How to Use Instagram to Improve Your Business
Hopefully, you know platforms like Instagram can be powerful for your business. If not, then you’re making a big mistake. Social media has grown exponentially in recent years, and it’s become so much more than just a simple and easy way to keep in touch with friends. It’s an unparalleled way to spread the word about your business at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.
Instagram has become huge in the last few years. In reality, many younger users are moving away from “old-school” social media networks like Facebook and even Twitter. Instagram is where it’s at. And if you want to use all the marketing tools available, you need to set up a business Instagram account and get posting.
If you’re new to using Instagram for business, or even social media in general, here’s how to get started:
1. Install the app
This one is optional, as you can choose to upload photos to the website, but the app makes it much, much easier. Simply download it from the App Store and install.
2. Sign up for a new account
While there is an option to simply sign up with your existing Facebook account, you probably want to avoid linking it to your personal social media. However, if you’ve already got a business Facebook account, then go ahead and use your business email. It’ll instantly create an account based on the Facebook information you’ve provided. It’ll also link to your existing friends’ network.
If you don’t have a business Facebook account, don’t worry. You can simply sign up with an email address and set the account up manually. You’ll also have to pick an available username. Something based on your business is probably a better idea than your personal name.
3. Add a profile picture
Your profile picture is an important choice. You want to pick something that represents your business well and says something positive. If you’ve got a logo, that could be a good choice. Or you could also try a picture of your business premises on a busy day.
To add this photo, simply tap +Photo on the top of the profile page. You’ll get an option of either taking a photo with your phone or using an existing image. You probably want to use one that’s already associated with your business.
4. Fill out important profile information
A lot of people think Instagram is just for photos. While that’s the main point, don’t skimp on writing a few lines about your business in your profile and filling out other important pieces of information. Enter your business name, phone number, web address, location, etc., and other details that future customers might need.
5. Find people to follow
Eventually, you’re going to want more followers than people you follow, but to start with, following a few “friends” or other relevant businesses is a good way to start getting followers in return. Each other account you follow is reasonably likely to follow you in return, so it’s a good way to get started.
If you’ve got the information from existing clients or other companies you sometimes work with, start following them. You might want to skip this step until you’ve added a few more photos, so people will actually have something to see when they follow you.
6. Link account to other platforms
Again, you might want to skip this step if you’ve only got personal social media accounts, but try and link your business Instagram to your other business social media, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. That way, your Instagram photos will be promoted across multiple platforms. It’s a great way to cross-promote your content and bring in followers you’ve already got on Facebook or Twitter.
7. Get posting!
Your business Instagram account is now ready. You can now start posting great content that promotes your business to help grow your brand. Instagram has tons of filters and publication options to really make the most of your photos. Try a few!
When someone follows your account, they’re already expressing loyalty to what you have to offer. They’ll also be more likely to tell their friends and help your following grow even more. By offering additional value to your followers, like exclusive offers or promotions, your business should see the benefits of an effective social media marketing strategy. These steps combined should take your social media marketing efforts to the next level.
If you need a bit of extra help with your online marketing efforts, you might want to check out a small business SEO consultant. Some SEO work can be done yourself, but many of the latest strategies and techniques will be best looked after with a high-quality SEO consultant. If you’re looking to promote your website online and boost your Google ranking, these services could be for you.
—
We hope you enjoyed this promoted piece as much as we did!
