Out of all of the newer social networks, Instagram does a lot to set itself apart. With over 500 million monthly active users, Instagram is the fourth-most downloaded app in the US. Since Instagram marketing is still fairly new, some small businesses struggle to gain traction.
Visuals are the main currency of Instagram. Think about opportunities to snap photos with your phone — office premises, community events, celebrations and customers using your product or service.
12 Strategies and Tips for Instagram for Small Business
1. Set Up the Right Way
Connect your company's social accounts. Push your followers on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr to your new Instagram account. Instagram lets you connect other profiles for automatic cross-posting. Add your website and write a compelling bio.
2. Start Using Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories let you string together multiple pictures and videos into a "story" that disappears after 24 hours. The companies that adopt it first tend to reap the biggest benefits.
3. Monitor What's Working
Use Instagram reporting tools to track which posts get the most engagement, which hashtags perform best, and what type of content resonates with your audience.
4. Dive Into Your Comments
Don't publish posts and never look at them again. Monitoring comments is essential for engagement and understanding your audience.
5. Use Influencer Marketing
One of the best ways to quickly build your following. Social media has made influencer marketing more affordable — you can link up with popular Instagram influencers with nice-sized followings without Hollywood budgets.
6. Become an Expert with Hashtags
Instagram's search uses hashtags, not keywords. Use trending and popular hashtags to increase visibility. On Instagram, using many hashtags (up to 30) actually gets more likes. Use tools like Websta to find popular hashtags.
7. Create More Videos
Video is on the rise on Instagram. With Stories and live videos, the app is pushing toward video content. You don't need heavy production — just your phone and creativity, with a one-minute time limit.
8. Start Regramming
Sharing other people's content builds connections. Instagram doesn't have native sharing, but third party apps give you the ability to regram. It's a quick way to get momentum.
9. Capitalize on Instagram Ads
Instagram Ads are extremely affordable. If you have a Facebook Advertising account, it's built into the same platform. Create custom image assets specifically for Instagram Ads.
10. Host An Instagram Contest
People love free stuff. Tips for success:
- Make a theme for your contest
- Create a custom hashtag
- Make people tag a friend and comment to enter
- Start promoting at least a week before
- Consider collaborating with other companies or influencers
- Give away something related to your industry — attract real fans, not just freebie seekers
11. Collaborate
Get a shout out from someone with a large following. Follow 50-100 of your competitors' followers, like their photos, and comment. The more you engage, the bigger your return.
12. Get Familiar With Instagram for Business
Check out Instagram's own blog for businesses for valuable tips, tricks, and feature announcements.
Are You on Instagram Yet? Growing a dedicated following won't happen overnight. But Instagram users are very active and love to engage. Start putting these techniques into your social media strategy and you'll see how powerful Instagram can be for your business.
