In 2021, Instagram is so much more than just a photo-sharing app. It is a place of business for many and a marketing tool for others. With more than one billion active monthly users, using Instagram to get more customers is a no-brainer. In 2021, Instagram should be a part of every business’s marketing strategy. This is your essential guide to getting more customers on Instagram.
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Everything You Need to Know About Instagram
Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, is a massively popular photo and video-sharing app. Users can post photos or videos to their feed, temporary Instagram Stories that stay on their profile for 24 hours, Reels (which are 15-second maximum short-form videos), IGTV videos, and can even shop directly from e-commerce companies through the app. This means businesses and influencers can make money directly through Instagram.
Not only are there a lot of people on Instagram, but 90% of people on Instagram follow at least one business, according to Instagram’s own statistics. And 81% of people use Instagram to research products and services. This makes Instagram an ideal platform for marketing and getting more customers.
Why You Should Use Instagram to Get More Customers
There are several reasons why you should use Instagram to get more customers.
Any Size Business Can Find Customers on Instagram
One of the main reasons businesses should use Instagram to get more followers is because businesses of any size can thrive on Instagram. Yes, larger companies use Instagram to find customers, but the same can be said for small businesses, too. Any size business can raise brand awareness and reach their target audience by maintaining an active and engaged presence on the app and posting on a regular basis.
Make Money Directly from Instagram
Instagram has evolved from simply a photo-sharing app to a major shopping platform. Now, Instagram has an entire tab devoted to shopping and now offers shoppable posts, too. With these services, Instagram has made it much easier for businesses to attract customers and earn money directly through the site.
Use Instagram Advertising to Reach New Customers
Another reason to use Instagram to get more customers is you can use Instagram advertising to reach your target audience and extend your reach. Instagram ads are trackable, customizable, and perhaps not as expensive as you might think. You can use ads to promote your Instagram account and find more followers.
Steps for How to Get Started on Instagram
- Download the Instagram app on your smartphone.
- Set up a professional business account. A business account is key because it allows you to do things a personal profile won’t, like measure and track your post insights. You can also add a contact button, which allows followers to call you or ask for directions to your business directly through Instagram.
- Upload an excellent profile picture!
- Write an engaging Insta bio (with hashtags!) and don’t forget to add a link to your website.
- Start posting! You can use an Instagram scheduler to schedule your content ahead of time.
What to Post on Instagram
The key to getting more customers on Instagram is to be present and active. You want to not only provide an excellent visual impression and experience of your brand, business, product, and/or service, but you also want to engage with your followers! Here are some examples of what to post on Instagram.
- Photos of your product and/or services to show customers what they can purchase.
- Create giveaways, promote events, or tell customers about your specials.
- Post videos! Video content is taking over the internet.
- Take a look at trending or timely content and add to the discussion.
- Post quotes from great online reviews of your business.
- Repost your fans and followers who post positively about your business!
Tips for Getting More Customers on Instagram
Here are some more tried-and-true tips from the social media managers at SEO Design Chicago for how to get more customers on Instagram.
Post 2-3 Times Per Week
The key to Instagram is quality, not quantity. You don’t need to post on Instagram every single day. We find that it is best to post two or three times per week. Wednesdays and Fridays usually have the highest engagement. When you do post, make sure it is visual and engaging content.
Schedule Your Posts
Instagram doesn’t let you schedule posts ahead of time, but there are plenty of Instagram scheduler programs that can help you. We find that it helps to create a content calendar for your Instagram feed ahead of time to plan posts around holidays and upcoming events.
Consider the Timing of Your Post
When does your target audience check Instagram? When are they most likely to make a purchase? Consider the best time to post for your audience when you schedule your Instagram posts.
Use a Filter
Instagram offers a variety of filters you can use on your photos to make them look more attractive. The key to creating a cohesive Instagram account that your customers will want to follow is to use the same filters on all of your posts.
Use @ Mentions
Don’t be afraid to interact with other accounts on Instagram! Use the @ button to tag others who might be interested in your posts. It always helps attract more customers when you interact and engage more on the app. Or, repost user-generated content from your fans and followers who use your branded hashtags and then tag them back in your posts. This is the type of content that encourages more people to follow you! (Plus, you save time on creating your own content when you use content your followers have already created for you!)
Add Hashtags
Add some hashtags to your Instagram post! A post with one Instagram hashtag averages 12.6% more engagement than posts without a hashtag. The key is to keep your hashtags relevant to your post and to utilize ones that are popular, but not TOO popular.
Post Photos with Faces!
Some businesses rarely show faces in the photos they post on their Instagram account. However, photos with faces attract more likes than those without faces, according to research.
Partner with Influencers
If you are having trouble getting more customers via your own Instagram account, find a social media influencer to help you. An influencer can help get your product or service in front of their audience.
Add a Call to Action
Don’t forget to add a persuasive call to action to your Instagram bio, captions, and stories, too. A call to action adds to your engagement rate (“follow me for more fitness tips”, for example, or “head to the link in my bio to make a purchase!”) You can use a call to action to direct potential customers to your website, ask them to follow you on other social networks, or encourage them to buy your product or service.
Getting More Customers on Instagram with SEO Design Chicago
If you need help getting more customers on Instagram, contact SEO Design Chicago today! Our social media management experts are ready to help you. We help companies elevate their brand on Instagram and other social media platforms, attract more leads, and convert more customers.
FAQs:
- How do I set up an Instagram business account?
- How do I get more customers on Instagram?
- Which days are best to post on Instagram?
- How many times a week should I post on Instagram?
- What should I post on Instagram?
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