Instagram has been around for just over a decade, but in this time, the platform has amassed a following of over 1.1 billion users. Like other social media platforms, Instagram is a great place to market and promote your brand, but way more personal and simple to use. There is no doubt that a picture speaks a thousand words, but the Instagram network takes this to new heights by giving brands the ability to connect and interact with their targeted audiences on an intimate level. Any Instagrammer knows the value of an image, and how deeply users connect through images that are well thought out, perfectly captured, and completely aesthetic. They also know the importance of followers, so if you’re struggling with Instagram growth, you should try using a service like Growthsilo. It is an easy way for creating brand awareness, among other tools available. But if you’re eager to learn why and how to use Instagram for marketing, this article will serve as your one-stop-shop for all the tips you need.
Sell directly
Instagram is all about inspiration, and this is what users look for when engaging on the platform. With the Instagram shoppable posts, you can sell directly to your audience, and users can browse and shop without having to leave the app. And creating the perfect selling environment is simple; all you need to do is showcase your products and how they’re used in professionally captured pictures, and your first step is done. You will however need an active published website, and create a product catalog on your Facebook Business page. From there you can link your Instagram account to your Facebook Business page and follow the instructions that will enable you to set up Instagram shopping.
Convenience
Instagram offers simplicity, convenience, and zero-cost advertising and marketing. This can of course be upgraded to paid advertising whenever you wish, but the platform provides the perfect opportunity for those looking to start with minimal costs. Not only is the platform free to use, but features such as Instagram Stories make your business findable by users that don’t even follow you. In addition to this, the convenience of running your Instagram business account from anywhere in the world at any time gives you the freedom to manage it as you see fit.
Brand awareness
Any business knows that being noticed by customers is the first step to lead generation. Brand awareness is, therefore, a major aspect of any advertising strategy. Your aim is to get clients interested in what you have to offer, and this begins with simple tweaks such as a great bio and an awesome logo. A content calendar is an amazing tool to help schedule and plan your posts to ensure regular content. And keeping your audience engaged through regular interaction is central to growing your brand awareness.
Boost traffic
Instagram offers a world of opportunity, from regular posting to Instagram TV and stories. And users love it! Instagram stories are a great way for you to reach an audience that isn’t even targeted, and to get more users interested in your products. The simplicity of use means that potential clients can click on your shopping or tagged product posts and these will link directly to your website. Apart from this, you can share any information from your website, including infographics or blog posts, and these will in turn drive traffic right back to your website.
Learn from rivals
Your competitors are already a step ahead if they have Instagram accounts and you don’t! Keeping an eye on your competitors doesn’t just mean checking up on their sales. Successful brands generally employ marketing strategies that work. The transparency on Instagram makes it easy for you to check up on your rivals, the type of content they post and how often they do so, as well as how they interact with their audience. This information can be gold when redefining your marketing strategy. And, as we’ve mentioned, the inspiration that you will get from this is superb.
Instagram is undoubtedly one of the most effective marketing strategies for any business, but again, business accounts across various platforms should be linked to achieve optimal results. The perception that Instagram is just for millennials is misleading, however, given the convenience and ability to shop at the click of a button, even millennials will enjoy following your business. Don’t give your rivals the upper hand, and give your business a chance to succeed.
