Instagram Marketing: A Beginner’s Guide

When it comes to social media marketing, Facebook has reigned supreme for the better part of the last decade. However, as it’s becoming increasingly popular with the over-55 crowd, more and more teens and young adults are leaving the platform in favour of Instagram (which is still good news for Facebook, the owners of Instagram). So, if your target audience is below the age of 30, it may be time to get #instafriendly. Here are a few ways to get started.

Weekly Posts

As with Facebook and other social platforms, success on Instagram is determined by page activity. Get in the habit of posting regular engaging content that speaks to your target audience. Promotional posts are great when appropriate but as a whole focus less on your business and more on the community you serve. Taking advantage of paid ads never hurts either.

Customer Interaction

Regular interaction with your customers through comments and direct messages helps build a sense of trust, loyalty and community. Also, never be afraid to go crazy with hashtags! They not only increase organic reach but can be instrumental in building your brand and finding influencers.  

Brand Consistency

Your page represents your business, so make sure to stay on brand and consistent with other social media channels. You can use Instagram to link back to blog articles, acknowledge valued customers or employees, answer questions or share advice. For example, someone who manages a page for a hardware store can share images of their employee of the month, upcoming items for sale and even DIY tips.

Versatility

A picture is worth a thousand words. But what about multiple pictures? Or even a video?  Although on average pictures do generate the most engagement, video consumption has greatly increased by 40% since September 2015. Carousel images, which require the user to click an ad or post to see more, also generate quite a bit of activity. And don’t forget that in addition to your regular feed, they’re many creative ways to use Instagram stories, highlights and paid ads!

Sharing Made Simple

Because Instagram is a Facebook property, it’s very easy to link your accounts and create Instagram ads through Facebook. You can even share posts on both platforms with a single click, simplifying your strategy and saving a heck of a lot of time.  

Instagram is still growing as a business platform, so it may take some time to get accustomed and grow your following.  Our experts at Bonshaw Media are standing by to introduce you to this bold, exciting new way of marketing.