Yes, far from just an app to share photos of your holiday Instagram has become a place for brands to thrive. From selling their product, to pushing users to their website to learn more about a cause or service, Instagram can help your business grow.
With tools such as Reels, Shopping Tags and Guides – it’s a platform made for selling, and not just in the ways you may think…
Unsure where to get started or stuck without much success so far? Here’s Monty’s top 5 tips to get you growing on Instagram with results that’ll actually make a difference.
“With tools such as Reels, Shopping Tags and Guides – it’s a platform made for selling”
1. Comments Matter
When creating content, consider the engagement you’re hoping to get back from your followers. When you’re a small business, word of mouth matters, and real accounts saying good things about you, your services or products will help build trust.
In your copy, aim to ask a clear question from followers? Could it be their favourite colour of two options in the image, what you should share next? Maybe what cocktail they’re drinking tonight? Suit it to your tone of voice and style.
2. Try Video
Don’t be scared of video content. With Reels Instagram has made shooting/cutting and adding text and filters to content easier than ever. The beauty of Instagram Reels is you don’t need to be a filmmaker to succeed. Simple, human led storytelling, behind the scenes on your brand, or an interesting Q&A are all great topics for content.
Consider shooting content in bulk monthly to make the most of your valuable time, and so you can plan ahead for the content. A change of tshirt or backdrop may be all it needs to look fresh and different to the last video.
“Make sure to link up your Instagram Shopping tags so you can connect products with the images you share.”
3. Link Instagram To Your E-commerce Platform
Instagram now allows you to shop on the platform without having to even visit your website. This makes checkout easy, secure and simple for your followers. Make sure to link up your Instagram Shopping tags so you can connect products with the images you share. It’s an easy way for a passing follower to tap, check out the item, and consider purchasing.
As a bonus – when users tag you in their snaps of your products, you can also request to add these to your Instagram Shopping pages, adding to the ‘human touch’ and showcasing real people enjoying your products.
4. Be consistent
Consistency is key on Instagram. Whether it’s hashtags, your posting schedule or the look and feel – users love to feel comfortable. Help them settle into your brand with key pillars of content – it could be: behind the scenes, top tips and coming soon… for example.
Pillars allow you to think clearly about the value of your content, and where it fits. It’ll also save you time as your decision making will speed up.
“Help them settle into your brand with key pillars of content.”
5. Ask For Feedback
Use Instagram Stories as a place for audience surveys and insight. Ask customers if they’d like more or less of something, and suggest ideas for your business. Your customers will love being involved and they’ll provide insight that would be harder to get elsewhere.
You could add to this by offering a prize for the best replies – such as a discount on their next purchase, or a first look at a new drop!
Need help getting your Instagram up to scratch? Get in touch with Monty today, we’re Instagram shopping experts and help businesses every day scale their sales and followers on the platform.