Introduction
The use of digital platforms has become the norm as far as business marketing is concerned. Many companies today have specific departments where they hire professional digital marketing experts to ensure their digital presence is top notch. When we say digital platforms, the first thing that should come to mind is social media marketing. Social networking sites were initially created for fun and networking, but today they are used extensively for business related purposes. Instagram is one of the social networking sites that has become a business promotion platform. In this article, we will discuss the applicable tips that will help you in marketing your organization via Instagram.
Advantages of Social Media Marketing
Before we move on to the main topic, it is a good idea to review some of the advantages you can reap by using social media marketing. The advantages of social media marketing are countless. However, the major ones are listed below:
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It is one of the most cost efficient methods for digital marketing. The available platforms have the ability to enhance your business visibility and increase your brand awareness at the same time. Proper implementation of a social media strategy can seriously increase your brand recognition, and that recognition is enhanced as you engage with millions of people each day.
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Most of your inbound traffic can be linked to your current customers, especially if you have not invested properly in your social media marketing. That audience, which is already aware of your particular brand, will search for similar keywords to which you are linked. Without proper utilization of social media, you will not be able to reach the audience located outside your loyalty circle.
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Regular posting helps you as far as maintaining your presence is concerned, however, to be more successful more effort is required. The extra effort we are talking about is Search engine marketing. As you learn to apply it, your social media page gets top ranked in the search engine which helps in reaching a greater audience.
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The conversion rate in social media is much higher compared to other mediums. Since you can have real time conversion, you can convert a visitor into a buyer with ease.
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Customer satisfaction is enhanced on social media platforms. Customers appreciate personalized communication and they appreciate it when their comments are responded to professionally.
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For brand loyalty to continue, it is important that you regularly converse with your customers or target audience, and what better platform is there than social media?
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As compared to other marketing mediums, social media is the most cost effective. Through social media, you can reach millions of people in a very economical way.
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You can gain better marketing insight. Since you talk directly with your customers, you have the opportunity to know what is going on in the minds of your target audience.
Instagram and Marketing
Instagram may allow you to reap all the above mentioned benefits. However, like any social media forum, special business techniques are associated with Instagram as well. These tactics are discussed in the headings below. The tips are easy to apply, but you do need to take them seriously!
Instagram Feed
The first thing that needs to be done is the creation of a proper feed. Your Instagram feed should be easy to scroll through, and be attractive at the same time. There are several ways you can develop an attractive Instagram feed, and ensure it is also well received by the masses. Some of these ways are as follows:
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You may go for a particular color and background combination
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You can use different editing software
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You can develop nice image content that attracts your audience
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You can use communicative captions that your audience can easily understand
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For consistency, you can develop a posting schedule for yourself
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You can use hashtags to attract your audience
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You can upload nice photos of your products
The tips mentioned above are easy to apply. However, there is no harm if you wish to seek the help of a professional, and you can easily find many social media professionals today.
Get the Best Hashtags
You need your target audience to show up, and you need your audience to engage with you. For this, you need to find your audience as well, and the best way to do that is to use a hashtag. Some simple ways of finding hashtags for your business are:
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Link some themes to your profile - try to hashtag those components of your business that are descriptive
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Try to be customer centric/focused
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There is no harm in using business or community owner related hashtags
There are many other ways, but these are some of the major ones. You can find more information on other forums.
Caption
Once you have the necessary pool of customers, ensure they are engaging with you regularly. The best way to retain customer loyalty is through the use of captions.
Avoid the Common Mistakes
The common mistakes that people make on Instagram are as follows. As a business professional, you should strive to avoid these mistakes:
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People use shop-centric hashtags, rather than customer-centric ones
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People do not post regularly
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People post blurry photos
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People use too many promotional graphics
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People do not use store hashtags
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People do not consider inventory as far as the launching of their Instagram account is concerned
Right Backdrop Ideas
The right backdrop ideas can help when it comes to punching up your posts. Some of these ideas are:
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Poster board is a good option
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Using colored paper can work as well
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The best way to add texture or color to your shot is Art Canvas
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Marble-look contact paper is not a bad option.
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Textiles can be utilized
Schedule your social media
Instagram has a scheduling tool that can be utilized so you can post when you are not online. The tool is very easy to use, and your customers will appreciate the consistency.
Shoppable Instagram Page
Try to develop an Instagram page that is shoppable. By shoppable, we mean that your customer can click the item they want to purchase, and be routed straight to the purchase page.
Use Videos
There is no harm in using interactive videos on your Instagram page, but if you choose to do so, the videos should be informative and engaging.
The Three Things
There are only three things that signify a successful Instagram engagement with your customers:
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Shares
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Likes
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Comments
Post Notifications
To break the algorithm, you should turn on the post notifications. If the algorithm changes, then do not panic, on the contrary, follow the below-mentioned guidelines or tips:
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Give love to your audience
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Engage with your audience as much as you can
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In every post, add a call to action
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Respond to the comments of your audience
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Try to use hashtags as much as you can
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Try to write blog posts with the intention that it is reviewed
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Try to understand your customers
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Never turn off your post notifications
Make Your Move; Do not be Afraid of Failing
What are you waiting for? Everything is in front of you, and after reading this article, you are in the perfect position to market yourself on Instagram. You can now make your move with confidence and never underestimate the power of social media.
Is there something else you follow for Instagram Business Marketing? Help us prepare Part – II of this article by sharing your ideas in the comments section below, and we’ll make sure to feature your name in our next blog.
