There are about 1 billion active users on Instagram and about 80% of all users follow at least one business. Instagram can be a highly effective tool for engaging your customers online if you use it in a way that makes sense for your business. Below are the 10 best practices to follow when using Instagram for your business.
- Set a goal. Determine why you want to utilize Instagram and how you are hoping that it will help your business.
- Examples: Showcase products/services, Build community, Increase awareness of brand/company, Showcase company culture and values, Advertise to potential customers, Increase brand loyalty, and Share company news and updates.
- Perfect your profile page. Make sure you have a bio that explains what you do and reflects your brand’s voice. Your bio info should include a link to your website and you want to make sure your profile image is recognizable. A good route to go for your image is to use your logo.
- Pay attention to color palette. Having a consistent color palette keeps your branding simple yet on par with your brand’s voice. Canva does a great job at seamlessly transitioning through the colors of the rainbow and Pottery Barn uses white space and bright lighting to create their cohesive feel.
- Listen. Always react and respond to what your community and followers are saying or talking about.
- Respond in a timely manner. Customers expect a quicker response time on social media than if they had reached out to you by email or via a general online contact form.
- 1/3 Rule. For every one promotional piece, you should aim to share 2 posts that are not about promoting your business, converting your audience, or generating profit. These 2 other posts should include helpful or entertaining elements to keep your online community feeling inspired. Content ideas coming in a future blog post!
- Be visual. Text-based statuses and posts are much harder to connect with and relate to. While you’re at it, be sure to use high resolution photos!
- Keep it simple and add personality. Creating a name for yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Playdoh does a great job at staying true to their creative/playful branding while also keeping images and captions easy to understand and to the point.
- Don’t talk about yourself. Get others to talk about you. A great way to do this is ask questions in your captions. This gives your audience an easy way to start and maintain a conversation with you and others online.
- Post frequently. Depending on the amount of content you have and the time you have available, aim to post once a day or at least once a week.
Have more questions about how to use Instagram or other social media platforms for your business? Contact your Client Strategist to develop a social media strategy.