It is no secret that social media is changing the way businesses work and market online. With social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, and more, it is hard to keep up. They all require attention and a lot of effort to gain a following and sell products online. One of the easiest social media apps to use for marketing—it is also one of the most beneficial—is Instagram. The social media site has over one billion users who are constantly being bombarded by beautiful photos with beautiful people and products. This is the app to use. With this article, small businesses can learn how to build a marketing strategy that is efficient and cost-effective on IG.
1. Create a Budget
People can market their products on Instagram for free, yes, but it’s not as efficient as setting aside a budget to spread the word. Small businesses should determine how much they want to spend on IG and select what they want to buy with that money.
2. Investing in Engagement
Some of this budget can be used on likes, comments, and follows. This is a great tool to use for new accounts that do not have any engagement whatsoever on their page. It gives them a head start or something to grow on. Click here to know more.
3. Finding Influencers
Influencers are important to consider when creating a marketing plan. Instead of investing in major influencers that have hundreds and thousands of followers, consider the ones that only have a few thousand. They cost less money, and their words carry more weight. Additionally, many of these influencers will share products for a limited price or for free, so long as they get free stuff or a discount. These are called micro-influencers.
4. Promote Posts
Find people in nearby areas by promoting posts. Promoted posts cost money, but they are shared with many people just by paying the price. This is another great tool for people who have just made their accounts. Their posts will reach Instagram users from far and wide. If they like the posts, they will likely share them with their friends. Small businesses should not promote every post they make, but it could be good to promote a post once or twice a month to make sure people see it.
5. Use Free Instagram Tools
Instagram has so many tools that are great for helping small business owners. Use these free tools to build a cost-effective marketing plan. Not everything on IG has to cost money, and when people utilize free tools, they have more to spend on the tools that cost money.
6. Hashtags
Hashtags are the perfect free feature to get more likes, views, and comments on posts. Many people follow specific hashtags to see things that interest them. People follow hashtags related to travel, food, dogs, and more. Make the hashtags generic and specific. Add two or three hashtags to each post, too. This will lead to more views.
Some of the most popular hashtags on Instagram right now are:
- #cute
- #love
- #instagood
- #happy
- #beautiful
- #nofilter
- #photooftheday
- #nature
- #swag
- #instapic
Use some of these and others to gain a larger IG audience and potential customers.
7. Location
Instagram lets people add their location to their posts. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses that have an in-person location. Locals may see that post and be intrigued by the business and decide to stop by. Or people passing through, visiting family, or new in town may see it and feel like they want to check it out. Instagram does not just have to be beneficial to online business.
8. Analytics
IG analytics let users see how their posts are doing, which posts get the most attention when their posts are most popular, and so much more. This is a free tool for businesses that they should utilize. It teaches Instagrammers when to post their content and what reaction they should expect from it.
9. Build a Following
People log on to Instagram to like, comment and follow. Followers are going to help improve posts and build a customer base. The number one goal of a small business on IG should be to build a following.
10. Host Contests and Giveaways
Post contests and giveaways. Encourage followers to tag two or three friends in a post to enter a giveaway to receive a gift card or free product. People love free stuff. The business will be marketing its products while also gaining a bigger following and receiving more engagement.
11. Be Active
Post pictures and videos regularly and post on Instagram stories. The more active an account is, the more people will see. IG will also boost active accounts to help those users find followers. Some of the best ways to be active on Instagram can be found through this link.
12. Engage the Audience
Thank people for liking and commenting on posts, follow some people back, and listen to what they are saying. If they are intrigued by something that gets posted, tell them about it. If they have questions, answer them. They are potential clients and should be treated with the attention and respect they deserve.
Why These Tips Are Important
These tips are important because they will help small businesses flourish on Instagram. People love IG, sharing pictures, and sharing their passions. They want to see others do the same. If a marketing strategy can be created from IG, why shouldn’t it be? Businesses can boost their sales by being more active on Instagram and following these tips.
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