Instagram for Business – 5 Simple Steps for Success

Don’t be fooled, there is so much more to Instagram than sharing images of your exotic vegan pudding or your new leopard print Nike trainers. Using Instagram for your brand can open up a world of opportunity, with potential to reach over 400 million active users. Unlike Facebook, Instagram doesn’t currently provide the option for a ‘Business’ page on their site so it’s really important to distinguish yourself as a brand to expand your marketing potential.

Here are our top five tips and tricks to get you started when creating your business’s Instagram profile:

1: Perfect Profile Picture

It is important that you use your business’s logo as the profile picture as this will ensure instant brand recognition when users are searching for your company using the Instagram search function. This is your business profile so keep it on brand and show it off with your logo and company name.
Top tip: Keep your branding consistent over all Social Media platforms.

2: Business Bio

You have 150 characters to shine within your bio. This is your first impression, make it count, it’s the first thing that will be seen on your page. Tell your audience what you do, who you are, where you’re located, and what makes your brand unique. Keep this fun and snappy, in line with your company’s branding.

Top tip: Instagram only allows one clickable link in the bio, so link straight through to your website to maximize your marketing results!

3: Fun Filters

Instagram gives you a chance to be creative and fun with 24 different filters to apply to your images. Knowing which filter to use and the effect it can have on the image can go a long way when improving your images. Stand out from the crowd with colourful vibrant pictures.
Top tip: You can also download other apps on your mobile to receive thousands more filters to create your perfect picture.

4: Handy Hashtags

Like Twitter, hashtags are the best way to maximise exposure and increase engagement. Finding popular hashtags, which are relevant to your business is vital as it helps increase quality followers when marketing your product, but don’t forget to also use popular Instagram hashtags to attract a mass of followers.

Top tip: Use roughly 4-9 different hashtags on your image to increase exposure.

5: Everlasting Engagement

It is important to regularly update your Instagram with new images and comments so that your brand is not forgotten. Invite users to ask you questions to build friendly relationships and increase engagement. If you’re only checking in a couple of times a month you will fail to see the results that other businesses achieve.

Top tip: Returning likes and commenting on other account’s images can develop positive relationships.

Follow these 5 steps to ensure Instagram success! Want to hear how Instagram marketing could benefit your business? We’d be happy to have a chat, call us on 01273 208913 for more details.