With almost 1 billion users on Instagram, it is impossible to ignore the platform. This number is growing with each passing day. It is no secret; every business needs to be active on Instagram. It provides a great platform to reach as many clients as possible. About 62% of Instagram users follow a business profile. You can therefore not ignore the importance of the platform. The renowned website Quantum Marketer will let you know how important it is for any business to have an online presence. Instagram is proving to be a great online platform for businesses especially startups. It is even much more profitable when you have a large following. For startups, this may seem intimidating. However, you should look at this as a long-term investment. You will need to attract audiences to your profile with the aim of turning them to clients. Below are tips on how to use Instagram to promote your startup.
- An Interactive Hashtag
Hashtags are popular with Instagram users. You use them to explore submissions for the things they like. For instance, if you are a workout enthusiast, you may use hashtags such as #fitness or #bodybuilding when you want to view such related posts. This shows that hashtags are key when posting on Instagram. You will have to be strategic. Use popular niche hashtags. You can start by researching those that are related to your business. Remember the aim is to ensure visibility. You are limited to thirty hashtags per posts, so, do not shy away from using several.
- Use Influencers
You may be wondering who are influencers. They are people who use their social media sites to influence purchase power from their followers. Using influencers is a conventional method of marketing especially for startups. It will involve collaborating with influencers in your industry. The influencer should be active and have a large following. They use word of mouth. They share about your business or products and services on their profiles. To make the influence even more significant, an influencer can use the products or services and share their experience. Most influencers are compensated monitory wise.
- Use of Instagram Tools
Instagram releases a new tool to the app most frequently. Most of these tools are useful from a business perspective. One major one recently released is the business profile. This allows businesses to create their profile. A business profile allows the use of a contact button, posting of links, emails, and analytical tools, which avail engagement data. Startups are advised to switch to business profiles. This action will be of significant advantage as you can even boost your posts to reach targeted audiences and attract new ones.
- Interaction with Followers
When you post on your Instagram profile, you are likely to get a response from people. They could be in the form of likes or comments. It is essential to get back or respond to the comments. They could be questions in regards to the business, or they could be observations. Interaction builds a relationship, and there is a higher likelihood of getting more followers. Always incorporate ways to get your followers to interact with your posts.
- Instagram Ads
Most startups lack a large following, especially on Instagram, meaning that a handful of people will view most of your posts. Luckily, Instagram not only allows you to advertise but you can create targeted ads. How cool is that? It is a visual platform; it makes your branding effective and cost-effective. With as little as $5, you can boost your ads to your desired audience. IG ads grow your business as you attract new followers and begin sales.
- Use of Instagram Stories
Instagram stories appear on the topmost of your feed. It allows you to post videos, pictures, Q & As, reposts, and even links with are limited to the existence of 24 hours. Most people click on the Instagram stories especially those that are always active and captivating. Using this strategically can pull audiences and followers to your profile.
- Active User Tagging
This is tagging active followers on your posts, triggering likes and comments from them and their followers. The engagement potential of your post increases and thus moved up the newsfeed of your followers. Engagement is increased further which equals to new followers and attraction of new audiences.