Did you know that 60% of the world’s top brands are now using Instagram for social media marketing? With close to 100 million users and growing every day, it is not surprising that this online photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service has turned out to be a bonanza for businesses. You too can use Instagram for business to increase your customer base and boost your revenue. Here are 5 ways to capitalize on your business presence on Instagram.
1. Post beautiful, attractive and interesting photos and videos:
People are naturally predisposed to respond more willingly and spontaneously to beautiful, attractive and interesting photos and videos than dull and uninteresting ones. Before posting any photos and videos, make sure that they have these three qualities. Give each picture and video an interesting and informative caption or title. Doing so is very important for videos as people usually see only those videos that have an attractive title. Also, make sure that your target customers can identify every photo and video with your brand.
2. Create a healthy balance between fun images and business images
Instagram is about sharing interesting photos and videos with friends and followers. If you only post business photos, people will likely abandon your page in search of more exciting and happening pages. Post fun images with amusing captions from time to time to keep your followers interested in your Instagram for business page. If possible, every picture should tell a story that is relevant to your business. However, you should be careful not to post too many fun photos as your target customers may get the wrong message.
3. Increase your exposure by engaging with other users
Every business needs exposure to attract customers and increase sales. The best way to gain exposure in any social network, including Instagram, is to engage with users and particularly with your own community. Here are four simple steps: Use relevant and popular hashtags; spend some time every day to find users in your key demographic and engage with them by liking and commenting on the photos they have posted; follow all your followers back; and connect your Facebook, Twitter and other social networking accounts.
4. Embed your Instagram photos and videos in your blog and website
Instagram has an embed feature on its desktop browser version that lets you embed your Instagram videos in your blog and website. This is a great way to share your Instagram videos with your blog and website visitors who do not have an Instagram page of their own. Once they are exposed to the amazing experience, they will open their account and follow you and encourage their friends and colleagues to do the same. Conversely, your Instagram followers can also become regular visitors to your blog and website.
5. Reward your followers with discount codes and promos
Everyone likes to get a reward and many customers are secretly hoping for one, although they may not admit it. You can reward your Instagram for business customers with discount codes, promos, and backstage entry to concerts, fashion shows and sporting events. Giving rewards is a highly effective way to win customer loyalty and boost sales. You don’t have to be extravagant; people will be delighted to receive just about anything as long as they can get it for free.
Do you use Instagram to grow your business?
Picture by Afan