Instagram is a social media marketing platform that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. This visual platform enables businesses and individuals to take photos from their smartphones, add a filter or frame to that photo and share it with their audience. Once posted, the image can automatically upload onto Twitter and Facebook, ensuring that it gains as much exposure as possible.
If you’re thinking about using Instagram for business, you should only do so if taking photos is a natural part of your daily life – or if you are willing to make that change. Once you start snapping shots, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t set up a profile to share information about your business, increase traffic to your website and encourage stronger sales.
Read on for our top hints and tips about how to use Instagram for your small business:
Avoid blatant self-promotion
If you’re going to use Instagram for business then you need to do so properly in order to achieve success on the platform. You can’t simply post photos of your products or services time after time, as this is blatant self-promotion that will quickly put people off. Instead, you need to mix things up by providing visually appealing, stunning content that keeps people coming back for more.
Focus on the beautiful
Apparel and homeware company, Anthropologie, has an extremely appealing Instagram page brimming with beautifully structured shots. Although the brand uses its Instagram page to promote its products, it also uses the page to discuss its latest opening parties, discount schemes, and new stores. Every image is exquisitely shot with perfect attention to detail, lighting and angles, making you anticipate and look forward to the next upcoming shot.
Using Instagram to tell a story
Instagram is a fantastic platform that gives you the perfect opportunity to tell a story. You can post a series of shots throughout your day and post your favourite ones as the day develops, gradually telling a story to your fans and keeping them hooked in anticipation of what happens next.
For example, if you are developing a new product, you could take pictures of the developmental process of that product. As things come together (for example, packaging, logos and the final launch), you could snap photos along the way to keep your audience enticed!
Use Popular Hashtags
The hashtag environment has changed considerably in recent times. Today, people are less accepting of hashtag spam, so try to limit your hashtags to a maximum of three per image. Use sites such as ritetag and tagsforlikes for the latest trending hashtags, and incorporate the most relevant ones into your descriptions.
Search for your brand
Finally, perform hashtag searches and searches for your handle (e.g. @8waysmedia) will connect you to people who have interacted with your brand. Leave comments on their posts and ask their permission to repost their images. This is a fantastic way to connect you to a broader audience, boost engagement and raise awareness of your brand.
So there you have it, our top tips on how to use Instagram for your small business. Do you have any other tips or advice? Leave a comment on our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts!
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