Social media marketing is essential in today’s digital landscape. As a brand, you can’t avoid it. Instagram, with its one billion monthly users, is especially relevant when it comes to marketing your business online. The key to successfully reaching your goals, however, lies in attracting a loyal, active and engaged following.
In order to do that, you need to be intentional with your practices. Follow these powerful Instagram marketing strategies to see a greater return on your social media efforts.
- Be Prepared to Build Community
First and foremost, according to ViralRace, it’s imperative that you understand the social aspect of social media. The users of these platforms expect to get something out of their online experience with brands. They don’t want to simply have pretty pictures placed in their feed with no interaction or value to them. If you want to attract and maintain a significant following, you absolutely must be prepared to put in the work of engaging with the users.
This is especially true when someone has liked or commented on your post. Head over to the profiles of folks who’ve liked you. Follow them, interact with their content. Chances, are they’ll do the same for you.
While it is possible to use services to get a boost to your numbers, you absolutely must be prepared to spend time cultivating a following and building a community. Always be sure to return comments and answer questions. No one wants to be ignored.
- Offer Consistent Branding
Branding simply refers to the message you send to consumers. It’s what they think of when they see your company. You create this message in a number of ways such as the copy you use, the causes you support and the very products or services you sell.
What you may not realize is that even the way you visually present your company through photos, logos and other graphic media portray a feeling or vibe about your business.
It’s important to keep this vibe consistent. You can do this by producing photos that support your message in their use of color, mood, copy and overall aesthetic. Use the same filters throughout your images. Be sure your images don’t contradict your mission and intent.
- Strategize Your Hashtag Use
Hashtags are one of your most useful and strategic marketing tools on Instagram. It’s easy to think they’re just a fun way to jazz up your posts, but these tags have a very specific purpose. By tailoring your use of hashtags, you can attract the ideal target market you desire. Don’t just throw them in your posts haphazardly.
Instead, take time to research relevant hashtags within your industry or niche. Study which ones seem to generate engagement. Try some out. Use the ones that work well for you. Create your own hashtags exclusively for your brand of particular campaign.
This can be a great way to gain momentum through word of mouth. Narrow down your tags to ones that relate to the exact type of consumer you wish to reach. These tips will help the right users to find you.
- Post Regularly
This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to become complacent. If you don’t post on a consistent basis, the followers you’ve gained are likely to forget you. People like to know what to expect from the brands they follow. Show them that they can count on new, interesting content from you. It’s best to strive for at least one post a day.
- Optimize Your Profile
When people come across one of your images they like, they’ll probably head to check out your profile description. Don’t neglect this valuable piece of real estate. Be sure to use copy that is reflective of your brand and take the time to say something meaningful to invite followers in. It’s tempting to write just a couple sentences and leave it at that.
But really taking the time to craft a stellar profile is an investment worth making. Also, be sure to include your best link. That may be your company homepage or it could be a link to a contest or landing page. Don’t be afraid to change it as needed, depending on your marketing campaign needs.
- Invest in Ads
Creating ads on Instagram can be a fabulous way to boost your following and reach more people. Just be sure to invest in market research so you’re reaching the most relevant audience. Then monitor your ads regularly, making changes when necessary, until you find the right formula that works for your brand.
- Cross Promote Your Content
Share links to your Instagram accounts everywhere you are online. You’ve already put in the time to gain followers elsewhere, why not invite them to visit your Instagram profile? This is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to boost your follower numbers and get people interacting with your new profile.
Drop a link occasionally on your other social media posts or add your profile URL to your blog and email signature. People will follow.
- Reward Your Followers
People thrive on recognition. They like to feel validated for their contributions. Be sure to keep this in mind and make an effort to provide shoutouts to your Instagram followers on occasion. You can do this by sharing a user’s relevant content and tagging them to show you’re impressed with what they’re doing.
Or you can showcase a customer testimonial in a post. Host a contest. Show actual consumers using your product. Involve your followers. Not only will they appreciate it, you’ll likely find that their followers will notice.
These eight tips should get you started on the right track to successful Instagram marketing. Try these strategies out to give your profile a boost and to begin making the types of relationships that help to gain brand enthusiasts and loyal customers.
