If you thought it wasn’t worth it to create an Instagram profile for your small business, you may want to reconsider.
Did you know?
- As of October 2020, Instagram has over 116 million active users.
- On average, 6 in 10 users log on daily, making it the second most logged-in site for daily use. Facebook is the first.
- More than half of all Instagram users are age 34 or younger.
If you’re still on the fence, 83% of users say that they discovered new products or services through Instagram last year. Instagram has grown exponentially from a picture sharing site to a direct platform for small businesses to attract new customers.
So what’s the best way to use Instagram to help grow your business? Here’s what you need to know to start navigating the social media platform like a pro:
What should you post?
Instagram is a completely visual medium, with options to post multiple photos at once, short videos directly to your page, or longer-form videos to their IGTV platform. This is a great opportunity for small businesses to showcase new products and services, share posts showing the behind-the-scenes work and getting to know your staff, share what you’re currently working on in the community, and so much more.
Instagram differs from many of the larger social sites when it comes to automated content, however. Instagram thrives from personalized content, and because of this it can be challenging to create engagement through automated and generalized posts. Everything you post will be building your brand, so keeping content consistent and visually appealing is key.
How often should you post?
Knowing when and how often to post on Instagram is key to making sure your posts show up on the feeds of your ideal customers. It can be tricky because Instagram’s algorithm often doesn’t show posts in chronological order. The truth is, it’s ok to post anywhere from every other day (for businesses with small audiences) to twice a day (for brands with large audiences). Test it out and see what works best!
Surprisingly enough, the best time to post on Instagram isn’t on the weekends but rather in the middle of the week, typically between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesdays in particular are seen as the best day to post for consumer engagement, with Sunday being the worst day.
How can you boost engagement?
Posting means nothing if you aren’t creating engagement between you and your audience, and there are easy steps you can take to boost your posts. If you have a business Facebook profile, and you should, link it to your Instagram to grow your audience and get more eyes on your posts.
Hashtags and geotags are also easy ways to see boosted engagement. Posts with a location see 79% more engagement, photos with faces get 38% more likes, and posts with hashtags get 12.6% more engagement as well. Putting these simple steps into practice should at the very least get more eyes on your posts.
Why should you post?
The facts speak for themselves, but there are additional long-term benefits for utilizing Instagram for your small business. Instagram drives sales, builds your brand, and connects you directly to your ideal customers, many of which are ready to make a purchase directly from the app.
Instagram is quickly shifting from a social platform to a marketplace for small businesses. Of the 83% of people who discover new products and services on the site, 79% searched for more information, 65% visited the business’s site or mobile app, and 46% actually made a purchase online or offline. This alone shows how vital Instagram is becoming for small businesses today, and the missed opportunities you may face if you don’t invest the time and money into creating a viable platform.
Need help?
Learning the best practices for social media for your small business is no small task, it may take more technical know-how to see the results you’re looking for. If you need help establishing an Instagram and boosting your digital presence in general, it may be time to hire the experts.
VisionPATH Marketing specializes in getting your small business noticed with dynamic strategies for digital marketing, letting you focus on your sales process while we establish your distinct online presence. Reach out today for a free consultation.