Instagram has surged to become an indispensable social media platform, achieving widespread adoption with remarkable speed over the past decade. According to Hootsuite, it now ranks as the ninth most searched term on Google, the sixth most visited website, and boasts the fourth highest user base among mobile applications. With over a billion monthly users, each spending an average of 30 minutes daily, Instagram presents a significant opportunity for businesses, whether consumer-facing or B2B. A striking 36% of B2B decision-makers utilize Instagram for exploring new products and services.
However, staying current with best practices and implementing an effective strategy on Instagram can be a demanding endeavor. To assist, we offer a suite of practical tips for business users to maximize their presence on the platform.
To begin, if you haven’t already, establish a business account on Instagram. This option is preferable for brands, as it offers valuable features such as the ability to run paid ads, a verification badge, real-time analytics, and calls-to-action. Here’s how to create a business account:
1. Download the Instagram app and sign up with your email.
2. Connect your account to a Facebook Business page using an admin email or via the ‘Log in with Facebook’ option.
3. Choose a username, password, and complete your profile.
4. Confirm your details and you’re ready to go!
Converting a personal account to a business one is equally straightforward:
1. Log into your Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Access settings and select ‘Switch to Business Profile.’
3. Provide your contact information and confirm.
4. You’re now set to engage in Instagram marketing.
Conduct thorough business and competitor research to craft a robust Instagram strategy. Prioritize themes and topics that resonate with your audience and pay close attention to competitors’ content. Your bio should succinctly capture your brand’s essence and include links to your website and promotions.
Embrace creativity on Instagram. Develop content buckets that align with your brand’s core themes and experiment with different post formats and visual effects. Utilize Instagram’s full suite of features, including Instagram TV and Stories, and don’t overlook the power of hashtags. They can significantly boost your discoverability.
For tailored advice and support, reach out for a consultation session to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist you in leveraging Instagram for your business.
