With all the social media platforms out there today, it can be so confusing on which ones to try and what would be best for your business.
I know as a web designer in a visual space, when I got started it was all about Pinterest! So I created vertical pins, catchy descriptions, and invested in Tailwind.
But now Instagram has grown in popularity and it also works for creative businesses.
I’m getting ready to dive into Instagram soon, so I thought I’d share some tips that might help you also make the leap into Instagram or help you out if you’re there already!
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Why You Should Be on Instagram
There is little denying that Instagram’s popularity and importance in terms of branding is growing at a rapid pace.
No matter what type of business you run, whether it is online-based or you have your own store, you need to use Instagram to reach more customers and develop a loyal following.
This is not a statement made lightly – the facts already back it up.
Did you know that when compared with Facebook, Instagram has a much greater engagement rate per follower at 70%? Not only this, but over the past four years, the organic marketing reach of Instagram is up a phenomenal 115%.
Facebook, on the other hand, is down by 63%.
With that in mind, mastering the art of Instagram marketing is definitely worth your while, and here are some tips that help you to do so.
Consistency is key
Users are much more likely to act if the brand is one that they can easily recognize.
To achieve this, there are some key rules you need to follow.
First, make sure you do not overcrowd your captions and images with text.
Second, try to stick to the same filters.
Third, choose a color palette or scheme, and stick to this whenever you can.
Finally, and most importantly, make sure that all of your visuals are consistent in terms of quality and style. If you do this, you will create a brand that customers can easily recognize.
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One company that has completely mastered this is Nike. Take a look at their Instagram page for some inspiration.
Use a link in the bio
A lot of people underestimate the importance of the bio section of their company’s Instagram account.
You have a short space to give followers a glimpse of what your business is all about, so make sure you use it wisely.
This is also a great area for you to include a link to your website. It is the one space on Instagram whereby links are clickable.
You have probably already noticed that links contained within posts aren’t clickable, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to display a URL in your bio section so that you can direct people to your website.
Go beyond Instagram filter
Instagram filters are great. They present you with the ability to add different effects to your photos, as well as flipping and rotating them.
However, if you really want to captivate your followers with your photographs, you should consider taking local Photoshop training classes.
Knowing how to edit your photos like a pro will make a massive difference when using such an image-led social media platform to try and attract new customers.
Be inspirational and/or entertaining
You should never just post for the sake of posting.
Every Instagram post needs to have a purpose and it should be something that is going to make a big impact, i.e. to entertain and/or to inspire.
These are the sort of posts that people are going to enjoy seeing, and it won’t feel like you are simply trying to post an endless stream of sales pitches and promotional content.
Report and promote others
This “partnering up” approach is something that works well in all aspects of online marketing, not just Instagram.
However, when dealing with the social media network specifically, by reaching out to a company with the same target audience as you, you can both promote one and other, making it a fruitful partnership for all involved.
Use hashtags
Last but not least, you need to make sure that you are using hashtags to good effect if you want to make the right moves on Instagram.
They aren’t just for Twitter you know!
How many hashtags should you add to your post?
Start with between five and ten, and see how that goes. You are allowed to post up to 30, but that amount would simply be overkill.
To check hashtags are relevant, you just need to use the search tool feature on Instagram.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways you can take your website to the next level using Instagram.
This is undeniably one of the most powerful social media platforms available today.
Nevertheless, you need to know how to use it effectively if you are going to see the results you hope for!
Have any other Instagram tips to share? Let me know in the comments below!
12 thoughts on “How To Improve Your Marketing Efforts On Instagram”
Instagram may be our only hope if FB continues to change its algorithm. Thanks for the tips!
Lol you might be right because you never know in this super fast technological time we live in! Glad you enjoyed the tips, Cindy!
I’ve been struggling a little with Instagram, so thanks for the helpful tips!
Awesome you’ve found this helpful! Instagram is definitely challenging at first.
These are some tried and true tips! I have noticed my growth and engagement has increased just from doing these methods consistently!
Awesome Brigette!! Glad you’re doing well on Instagram.
always looking to up my insta game, thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome Jessica! Thanks for stopping by.
Great tips Ali! Instagram has always been on the back burner for me until recently!
Thanks Jonas! Hope it’s working out for you!
I hadn’t considered filters or gaining more knowledge in photo editing. Thanks for the suggestions.
No problem Kimberlie! Glad you learned something new.