Instagram is a powerhouse of a platform if you’re an entrepreneur. Over $43 billion in ad revenue is generated on the platform each year, meaning that Instagram welcomes businesses with open arms. If you’re an entrepreneur and want to grow your brand, Instagram can be the place to go. Here are some tips.
Content is King
You can spend money to grow on the platform. You can get Instagram post shares or have an ad campaign. But the truth is that you can’t pay your way to total success. You must post content catered to your audience and do so regularly.
Content, even if you’re starting out, stands out so much more than a dead account with nothing on it. More on that in a minute, but we should tell you that you can’t grow with money alone.
Have an Optimized Bio
What do people see when they click on your bio? Ideally, they should see the following:
- A short, catchy description telling people what your business is about.
- A clear profile picture with a memorable business logo.
- Calls-to-action telling users where they can go if they want to buy your product.
- Contact information.
- Story Highlights that tell the essentials about your business.
If you don’t have this, it’s time for a change, and add as necessary.
Study Your Audience
To know how to market on Instagram, you must first study your target audience.
First, does your audience even use Instagram? Around 60% of Instagram’s demographics are between 18-34. While a sizable amount of 35-44-year-olds use the platform, the numbers start lowering past that.
Say your business is targeted toward senior citizens. You may use Facebook, a platform with an older audience. However, if your business targets Millennials and Gen Z, Instagram is a good place.
Search hashtags and keywords that describe your business, and look at the people who come up. Look at their profiles, what they post, and who they follow, and create an image of your average audience member.
This can take a while, but it is vital for platform growth.
Set Up a Business Account
It would be best if you were using Instagram for Business. A business account gives you access to several features that can help your business grow, such as:
- Advanced analytics so you can see how your business is evolving.
- Targeted advertising so you can reach your ideal audience.
- The ability to add gift cards so people can save money on your new products.
These are just some features that Instagram for Business offers. We recommend switching to it if you want to make your account grow.
Consider Making Shoppable Posts
If you sell tangible products, take advantage of Instagram Shopping. As long as you meet their eligibility requirements (there is no minimum follower count needed, but they are available in certain countries only,) you can post pictures of your products and allow your customers to buy them through Instagram.
Some customers are stubborn and don’t want to leave the platform to make a purchase. However, Instagram Shopping combines social media and the ability to buy products. You can also tag products in photos and videos.
Post Various Types of Content Regularly
We can’t tell you what content you should post, as it will differ depending on your business. What we can tell you is that you should post content as regularly as possible. Ideally, you should post 3-5 times a week.
When posting content on Instagram, you should take advantage of various formats. Photos and videos are classic ways to post content on Instagram. However, the other formats can help your profile grow further. These formats include:
- Reels are short, vertical videos where you can add text and other effects.
- Stories, which are short posts that disappear within 24 hours.
- Live streaming. Here, you can stream Q&As, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
When you do post, you should also ensure you post when your audience is the most active. You can use your analytics to figure out when that is. Scheduling posts can work if you are not active when your audience is.
Also, consider making a content calendar. This way, you are not left without knowing what you should post.
Consider Collaborating with Influencers
Instagram is a platform where influencers rule. These high-follower accounts are a source of authority on products, services, and more. Some micro-influencers may not have many followers but have a small, dedicated fanbase.
The best way to collaborate with an influencer is to do your research. Find an influencer whose audience seems similar to yours, then reach out to them. You may have to pay some money to advertise your product, or you may set up a collaboration post where both of you benefit. Influencer marketing can be even more effective than regular advertising. Ads will turn off many customers, but they will listen to everything their favorite influencer has to say.
Interact With Your Audience
As an entrepreneur, Instagram is a platform where audience interaction is vital. People don’t want a soulless business, but instead one that relates to their audience. Don’t be afraid to share content your audience members make using your product. Respond to comments, both good and bad. If someone sends you a message, answer it correctly.
Your Plan is Never Perfect
Instagram marketing is going to be an ever-changing plan. What worked a few months ago may be ineffective now. Not only that, but you’ll get it wrong and need to go back to the drawing board.
Start by having realistic follower goals or conversion goals. Every month, check on your progress. Have you been gaining followers? Then, keep doing what you’re doing. Have you been stagnating? I suggest figuring out why.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is a platform where you must dedicate yourself to it, use it as a business account, and study your audience. However, it’s also a place to share colorful photos, interact casually with your audience, and enjoy yourself. Balance those two things out, and you may see success.
