutorials and how-to guides help your customers through specific problems.
Tutorials are great targeted marketing examples because you know prospects who land on a tutorial are there to solve a specific problem.
They position you as an expert in your field.
Video
There are a number of ways you can add video to IG:
- Stories
- 60-second grid videos
- 15, 30 or 60 second reels
- IGTV
It’s up to you and what you are comfortable with.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Sharing posts from your followers (UGC) can be a great way to build a relationship with those followers, engage with other followers, and effortlessly fill your content schedule!
Case studies and testimonials
Use real stories to showcase your products or services.
Through real customer stories, you can show that you understand customer pain points.
Storytelling
This type of content tells your brand’s story.
Even though it’s a story, there should be a lesson here.
Storytelling content builds awareness and engages your prospective customers.
By balancing between these types of content, you hit many goals:
- expand your reach
- connect with your customer
- tell them about your business
Overall, posting on Instagram humanizes your company through visuals.
There are plenty of ways to grow your reach and market on Instagram. It’s a dynamic platform that gives you many ways to connect with viewers and humanize your brand!
