Are you actively using Instagram for your business? I know some
business owners are hesitant to use the platform, and many ask me: “Do
people really want to see picture after picture of my products on
Instagram?”. The answer is NO! The most successful brands know that
Instagram is about far more than just sharing product shots (although
this can and should be part of your strategy too!).
Here are 7 tips to come an Instagram Rockstar, today!
1. Share photos that convey an emotion you want associated with your brand.
starbucks on Instagram
Starbucks does a GREAT job of this. Of course they post photos of
their stores, customers and products, but they have also figured out
what kinds of images evoke positive emotions in their followers.
The Starbucks brand is commonly associated with warmth, friendship
and sharing special moments. If you look through their Instagram photos,
you will see many shots that actually have nothing to do with coffee;
rather, they convey the feelings associated with sunshine, cozy winter
days, and sharing time with the important people in your life and yes,
this does drive sales!
2. Show the human side of your brand.
People want to know there’s a real human being on the other side of their computer screen.
Don’t be afraid to share personal images from time to time. These
don’t have to be family photos, however sharing photos from an office
party, conference or even your pet can make you and your brand more
relatable. Remember, people buy from those they know, like and trust!
3. Follow back.
ford on Instagram
If you look at some of the big brands who are using Instagram, you
will notice a funny thing: many of them have hundreds of thousands of
followers, yet they don’t follow anyone themselves.
I don’t know about you, but to me this conveys an attitude of ‘I’m
only interested in broadcasting my message, not in engaging’. You don’t
have to follow ALL your followers, however make an effort to follow back
the users who regularly interact with your content, and, more
importantly, are your ideal prospect. These are the people who care
about your brand and are helping you to build it!
4. Share image quotes.
honda on Instagram
If you have been following me on social media, you likely already
know how much I love sharing images (and more specifically, image
quotes). Quotes have a special way of inspiring, encouraging and
motivating; not to mention, people love to share them! Remember, it’s
not all about your product or service, it’s about what your community
cares about, what they will engage with you around and share within
their communities.
5. Announce an event or promotion.
nathanlatka on Instagram
Using images to announce an event or promotion can be a great (non-salesy) way of creating buzz around your brand on Instagram.
You will want to keep the promotions to a minimum, as your #1 goal
should always be to connect and engage. However, when done from time to
time it can be a great method for catching the attention of your
followers.
6. Sell your products on Instagram.
Arnold_daniel on Instagram
Wait, Kim, didn’t you just say to keep the promotions to a minimum?! Yes, for the most part, that is true. However there are ways you can use the platform to generate sales – even direct sales.
For instance, one photographer
has figured out how to use Instagram to directly sell his images as
prints. In fact, on the very first day he started selling his images, he
sold $15,000 worth of prints!
For more ideas for direct selling on Instagram, see my post
7. Use tools to optimize your posts.
Want to know what’s working for you on Instagram and what’s not? A tool like Iconosquare (previously Statigram) can help by giving you access to valuable information and analytics like:
- Most liked and commented on photos
- Which filters perform the best
- Optimal posting frequency
- Best days and times to post your photos
- Stats about your followers and who you’re following
Source: http://kimgarst.com/7-tips-to-become-an-instagram-rockstar
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