It’s not your imagination: everyone is using Instagram nowadays. OK, maybe not everyone, but we’re definitely seeing an uptick in businesses embracing the reach of Instagram and how it can enhance their online presence. Here’s an interesting fact: Instagram has been able to maintain its user base fairly consistently over the last year. In 2019, the percentage of US adults who use Instagram rose from 35% to 37%, and the active reported users have held steady around 1 billion people. Ready to up your Instagram game to get in on this action? Here are some handy tips that can help.
Once you determine who your target audience is, and you start sharing information that will be relevant to them, make sure you’re using hashtags that will help that audience find you and your profile. There are a lot of marketers who will use the “popular” hashtags in hopes a bunch of people will find their Instagram posts and follow them, but again if that’s not the audience you want, why bother? Using popular hashtags like #love, #instagood, or #cute will likely not attract the customers you want. Yes, doing Instagram the “right way” will take longer to build your audience, but it will be an audience you actually want. Save the cute stuff for your personal Instagram account.
Don’t forget how many users are on Instagram. Want to stand a chance of connecting with the audience you want? Be genuine and let your company culture shine through! Be funny if that’s your culture, or informative, or argumentative…. whatever your “real” brand is, be that on Instagram. Like any other social channel, it’s about connecting with like-minded businesses. Being real on Instagram will help you reach the people you want to reach.
They can spread the word about your company, service, or product. They can be a spokesperson for your company on Instagram. They can even mention your company to their followers. Influencers can be very powerful IF they help you connect to the right audience. How can you find influencers in your industry? An excellent place to start is with well-known figures in your industry. Find individuals that speak at industry conferences have published books within your industry, or are otherwise well-known. Some of these people know the value of their influence and may charge to help boost your brand while others, if they find your product or service of value to their followers, may help you to inform their audience. If you’re curious about using influencers to boost your Instagram presence, here’s a great article to get started.
Building a strong and effective Instagram following takes time. If you want to enhance your presence, start by following these five tips, or engage the help of a small business marketing professional to help you up your Instagram game and bring in more prospects for your small business.
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