Instagram for Business: Best Practices
Before we dive in, check out our Guide to Instagram for an overview of the platform.
Now let’s jump into how to make the most of your business’ presence on Instagram:
1. First and Foremost - Use Engaging Visual Content
I am a brand designer first, so this is the number one thing I believe all Instagram Business Accounts NEED. Let’s be honest, Instagram is SATURATED with business accounts. So if you’re shit doesn’t look good, NO ONE is going to stop the scroll and give your account a second glance. I cannot stress this enough - make sure you have PROFESSIONAL images (stock photography works in a pinch, but the ROI on hiring professional photographer is HUGE!). If you’re posting an infographic of sorts, make sure it’s clear and easy to digest. Use your brand colors and fonts! If you need help in this area, don’t hesitate to holla at me!
Okay now that I got that out of the way, we can move on to the information you probably came here for.
2. Varied Content Types:
Vary your content - each type has it’s strengths. Use those strengths to your advantage and to fully showcase your brand. Here are a few ideas on how to use each type of content:
Photos: High-quality images showcasing your products, services, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Videos: Short and engaging videos, including product demonstrations, tutorials, or customer testimonials.
Stories: Share temporary content, such as limited-time promotions, daily updates, behind the scenes or sneak peeks.
3. Consistent Posting Schedule:
Frequency: Aim for consistency rather than overwhelming your audience. If you’re really ambitious and want to grow your following post everyday. You want to keep your brand at the top of your potential client/customer’s brain. For maintenance posting, adjust your frequency based on your audience’s engagement. As a general rule of thumb, post no less than 3-5 times per week. If you’re extra ambitious, aim for 5-7 times per week.
Optimal Times: Don’t let this “rule” get you too stressed. Generally you want to post when your target audience is most active (Use Instagram Insights to identify peak engagement times.), but if you miss your 8:00am optimal time, it’ll be okay. Go ahead and post it anyways, if it’s something your target audience is interested in, I promise they’ll still see it!
4. Utilize Trending Music:
Instagram Stories and Posts: Add a touch of creativity to your Stories by incorporating popular or trending music. It enhances engagement, makes your content more enjoyable and rumor has it - your chances of showing up on the explorer page will increase! 😉
Reels: Create short video content using trending music to tap into popular trends and challenges. Again look for that trending music (look for the little upwards arrow next to the music title) to help give your reel that extra algorithm boost.
5. Location Tags:
Geotag Your Content: Add location tags to your posts to increase discoverability. This is particularly beneficial for local businesses targeting a specific audience.
Instagram Stories: Use location stickers in Stories for events, product launches, or when showcasing a particular location.
6. Strategic Use of Hashtags:
Relevant Hashtags: Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags related to your industry. I like to include location hashtags in addition to the geotag. This expands your reach to a wider audience while targeting those interested in your specific niche.
Branded Hashtags: Come up with and promote a unique branded hashtag to encourage user-generated content and build a community around your brand.
Limit the Number: While you can use up to 30 hashtags, it's often better to focus on quality over quantity. 3-8 seems to be the magic number these days. Aim for a mix of broad and specific hashtags.
7. Engage with Your Audience:
Respond to Comments: Reply to comments on your posts to show appreciation and foster a sense of community.
Direct Messages: Engage with your audience through direct messages. Respond promptly to inquiries and build personal connections.
8. Instagram Ads:
Explore Paid Advertising: Consider running targeted Instagram ads to reach a broader audience. Use Instagram's ad platform to create visually appealing and effective ads.
9. Collaborate with Others:
Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with influencers or other businesses in your niche to expand your reach and credibility.
User-Generated Content: Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand. Reposting user-generated content builds trust and showcases a community around your brand.
10. Monitor Instagram Insights:
Analyze Data: Regularly check Instagram Insights to understand what content performs well, the demographics of your audience, and the best times to post.
Adapt Strategy: Adjust your content strategy based on insights to optimize engagement and reach.
By incorporating these best practices into your Instagram for Business strategy, you'll be well on your way to building a vibrant and engaged community around your brand. Keep experimenting, stay authentic, and watch your Instagram presence flourish! 🚀📷
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