Ways Local Businesses Can Use Instagram to Get More Customers
by Rudy on July 22, 2022 in Online Marketing
One of the most known social media platforms among the younger generations is Instagram. It is an extremely visual platform. Instagram primarily focuses on videos and images rather than posts made up of texts. On the global list of platforms that engage users, Instagram holds a solid place, with Facebook continuing to dominate the field.
With that level of popularity, you can’t afford to ignore the platform. But what is the best way to make use of it? Here are a few useful tips to take your Instagram marketing strategy to the next level.
Share the Best Content You Can Find
Instagram is known for being a visual platform. People use it to share videos and images from their life. If you want to make the most of this media, make your content stand out from the rest.
Instagram is easy to use, and you can create high-quality images with just a finger’s touch. The platform has a variety of filters to add contrast, shade, and other visual effects. If you play around with Instagram, you will be surprised by the many ways you can customize your photos. You may have to try a few before finding the ones that work best with your images, so have fun exploring.
Consider these tips for appealing content:
High-resolution usually signifies quality.
Rich colors make a statement.
Videos really help to showcase products being used but remember to keep them short.
Images that offer unusual, intriguing, or arresting images will catch people’s attention
To keep your account well-rounded and followers engaging, add content that isn’t just about your brand. This will bring more viewers and keep your account feeling more natural and less about the sale, a big draw for the younger population. Do remember to keep your content consistent — a kid’s clothing website shouldn’t be discussing adult topics, for example.
Tag It and Hashtag Your Content
You can tag other people in your photos and images, and you should. When you tag a business or follower, you develop a connection through shared content.
Hashtags also give you the opportunity to add notes to your images. Use hashtags to convey messages about the photo, such as #dogsandbeaches, #doggyswimmeet, or #dogdaysofsummer. When a follower clicks on a hashtag, they get to see all the posts related to it. This is one of the best ways to keep your brand in relevant conversations.
It is important to note that your hashtags should be relatable. If you put random hashtags without connections, you will have confusion and won’t get the following you are working for.
Increase Your Reach
With small businesses, your marketing strategy should be centered around increasing your reach. Your goal and measurements should also be centered around your Instagram following increasing. If your videos and images aren’t getting shared or liked, you need to refocus your strategy.
One key factor to Instagram is to make sure you are engaging with the people who follow you. You can’t expect to increase engagement if you aren’t active on your account, starting conversations, and responding to people. This is especially important to younger followers. They want an active account to be a part of.
You can add as many posts as you like for free. There is also an option to pay for promoting your content. This may be worth it for you but isn’t required to create a following.
Share Quality Information
Your Instagram marketing strategy is to bring in more followers and, therefore, more customers. You will need to let them know how to find you, which means you need to have all your contact information connected to your account, especially your link to your website. Instagram followers are more likely to use online methods rather than call you. Be sure to include a professional bio as well as what customers can expect from your business. This is the perfect spot to let people know what makes your business unique.
It’s Better to Show Instead of Tell
Instagram is meant to be visual. Don’t tell them about your dog grooming salon, show pictures of pups covered in suds. If you are selling food, don’t share recipes without interesting images. Sharing photos of your business that show why it’s special will give you instant branding.
Author: Rudy Labordus
Rudy Labordus is an Internationally acclaimed author, marketing strategist and speaker. He has been instrumental in helping launch and develop several multi million dollar businesses around Australia and excels in developing innovative, strategic and creative solutions that produce exceptional results for his clients.
