Instagram has an estimated 1.4 billion active users today. This growing platform can be the ultimate tool for boosting your online business by engaging customers in a visually appealing way.
You can use Instagram to drive more traffic to your website or blog, increase social media engagement and boost sales. To maximize your marketing on Instagram, your business needs an Instagram strategy.
Here are five tips for building a solid following on Instagram:
#1 Experiment with your Instagram stories
Instagram stories provide a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with their audience in a fun way. It provides a chance to experiment with different content types, formats, and styles.
You can use stories to showcase your product or service, connect with customers, or share your brand’s information. You can create Instagram Reels, share behind-the-scenes footage or show off your latest products.
#2 Optimize your Instagram Reels
Instagram reels are an excellent way to showcase your brand engagingly. They can be used on Instagram stories or as standalone posts on their feed.
Like stories, you can create them to highlight a specific project or use them as an introduction to your business.
It is best practice to optimize your video before uploading. You should include music to your Reels that fits the mood of your video. To ensure your Reel stands out and entices viewers to click through, use high-quality images and videos and include some text explaining your work.
#3 Leverage Instagram link-in-bio
The link-in-bio is a great way to direct users to your website or landing page. You must use your business name in the link and the correct URL. Make sure that this link redirects straight to your desired destination to appear clickable on mobile devices.
If you’re using Instagram for business, it’s essential to optimize your profile so that viewers can easily find out more about your services. To do this, ensure everything on your profile is clear and easy to read.
You can also include a simple call to action(CTA) in your bio, such as “contact me” or “hire me.” It will help users interested in working with you get in touch without having to leave Instagram.
Additionally, don’t forget to include relevant hashtags and handles when linking out. It will increase the chance that more audiences will view your link.
#4 Host livestreams and contests
Instagram has recently introduced live video broadcasting. The platform integrated Instagram Live in November 2016.
This feature has effectively enabled businesses and brands to interact with their audience and get them involved in the community.
If you have a future event or promotion, consider hosting a livestream before or after it so that users can ask questions or leave comments while they watch. You can also use this feature during other vital moments in your business, such as product launches and announcements.
Remember to test your webcam and microphone before starting the stream. You can also use a tripod so that you don’t have to keep your phone steady while talking.
Another way to use Instagram Live is to host contests. You can ask the audience to upload a photo or video of themselves using your product and tag it with a specific hashtag to enter. If you have an active community on Instagram, this will encourage people to interact with each other while also promoting your brand.
#5 Monitor trends using Instagram Insight
One of the underrated features of Instagram is Instagram Insight. This tool allows you to track your audience and see what things they’re interested in. You can use this information to create content that will resonate with them.
For example, if you notice that many people in your audience are posting photos of their pets, consider doing a giveaway for pet treats. Moreover, if you see that many of your followers are viewing and posting short-form videos, you can create videos using an online video maker or host a contest for creating trendy clips.
You can also use Instagram Insight to see which hashtags are most popular among your followers. If an influencer is using one of these hashtags, it may be worth following them.
Takeaway
While there is no one way to market your business on Instagram, the tips above are powerful. They can help you make a compelling case for new customers to follow your brand. Whether trying to create new leads or gather more data online, Instagram can be a valuable asset in reaching that goal.
Again, to get you started in your Instagram marketing strategy;
- Experiment with Instagram Stories
- Optimize your Instagram Reels
- Leverage Instagram Link-in-bio
- Host Livestream and contests
- Monitor trends using Instagram Insight
Used effectively, these five tips for building a solid following will help you improve your lead generation and ultimately boost your business.
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