Instagram is changing rapidly at the moment. It can be hard to keep up and there may be times when you think of just quitting this social media platform altogether.
BUT don’t quit just yet! For many businesses, part of a sound social media strategy is ensuring your product or service is visible on this platform. But how do you navigate your way through Instagram and ensure your social media content gets seen?
Although we don’t fully understand the Instagram algorithm (and nobody ever really will), there are some things you can do to ensure that you get into Instagram’s good books and reach your ideal clients.
1. Reels
By now you have probably heard of Reels. These short little videos are similar to TikTok and have quickly become one of the most popular features on Instagram, alongside Stories.
They are also a powerful way to reach new audiences. Instagram is currently favouring accounts that post Reels, so now is the time to hop on the bandwagon, and start creating short, snappy videos that add value.
If you’re a product-based business, show behind-the-scenes videos packaging orders, photoshoots, and tutorials on how to use your products.
If you’re a service-based business, share some valuable tips and tricks, hacks, and educate your clients on why they need your service.
When used correctly, it can be a way to build some awesome new connections and inspire a wide audience.
2. Instagram Stories
This may seem obvious and still quite overwhelming for you to do, but Instagram Stories are powerful when it comes to converting followers. People now watch Stories much more often than they look at the feed.
And with the Instagram algorithm changing all the time, it’s becoming much harder for your audience to see your feed posts.
Use Instagram Stories as a platform to engage with your audience. Ask them questions and give them advice. Tell them about your day and let them view the behind-the-scenes of your business.
The more authentic you can come across, the better your connections will be. People connect with people and stories, not just products! Remember that!
3. Create highly shareable content
You may have heard of people talking about ‘viral posts’. What do they mean by this? They simply mean creating a post that is really relatable and will result in a lot of people saving and sharing the post to their audience. When a post resonates with people, it can open you up to a much wider audience and expand your potential for sales.
This may be an inspiring quote, an insight you learned, a funny meme, or a really factual and educational carousel post. Think about what moves your customers and create a post that will engage them.
4. Authentically engaging
Instagram, much like every other social media platform is meant to be social. It wasn’t created so everyone could scroll and not communicate with each other. Your audience wants to feel special and acknowledged.
A great way to make your audience feel special is to respond to their stories, comment on some of their posts, show them support and thank them.
Warning: Don’t come across as spammy or ingenuine. People see right through it and can even damage your relationship, rather than build it! So try and be genuine, say what you feel and build authentic relationships because they are the ones that will last.
5. Use DM’s to build deeper connections
This is a little bit of a controversial topic these days as there are a LOT of spammers out there ruining this form of connection-building. However, when used in the right way, the direct messaging tool can be a great way to build those fiery connections that may result in new customers.
It’s a long game. You can’t just swoop in and ask for a sale. Your audience will get freaked out and turn away.
Instead, focus on micro-conversions. Get them to read a post that you think they’ll like, tell them about a freebie you have, and invite them to sign up to your mailing list.
These smaller conversions all act as the building blocks to fiery connections and making major sales with your audience.
And there you have it! Our guide to using Instagram in an effective way in order to grow a loyal audience that converts into sales!
Like what you see? We can help you build these connections without you really having to lift a finger! Give us a holla to chat about how we can manage your social media.
