Entrepreneur’s Organization is a global network of over 13,000 business owners. Learn how EO Chicago helps over 100 business owners grow.
Instagram has become a staple in the marketing toolkit for businesses. To make the most of your Instagram presence, we’re sharing tips from The Bradford Group, EO member Jeff Bradford’s marketing agency.
1. Set SMART goals.
Instagram goals are a crucial component of success. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Set SMART goals to consistently generate traffic and website clicks.
2. Create a BUSINESS profile.
Establish your Instagram as a business profile to define yourself as a company. Plus, it provided the ability to use Instagram’s analytics and ads. Business profiles also allow a connection to your Facebook business page, which completes your online presence.
3. Use ALL of Instagram’s features.
Instagram allows you to use highlight reels, IGTV, stories and posts on your feed. Integrate all of these features to ensure you are ranking high on the platform’s algorithm. Together, they establish a complete profile that looks authentic and professional.
4. Hashtags are #ESSENTIAL.
Hashtags are crucial for reaching new audience members in your company’s niche. For example: marketing professionals may use hashtags like #NashvilleMarketing and #SocialMediaMarketing to reach their community, or business professionals may search those hashtags when looking for a marketing team. The hashtags can lead potential clients to the related Instagram profile so the prospects can learn more about the company.
5. Stay ACTIVE and schedule posts.
Instagram can often get put on the back-burner for a company, and it can be challenging to stay active on your account. Use a program like Hootsuite to bulk-schedule your posts and relieve the pressure of taking time to post 3-5 times per week. Once your content is uploaded, this program handles the post for you!
6. ENGAGE with your followers and build a community.
Comment and like others’ posts to engage and connect with your followers and your community. This will not only help you gain new followers, but you will also gain loyalty from your current ones.
7. SEARCH for influencers and similar brands.
Identify influencers who can help advertise and endorse your products. Research similar brands on Instagram to help you find your particular niche and determine the most logical way for your company to capitalize on social media.
8. Post at peak ENGAGEMENT hour.
Post at the correct time to help your company generate the highest level of engagement and likes for your social media content.
9. Use a CALL TO ACTION that leads to website clicks.
A call to action (CTA) will direct your reader to perform a specific task, such as visiting your website or filling out a form. CTAs can take your audience from being social media viewers to blog readers, which will eventually lead them to the product or service you offer. Instagram allows only one link per profile so, plug a Linktree into your bio to properly optimize your CTAs.
10. Analyze your ANALYTICS.
Last, but definitely not least, monitor analytics and readjust. Adapt your post schedule, ad campaigns and types of posts to gain Instagram traction. In order to continue your growth, track your current engagement to see what’s most effective. Instagram business profiles have a discovery section that shows your most popular to your least popular post. Discover what is most successful and create more of this kind of content.
Don’t let the endless features of Instagram overwhelm you. Used wisely, it can be a powerful tool to build your brand, showcase your value and connect with potential customers. By curating your content and following our top ten tips you are bound for Instagram success. Now, what are you waiting for? Start snapping and sharing!
This article was originally published on the EO Global Octane Blog.
Entrepreneur’s Organization is a global network of over 13,000 business owners. Learn how EO Chicago helps over 100 business owners grow.
