We all use Instagram to post pictures and stories and get likes and comments. More than that, we use it to check out what others are up to. But there is a different perspective through which businesses see Instagram– a platform for reaching current and potential customers.
As a result, more and more businesses are hopping on the idea of using Instagram as a marketing tool. Since it is a free and easy-to-use application with a vast user base, it is considered useful for growing a business.
In that regard, any startup must include Instagram marketing as a crucial part of their marketing strategies. This platform can help you build a brand image and sell products and services. Moreover, it authentically connects you to the audience to build personalized relationships, exhibit your unique voice, and grow your following.
That said, every business has an Instagram account, and not all are successful. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to navigate the avalanche of content on Instagram and plan and execute an Instagram strategy.
So, let’s guide you through the tips to make the most of Instagram for the success of your startup.
Quick disclaimer: to use Instagram and make the most of its tool, you need the internet, as in reliable internet to ensure you are not left stranded in the middle of a live session, for example. Therefore, we would suggest subscribing to Spectrum Internet, which offers high-speed internet and 24/7 customer service. You may check with Spectrum Servicio al cliente (For Spanish customers) to learn more.
Anyway, check out the tips below:
- Focus on Posting Quality Content
Instagram is a social media tool primarily used to connect with others and for entertainment. The proportion of entertainment, however, is high. The users tend to engage with pages that offer unique, creative, and relatable content. They share amazing content on their stories, feeds, and with followers through DMs. Therefore, creating good content can help a brand get more reach and followers.
As a startup, you must plan well ahead for your content strategy for Instagram. From deciding on the theme of the posts and formats to type of the content, you must ensure it piques the interest of the audience. Make sure your content is sharable to drive high engagement.
You can post creative and attention-grabbing posts, stories, IGTV, and reels. However, it is important to know that although Instagram is known for images, videos, and reels, it has already taken over. From Instagram stories to IGTV, video is the most enticing format for content on Instagram– or any other social media platform.
- Engage with Your Audience
Instagram is a low-key personal branding site where you showcase your products and services without sounding promotional. Moreover, its features like direct messaging, likes, and comments make it a conversational platform. Therefore, it can be said that it bridges the gap between brands and audiences. You must leverage all these features to engage the audience in meaningful interactions in all your business capacities online. Doing this can help you make close ties with your audience and get more conversions.
For example, you may go live and show what you are doing at the moment or provide a sneak peek into behind-the-scenes product formation processes. These are simple yet key tactics to engage customers.
What’s more, you can reply to comments quickly and keep the engagement rolling. You may run contests and giveaways and ask questions. Giving shoutouts to followers who mention your brand or products is another way to keep your customers engaged.
- Leverage Influencer Marketing
As deduced by Influencer Marketing Hub, Instagram is the most popular social media platform for Influencer marketing. It is said that a great number of businesses are willing to dedicate half of their marketing budgets to influencer marketing.
Well, influencer marketing refers to the process of brands collaborating with online influencers to market their products and services. The influencers are no less than celebrities on social media. They have the outreach you need to grow your business. Partnering with them can significantly increase your social media outreach.
For example, social media influencers may post a picture, video, or story regarding your brand or products, and you will get more reach with that. It simply works best to improve brand recognition.
Therefore, it has become a crucial part of Instagram marketing. For your startup, you may begin with small, but eventually, you will have to partner with high-profile influencers.
- Use Hashtags
Hashtags are crucial to use on Instagram; they provide a quick and easy way to expand your reach when you are marketing. All you have to do is add a few hashtags relevant to your content under your pictures and videos, and that will help users find you easily and better your chances of growing your business.
- Run Targeted Ad Campaigns
Efforts to get followers organically will remain part of your marketing campaign forever. However, to get quick and quality leads, it is important to run targeted ads. In this way, you can save your time and effort as not everyone on the platform is your audience. You must filter Instagram users and create targeted ads to get conversions.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is a handy tool for individuals and businesses alike. For start-ups, it can fuel growth if used correctly. Check out the aforementioned tools to understand how you can use it for the growth of your business.
