With the rising popularity of the online photo-sharing app Instagram, many businesses are taking advantage of its unique advertising capabilities and unlimited users. The following article will show you some of the many ways to make your Instagram account succeed in obtaining more followers and converting them into potential clients.
Offer Exclusive Content and Sneak Peeks
Curiosity killed the cat! Keep users coming back to view special content that has not yet been released on any other social sites. Make them feel special by announcing exclusive offers for this content. People love deals, and you’re sure to bring them back if you keep them curious about special offers and products.
How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Business
Launch new products and events live on Instagram; for example, opening a new product or cutting the ribbon for a new store. Nothing is more exciting than seeing something new for the first time! Here’s some other great tips by Wishpond:
- Take a picture of a new product being delivered (still in its box)
- Show a before or after shot of an event or conference you’re running
- Post an image of your co-workers getting off the elevator, busily huddling over their computers, or running in the rain to get to work
- Post an image of a business meeting with your CEO talking about a new product
Interact With Your Followers
Nothing makes an instagramer feel more special than when an official business likes one of their photos. Take the time to sift through hashtags related to your business, and like or comment on any photos you find unique.
You will gain more followers and more exposure by interacting with users.
Be a Likeable Company
How to use Instagram to Promote Your Business
Users like seeing businesses provide good deeds and community support. Post a motivational quote every once in a while, or post photos of you or your employees donating to a charity or cleaning a park.
Show your support for a good cause. Engage your followers by asking them to share your photo if they agree with your good cause.
Provide Interesting Images
The only way to catch the attention of any instagramer is to make eye-catching photographs. Use a unique angle that captures the subject in an unconventional way. Use filters to make your photo stand out. Try using other photo editing apps like Afterlight or Vscocam to provide more appeal to your viewers.
Remember to keep it interesting; you want users to click on your photo so that they will explore your fan page.
Run Instagram Contests
Posting Instagram contests is a great way to gain more followers. Remember to advertise your contest through your other social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Here’s how Wishpond recommends hosting a contest:
- Come up with a cool theme: Contests succeed when they coincide with what your followers are already thinking about. Run a contest based around the seasons: back-to-school, tax season, sporting events, holidays, etc.
How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Business
- Have an awesome prize: Make sure your prize provides enough of an incentive for your followers to enter and share with their friends. Choosing a prize that connects specifically with your target market is a great strategy.
- Include a voting element: Bringing in a voting element will massively increase the chance of your contest going viral (thereby increasing your brand profile). Contest participants will share it with their family, friends and friends of friends.
You’re on your way!
Instagram is a wonderful way to gain more exposure and to convert followers into clients. Remember to make your followers feel special: post on their photos and/or like them. Offer special deals that are exclusive for Instagram followers and keep them in the loop for upcoming events or products. Make sure your photos are unique and engaging, and keep users coming back for more.
Most importantly, be creative and have fun with it!
Is your Instagram account successful? What strategies did you use to boost your account? Start the conversation below!
