Why should YOU leverage Instagram for business? Besides the fact that 81% of retail customers do research online before buying, there is another massive reason to make Instagram a part of your business strategy …
People buy from people, not companies.
The real power of marketing on social media is how it humanizes your brand. The world gets to know and like you before they purchase.
Ads and websites can provide information to try and develop this relationship, but it’s not the same. Social media accounts come off as more authentic.
Now, Instagram in particular was built to share visual media like photos and videos. So, let’s set the parameters for your appropriate business targets with this tool …
What do business goals for Instagram look like?
Your goals with Instagram will determine everything from the type of account you choose to the kind of content you post. That is why you need to be crystal clear on your objectives.
Remember, your Instagram promotion should support your overall content marketing strategy.
At the end of the day, you are a business owner. You must use all of your social media platforms to promote your company, products and offers; Instagram is no exception.
Your goals with Instagram will determine everything from the type of account you choose to the kind of content you post.
1. Increase Brand Awareness
At the very least, brand awareness should be your goal with IG. I think we can all agree our businesses need as many people as possible to know about us.
2. Showcase Product
Because Instagram is visual, it is a great place to post high-quality photos of products to entice clients.
3. Establish Authority
Why are your products the best? Why should customers take your recommendations over others? This platform gives you the chance to show people why you dominate the competition. Take advantage of that.
4. Build a Community
Certain brands have such a loyal customer base because the buyers feel like they are a part of something bigger.
Social media is where you can create that feeling of community with your ideal audience. For example, network marketers and influencers utilize Instagram for this every day.
5. Increase Sales
Whether through the IG shop feature or linking to your online store, it is always a solid goal to want to increase sales. When you have a tool like Instagram to guide you for free, this business objective becomes more relevant than ever.
6. Put a Face to Your Brand
In today’s marketplace, your customers have more options of places to buy from than ever before. For that reason, they often make their decisions based on who best aligns with their personal beliefs. Instagram is where you can show them who you are and what you represent.
These are just a few examples of what you can aim for with IG. Personally, I would work to eventually include all of them in your marketing strategy.
Next month, I want to show you how to measure the effectiveness of your Instagram marketing efforts.
