Instagram currently has over 700 million users, well on its way to the one billion user mark. And it has higher engagement than Facebook and Twitter combined.
This platform provides the perfect opportunity for businesses to offer their products and services to their target audience without spending money on ads. Instagram’s Business Profile makes it easier than ever to market your business on this platform.
There are currently over 25 million companies on Instagram and over 200 million users engaging with them. If you’re not already onboard, it’s time for you to find a home on Instagram. This guide will show you how to optimize your Instagram business profile successfully.
Get an Instagram Business Profile Today
Before you do anything else, you should switch to an Instagram Business account. Don’t use your personal Instagram account for marketing purposes. It’s not professional and it won’t provide you with the tools you need. It’s easy (and free) to turn your regular account into a business account. Just go to your Settings and click the “Switch to Business Profile” link.
The benefits of this simple change are numerous. For example, followers can contact you by clicking by your contact button. You can also create and instantly publish ads to Instagram’s timeline without using Facebook’s advertising tools. You also have access to analytics tools that provide you with more insights and statistics about the impact of your posts.
Craft a Captivating Bio
Now that you have your business account, you can set up your bio. Did you know that it takes two-tenths of a second to make an impression on online? Your bio is just as important as your aesthetic, which we’ll discuss later.
The bio is the first thing a user sees and sets the course for the decision that users will make when they come across your business. They could be encouraged to follow your brand, look through your content, or click the link to your website. In your bio, you should clearly explain what your brand is about and what you do. It should be short and to-the-point. As always, remember the KISS principle here.
Include a Link in Your Bio
Your bio should also include a link back to your landing page or website. This is prime real estate that you should be displaying on Instagram. Most Instagram users include a link to increase traffic back to their website.
But it doesn’t have to include a link back to your website. You can link back to an individual piece of content or to a landing page. You should update your link (or the content users see when visiting the same link) on a regular basis so you can deliver fresh content and drive traffic to your latest updates.
Take Advantages of Free Tools
One of the reasons why you should upgrade to a business account is because you have access to free tools. Aside from the analytic tools, you’ll also receive data on engagement, impressions, and more. You can also view the demographics, countries, and the days/times that people are interacting with your content.
This feature used to be only available through third-party apps, but now it’s available anytime through Instagram Business. Insights aren’t just an overview either. You’ll receive specific information on posts that reveal how many impressions you received for a specific time period.
You can also find out which posts are the most popular. The great thing about these free tools is that you’ll actually understand how users are engaging with your content.
Use Product Teasers
Didn’t think you could increase sales on Instagram? Think again. Product teasers are perfect for attracting potential customers and getting them to buy. Instagram is the perfect place to offer your products and services. If you know how to engage with your audience, then you won’t annoy them by posting too many advertisements. Of course, use your judgement and don’t try to push products on people who aren’t your target audience or who don’t know anything about you yet.
That said, product teasers are a great way to introduce your products and make your followers excited without coming across as salesy. The trick to this is to create advertisements that aren’t pushy or salesy. You want to talk about the product as if you’re talking to a friend.
Pay Attention to Your Instagram Aesthetic
Some of the most popular Instagram accounts have an aesthetic and color palette for their photos. You’ll notice this when you scroll through their content. Some of them will use a filter with soft colors while others will post photos with a bright white background. Keep your aesthetic and color palette in mind when posting on Instagram. You want to make sure that style best reflects your branding and messaging. Most important of all: be consistent!
Be Consistent With Your Style & Fonts
The style and fonts should also be in align with your brand. Text on photos and videos are two types of popular content on Instagram. This has users going back to the minimalist trend by using the same font and style in all of their posts. This can be an effective tool if your business relies on text content. Determine the type of font you’re using on your website as well as your marketing materials.
If you haven’t figured out Instagram yet, don’t despair. Instagram has become an effective marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a startup with a visual story to tell or an established business who wants to grow a dedicated group of customers, then there’s space for you on this social media platform.
