This past year, the popular photo sharing social media platform Instagram reached a mighty milestone: There are now more than 1 BILLION people globally using Instagram every day. According to Sprout Social, 63% of U.S. users say they check their Instagram daily, and Instagram users are among the most dedicated (amongst social media platforms) in terms of how frequently they log in.
Connect with Customers Through Instagram
By Liz Giannini
This past year, the popular photo sharing social media platform Instagram reached a mighty milestone: There are now more than 1 BILLION people globally using Instagram every day. According to Sprout Social, 63% of U.S. users say they check their Instagram daily, and Instagram users are among the most dedicated (amongst social media platforms) in terms of how frequently they log in.
Sprout Social also shares that “organic Instagram is valuable for both B2C and B2B brands for the sake of building brand awareness. Even if Instagram isn’t resulting in direct sales, the network remains a key component of any social marketing funnel for educating and nurturing customers.”
Looking to build a presence on Instagram? Here are a few tips to get started!
- Establish a goal and schedule: Be consistent with posting images and the frequency with which you post; followers will drop off if the posts drop off. Set a schedule and start slow. Be patient!
- Use hashtags: Like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, hashtags will help you be found. If someone is looking for content under a specific tag—whether it be location, technique, product, experience, specialty, etc.—hashtags are an easy way to enhance your post. Example: Try adding #engraving #smallbusiness #recognition to a post; add as many hashtags as you like.
- Evaluate: Review posts and see what has the most “likes” and comments or engagement. Watch for trends to see if followers are reacting to specific content and provide more of it!
- Have fun: Add variety to the photos you post! Use different filters to enhance the images. If you only post products, and feel comfortable doing so, post photos of your team or team members using a machine completing a product. Post on national holidays or special occasions (company anniversary) with warm messaging. Showcase the personality of your business and make sure it aligns with your brand so it is relatable to your customers and potential customers.
- Interaction: Ask questions in posts to see if followers will interact. Once you have built followers, perhaps run a giveaway asking the followers to share your post in their stories and tag five other followers who also have to follow you to be entered in the giveaway. If there is another local small business that is on Instagram, consider partnering up for a joint giveaway for more exposure and cross promotion. Finally, if you’re using Instagram actively, add the logo to your website linked to your account so that people can find you.