Instagram, the photo-sharing and live streaming platform, is one billion users strong (and growing). Approximately 500 million of these users log in every day, making Instagram one of the most influential social media platforms for marketers. Simply having an account isn’t enough–to leverage the power of Instagram for your brand, you’ll need to hone your content to create an engaging experience for visitors. Instagram style trends change by the year, so it’s a challenge to pinpoint what works and what doesn’t. Here, we share our tips for curating an account that will boost your follower count and encourage them to start a conversation.
Take Time to Respond to Comments
Posting photos is what Instagram is all about, but it’s crucial to monitor activity and take the time to respond to questions or comments. If you notice a pattern of frequently asked questions or want to highlight a particularly relevant question, you may choose to emulate the beauty brand Glossier and post a screenshot to your Instagram story, along with a detailed answer.
Freshly Picked, a company that produces high-end leather baby moccasins, places excellent customer service and responsiveness as a top priority. Like Glossier, their social media team never misses an opportunity to engage with customers and recognizes how crucial it is to reply to comments.
Follow and Comment On Others’ Posts
When your goal is to create a flourishing Instagram account with daily activity, it’s a must to follow and reach out to other pages. This practice is especially important if you’re hoping to capture the attention of a particular individual or brand, as it opens the door to great conversations. Instagram activity is a two-way street: you should take the time to reply to comments on your page, and also reach out to others to build relationships.
Pay Close Attention to Style Trends
Your Instagram account doesn’t have to be perfectly uniform to attract new followers, but it should be somewhat cohesive and acknowledge modern style trends. For example, studies have shown that Instagram users are drawn to photos with a single prominent hue and eye-catching texture. Incorporating recent trends into your content will spruce up your page, and may help capture the attention of viewers. If you’re not sure how to create compelling images, look to your competitors or brands that you admire for inspiration.
Offer Giveaways to Encourage Active Followers
If you’re already tailoring your content to your audience and using features like Instagram stories, you may be looking for additional ways to build a loyal following. To express gratitude to your customers and encourage active participation from followers, consider holding a limited amount of giveaways throughout the year. This practice is great for keeping followers interested in your account, and it’s also an easy way to gain exposure for your products or services.
Instagram is a vital component of any marketing strategy and has the potential to convert casual visitors into dedicated customers. If your hands are full handling other important aspects of your business, you may prefer to seek professional help in creating or managing a dynamic marketing campaign. Our team offers a host of services, and we’ll work with you to find a customized solution. To learn more, please reach out to us.