There are a lot of options out there when it comes to social media outlets. You want to try to focus on the networks thatbenefit your business the most. Surprisingly, using Instagram for your small business can be a very effective marketing tool.
Instagram was founded in 2010. It is a mobile sharing app and social network that has well over 400 million users. The name is the combination of the words “insta” and “telegram”. It is a social media outlet that is completely photo and video centric. Meaning it focuses completely on visuals rather than text like Facebook and Twitter. In fact, Facebook purchased Instagram back in 2012.
Sharing and posting photos and videos is just one part of using Instagram for your small business. Along with posting content, hashtags are the key behind a successful Instagram. Hashtags are extremely popular on Instagram and you can use them to your advantage. Users search hashtags to help find content, kind of like searching for a keyword on Google.
But you have to make sure you are smart when it comes to posting hashtags. Just because a hashtag is popular, doesn’t mean it goes well with your business. Try to avoid using hashtags that have nothing to do with your business. Besides using relevant hashtags, remember not to over use hashtags. You don’t want to use too many at once. By posting a few relevant hashtags, your business will be able to gain quality responses. You want the interactions on Instagram to benefit your small business. Relevant, interesting and specific hashtags will help your Instagram account gain the exposure you want.
Using the same filter for most of your posts will help your business establish a recognizable identity. There are other apps you can use along with Instagram that lets you create borders and other fun things too.
You want to do research to help you learn the different ways to use Instagram for your small business. Searching hashtags will help you find new followers. Also searching hashtags will help you find similar companies to see how they are using Instagram. This will help give you inspiration while you scope out the competition.
Just like with your other marketing strategies, you need to make a plan when it comes to setting up your Instagram. Establish measurable and retainable goals that are similar to your business goals like increasing website traffic or increasing product sales.
Post regularly and stick to a posting schedule. Don’t post too often, no more than 3 times a day. The frequency and timing of your posts mainly depends on your audience. Try testing out different times and frequency to found what works best with your audience.
A content calendar is a handy tool to help keep track of your posts. It lets people know who is posting what and when it is going to be posted. This can really help you stick to your plan and reach your goals.
If you remember to keep posts relevant and recognizable, then you will be able to benefit greatly from using Instagram from your small business. And if you aren’t seeing the results you want, then try focusing on another social media site, you have plenty to choose from!
