How to Use Instagram to Grow Your Business

We use Instagram differently. While some use the photo and video sharing app to share their favourite pictures others leverage the platform to promote their business. For the latter, it is a question of whether you are doing it right or wrong. Of course, you must recognise the fact that there are different Instagram features that you can deploy to boost your business postings. This article will share some tips on how you can grow your business with Instagram.

Optimise your bio

Start at the very beginning. Does your bio picture reflect your business (or you)? Do you have an engaging description of your products or services? Have you added a link to your website? Are you using clickable hashtags in your bio?

 Use Instagram Live and Stories

These two tools bring your pictures to life. While a picture is a brief snapshot, Live and Stories can go more in-depth and present your company much-needed personality. They also offer a chance for interaction with polls and other features that offer instant feedback and easier access to links. Stories used to disappear in 24 hours, but Instagram now offers tools to organize them on your bio.

Do not forget hashtags

Think of hashtags as signposts that direct your potential customers to your page. Hashtags organise and present content so users can easily find (and follow) their interests. Posts with at least one hashtag have more engagement than those without. Use your industry’s hashtags judiciously for the best results. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but just because you can use that many doesn’t mean you should. Find and select the top ten in your industry, and add those as needed to each post.

Host a giveaway

Everybody likes free stuff. Even if you offer services (instead of products), teaming up with another account to host a giveaway (or getting creative with your own giveaway) can bring in new friends and followers. You can also head over to Followers.io for related resources 

Engage your followers

Don’t just post and walk away. Engage with your followers by answering questions, responding to comments, and “liking” what they say. This is a big part of relationship building, but it’s a step many brands skip. And social media is a two-way street. Like and comment on your followers’ content, too.

Post content

Instagram is a visual medium, and eye-catching pictures are key. You need to focus your efforts on unique, high-quality photographs that are beautifully curated and edited. Free photo editing apps can bring a professional quality to your pictures that differentiate you from the competition.