6 Instagram Hacks for Your Business
Instagram offers businesses a great opportunity to reach, engage, and connect with consumers.
Consumers have said that by simply following a brand’s social account their intent to purchase from that brand often increases. According to Sprout Social, 77% of consumers following a brand on social media report they are more likely to buy from that brand over another.
So how do you attract followers in order to stay on top of your competition?
Below we’ve included a list of 6 tips from the social media team at RocketBrand that will guide your brand to attract more followers and allow you to channel your inner Insta pro.
Increase your Brand’s Searchability
#1: The name field yields!
It’s not just your username that is searchable, but also your name field. Your account’s searchability can be greatly increased by simply adding keywords in the name field that highlight what your business is about. If anyone searches for those words in instagram’s explore page, the chances of your brand appearing in the results will be optimized.
#2: The power of the hashtag and geolocation
Hashtags and geolocations are the be-all and end-all in the world of Instagram optimization. We all know that hashtagging and geolocating on traditional Instagram posts are effective, but doing the same on Instagram stories is just as important. 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day and this number continues to increase.
A bonus tip: If you’re looking to have a less cluttered story—but still wish to increase its optimization—hide hashtags and geolocations behind a sticker.
Build a Creative and Consistent Profile
#3 Plan, preview, and post like a pro
Being consistent on Instagram is a great habit to have. One of our favorite agency tools, Hey Orca, helps us to keep all of our client’s social accounts up-to-date and consistent. This online, calendar-based social media planner gives us access to plan and allows us to preview our posts in advance.
Another great tool that we love at RocketBrand is UNUM. We keep our client’s Instagram profiles looking sharp and professional with this design platform. UNUM allows us to create a grid pattern that builds an Instagram feed that reflects our creativity and appreciation for design.
Connect with your Audience in a Meaningful Way
#4 That prestigious little blue checkmark
It’s the cherry on top. The Instagram Verification Badge is the ultimate symbol of authenticity—but even if your brand is not ready for a blue checkmark next to its name there are still many other ways to demonstrate authenticity without it.
Some of these ways might include:
● Promoting your brand’s Instagram account on your website and other social profiles to prove authenticity
● Sharing your brand’s Instagram account through other communications, such as blog posts (e.g. @gorocketbrand )
● Ensuring your brand’s username is consistent across all social platforms
● Including links to your social accounts on your brand’s website
#5 Copywriting: where the true magic happens
Good copy makes a big difference!
According to Sprout Social, consumers are more likely to engage with brands on posts that entertain and inspire than they are with more “traditional” promotional methods such as sales or discounts.
In order to create content that people will care about, click on, and remember, stray from an image-first approach. Instead, know what you want to say first and then find or create imagery and video content to accompany and enhance your point.
#6 UGC forever
User-generated content (UGC) is a great way to interact and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.
The customer always knows best: why they use your product or service, what they think of it, and how they want to share it with the world. If you are having a hard time figuring out how to properly speak to your audience, elevate the consumer’s voice.
There you have it! Our 6 tips and tricks to elevate your business’ Instagram account. Your inner Instagram pro should be able to start shining through now.
Looking to hire a social media team? We’d be happy to chat! Drop us a line at [email protected]
