Instagram and social media has now become part of every business promotional plan. Since it is economical and can generate great results for almost no advertising cost. The following are tips on how to help promote your brand image and create engagement through Instagram. Keep in mind that you should use this to shape your own brand and not follow a cookie cutter plan. Get creative while following the fundamentals. Also, developing and promoting a brand takes time, stay consistent on growing your following. If you do everything correct, you should see your following growing with real customers.
Bio
The bio is your space to communicate to your customers who you are and how you will make their lives better. The bio is recommended to include the following
- Service / product
- Location available
- Contact Information
- Call to action ( DM / Email for Inquires )
- Website or Linktree to other channels
Story's
Stories are a great way to visually show your clients what you are all about. The following are some ideas for story content:
- About yourself / business
- What you specialize in
- Your mission
- What do you like to do in your free time
- Share your values
- Charities you are a part of
- How to better use or understand your product / service
- Educate your client about your profession and share your knowledge
- Current work / projects
- Your clients
- Working with client ( consent with client first )
- Good deeds
- Testimonials
- Show how your service / product helps the community
Associations
Associations are a great way to keep your customers thinking of you. For this to work you have to choose what will be your associations. For example mine is coffee. I post on my story every cup of coffee that I have. What this will do to my customers, they will unconscionably think of me when they see coffee. It is recommended to have about 3 to 5 different associations.
Sales
Always promote any sales you are having. Keep in mind to not over do it. Your followers will be more engaged if you promote your sales every once in a while. You don't want your page to be seen as an adverting billboard.
Raffle / Contest
( Disclaimer: contests are regulated by the FTC for false promotions )
- Raffle something of value to your followers
- Mention top participants before your contest ends to rally people up
- Once contest is over, offer a special deal to those that didn’t win
Hashtags
- Look up relatable hashtags
- Look at the hashtag feed and see if your work can standout there
- Use local hashtags ( Ex: #tustin #orange ..)
- Each post is allowed up to 30 hash tags before Instagram rules it out
- With new algorithm it is recommended to use up to 15 hash tags
Tags
- Tag pages you are trying to get attention from
- Larger accounts might re-post or mention your work
Search for Prospects
Definition: identifying potential customers. Prospecting use to be a sales practice done face to face. Now through social media it has evolved. When prospecting you don't want to annoy your future customers by throwing sales or just trying to get them to guy. What you want to do instead is get their attention. Once you get their attention they will look into what you are about and decide to buy from you or not. You want them to come to you for business.
- Search for prospects through feed or local hashtags
- Follow, like and / or comment on their page ( this is how you will get their attention )
- If they follow, like or comment back, consider sending them a private thank you massage. This will act as an icebreaker to start a conversation.
Likes / Comments
- Like as many of your followers post ( this will help with a caring brand image )
- Make sure your comments are engaging, Do not settle for anything less than 5 words as a comment ( emojis don't count as words but they do look cool )
- Comment as the expert ( ex: follower post asking for advise on dying hair. Comment your recommended product or techniques )
Influencers
Definition: A person that has a lot of followers and their opinion. Influencers are always willing to collaborate. The hard part is finding the right influencer that connects with your brand. Collaborate on a blog, promo, event or even a new product / service.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions please no not hesitate to ask. I am more than happy to help and offer my knowledge. Click on the button below to reach me.
About The Author
Luis Martinez
Luis has worked professionally in the commercial industry since 2015. He prides himself in creating something unique from every project he takes on. When he is away from his camera you can find him at the gym or at a local coffee shop.