Using Instagram to Market Your Small Business

The importance of a social media presence for your small business can’t be understated. But with all of the platforms now available, it can be hard to navigate which ones you need, and how to effectively use them. Feeling a bit overwhelmed?

Chances are, you’ve already heard that you should be using Instagram for your business. We can’t argue with that, as its benefits are numerous. Instagram is increasingly popular, and a fantastic way to increase brand awareness.

To help you shake that overwhelmed feeling, we’ve listed a few ways to make the most of your Instagram account. And don’t worry – no duckface selfies or breakfast snaps required!

Give a behind-the-scenes look: Instagram is great way to show the people behind the business. Give followers a backstage pass to the ins and outs of a typical day in your particular business, and what it’s like to work there.

Add personality: While your other social media platforms have their own way of letting you show your brand personality, Instagram lets you do it via pictures and video. It’s a great place to add some humour and life to your social media. Don’t be afraid to show the fun (and sometimes weird) side of your business.

Connect with new audiences: You’d be surprised who you can connect with via Instagram. There are many ways to do it – following brands and individuals you’re interested in, using the search tab to see photos and accounts that Instagram thinks are a good match for you, and utilizing specific hashtags that attract your target audience.

Know your #hashtags: Speaking of hashtags, Instagram is arguably where they’re the most effective. It’s always a good idea to hashtag the city you’re in, your specific type of business, and a select few others that relate to your business or the picture you’re posting. Try a few different ones, and see what users connect to most.

Measure reach: Now that Instagram has a business account option, you can see how well your photos do. This can help you understand which types of posts work best for you, and strategize accordingly.

Share photos from your customers or clients: For some businesses, clients and customers will post pictures of their experience with your brand. For example, if you’re a salon, your clients will likely post photos of their fresh new hairstyle. You can repost these for further marketing; customer-created content is always a bonus!

Keep it on-brand: Every business is different, but for some it can be beneficial to brand each Instagram photo. This can be done by using your brand colours in each picture, watermarking your logo, or even using the same filter for each post.

Of course, not everyone has the time to post new content regularly to Instagram and track results, especially when you have a business to run. That’s where we can help – to discuss social media management services and an Instagram strategy, drop us a line!