Are you thinking about adding Instagram to your arsenal of business social media channels? To help you get started, Hootsuite has a great blog on how to use Instagram for business. We've picked out some of our favorite recommendations and broken them down for you below.
6 Instagram Tips
1.Stick with Your Branding
When setting up your Instagram account, try to remain consistent across platforms. If you are able to use the exact same username across all platforms, you should do so. This helps with brand consistency and name recognition. While you're at it, make sure you use the same logo across all platforms, making it easy for customers to confirm your legitimacy.
2. Use Consistent Filters
One of the best features of Instagram is the filter capability. When you upload an image to Instagram, you have the option to add a filter. Filters can brighten photos, add sepia tones, darken the edges and much more. If you want your photos to be easily recognizable in followers' feeds, use consistent filters. By using the same filter for all of your photos, your followers will instantly be able to separate your images from others in their feed.
3. Follow Your Vendors and Customers
One of the first things you can do to build awareness for your Instagram page is begin following your vendors and customers. If you follow them first, it lets them know that you are on Instagram and interested in what they have to say. And they will more than likely follow you back! You can also return the favor to the vendors and customers that follow you. If you get a new follow, don't hesitate to hit 'follow' right back.
4. Use Trending Hashtags
Get involved in new conversations by using trending hashtags. Just like Twitter, Instagram utilizes hashtags to categorize posts on certain topics. Additionally, consider setting up your own branded hashtag and encourage your followers to use it when interacting with your brand. Both of these hashtag tactics are sure to increase your engagement rates.
5. Utilize Photo Albums
Instagram has a fun feature known as photo albums. Photo albums allow you to add up to 10 images to one post. With this capability, you can add multiple related products to one post and customers can easily scroll through the options. If you have a special sale going on, consider giving photo albums a try.
6. Connect Your Facebook Account
If you're on Facebook, make sure to connect your Instagram account to your Facebook account. This way, you can easily cross-post relevant updates from Instagram to Facebook. While we don't recommend cross-posting everything, doing so every once in awhile will increase your reach and add some fun imagery to your Facebook page.
Now that you have six helpful Instagram tips under your belt, it's time to get started! If you need assistance with setting up or managing your company's Instagram account, contact Informatics Inc. today.
