How to Use Instagram as a Small Business
Instagram is a powerful social media platform, projected to make up 55.8 percent of social network use in the United States by 2019. It is particularly popular among teens and millennials, with 80 percent of its users located outside of the U.S.
Despite the misconception that Instagram is only suitable for businesses with highly visual products, it can be effectively utilized by any business. This article will guide you on how to make Instagram work for your small business and develop a content strategy that highlights your brand. It includes examples from successful brands.
1. Set up your business Instagram account
Create a short, catchy bio that reflects your brand image. Include necessary information about your location and hours.
Include a link back to your site in your bio since links don’t work within the app.
Choose a username and photo that exemplify your brand.
2. Create great Instagram posts
Focus on top-quality and well-lit visuals.
Use editing tools to create a cohesive look that aligns with your brand’s color scheme.
Follow the 20/80 rule of selling, with 20 percent of your posts promoting your product or service and the remaining 80 percent focusing on engaging content.
Highlight the lifestyle that surrounds your brand.
Feature images taken by your customers and fans to create authenticity.
Use Instagram Stories to provide a behind-the-scenes look at your business.
3. Make liberal use of hashtags
Use 11 or more hashtags, but not more than 30, to increase interactions.
Use hashtag-finding tools to discover popular related hashtags.
Place hashtags in a comment instead of within the post itself.
Create your own branded hashtag to encourage user-generated content.
4. Offer promotions to your followers
Share sales, discounts, and promotions in captions or through text overlay on images.
Host contests using a specific hashtag to drive engagement and increase brand exposure.
5. Measure and track key metrics
Set goals for your Instagram presence and choose metrics that align with those goals.
Monitor metrics such as follower growth, likes per post, and website clicks to determine the effectiveness of your strategy.
By implementing these strategies, your small business can effectively utilize Instagram as a powerful marketing tool.
Hello!
I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.
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