I LOVE this social media platform. Instagram is a powerhouse for selling and connecting with your ideal clients, and it’s FUN!
Instagram for business can be so much fun and is a super easy platform that anyone can use.
Here are my 8 tips to help you get set up and using Instagram to start attracting your raving fans. (tweet this!)
1. Design an informative bio
Make sure you clearly define who you are and what you do in your bio. And don’t forget to use a GREAT photo too. This is vital. Remember, if you don’t state what you do, and show them who you are how will your ideal customers know to follow you, and ultimately work with you. Don’t forget to include a call to action (CTA) like “visit my website,” or “sign up for a free call,” or “email for more info.” Also, include a link to your freebie or your website or wherever you are driving traffic to. This link should be updated regularly. Links within posts on Instagram aren’t linkable, but this link in your profile is. So utilize it.
(You can look at mine if you want…be sure to FOLLOW me while you are on there: http://instagram.com/brigidward)
2. Make sure your profile is public, not private.
I can’t tell you how many people I have found who are trying to sell online but have their Instagram profiles set to private. It just doesn’t work. Nobody wants to try that hard to follow someone. Make it easy and set your profile to public.
3. Have a strategy for what and why you are posting.
Make it visual. Instagram is a beautiful, visual platform. Take advantage and let your creative juices flow. This is super important. You want to include inspirational quotes, images that will attract your idea client and sprinkle in a bit from your personal life. But not too much. You are running a business after all. Remember your ideal customer is always interested in learning more about you.
4. Include a description with each image/post
This is key. Try and add some insight or inspiration into each of your posts. Don’t just repeat exactly what you put in your image. Add something unique or clever. Let your audience get to know you and what you have to say. Let your personality shine through. Before you post something, ask yourself if this would be meaningful, helpful, entertaining, funny, informative, resourceful, or inspirational to others. If not then don’t post it.
5. Utilize hash tags
This is where the magic is. Seriously spend a little time researching how others are using hashtags, especially those in your field.
Check out SueBZimmerman’s many different profiles to see how to utilize Instagram hashtags the best. She is the queen of Instagram. It’s imperative to use hashtags that your ideal customers are already browsing. You can find these by looking at what your competitors are using.
NOTE: You can use up to 30 hashtags per post, but start with 7-12 at one time. Post your image and copy initially AND then in the first comment add in your hashtags.
6. Use 3rd party apps to create amazing visuals
Create highly visual and fun images. This is key to get noticed. You can try InstaQuote, Snapseed, InstaSize and my favorite WordSwag.
7. Engage with and share other people’s posts
This is a great strategy. Go in and IKE 5 or more photos from other accounts that are in your target audience of course. Ideally they will see you and decide to follow you. You can also use this for some of the more popular accounts as well. Go in and leave some comments and choose people you really like. Follow them so you see their threads in your feed.
Be smart in who you follow. But make sure to LIKE and comment on at least 5 pics from different accounts per day.
You’ll start to build some virtual friendships and you will grow your follows greatly.
8. Utilize a Repost app
So find an app that you can use to repost other people’s posts. I use REPOST and love it. I tried other ones but they just didn’t work for me.
I try to repost other people’s posts at least once per day. It helps to get new people to see my page and become new fans of mine. I also post at least 1-3 times per day. I don’t do them all at once, because that can be a bit annoying for people’s feeds.
Tell me, are you on Instagram? Are you having any success with this social media platform? Share in the comments below.
P.S. If you would like to take your business to the next level. If you are feeling overwhelmed and just stuck. I urge you to sign up for a FREE consultation. I am here to help you.
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