Modern entrepreneurs know the importance of using social media to grow their business. It can be a great way for business owners to connect with customers and expand their company’s reach. As social media’s relevance has grown, so have the benefits of using popular platforms like Instagram to reach your target audience.
To help you make the most of your business Instagram account, members of Young Entrepreneur Council offer their best advice for engaging and retaining followers. Follow their recommendations to take your Instagram game to the next level.
Young Entrepreneur Council members recommend how to improve your Instagram strategy.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. Create Your Own Personal Brand
I cracked the Instagram code when I understood that my followers wanted to win with me. I never post “just to post.” My followers know to expect this from every post of mine and, this way, if I do not post, they notice. Instagram is a community of creatives, and as a business owner, you better remember that. Create your own personal style so that when customers come to your page, they recognize it even if your name wasn’t on top. Your style has to speak for you—the colors, the symmetry and the aesthetic of the page. This helped me gain and retain over 5.4 million followers on Instagram. Your followers want you to win and also to show your vulnerability and how you overcome it. Be generous, and it will pay back. – Simonetta Lein, Ausonia Partners
2. Use IGTV
Use IGTV to inspire, educate or entertain your customers. Videos on IGTV can be up to an hour. Set up a theme for your channel, for example, to showcase business bloopers or to educate customers on the nuances of your products or services. Keep it light and personal. Use humor. Your IGTV channel doesn’t have to be perfect. One of the benefits of Instagram is that it allows followers to see the human side of your business. Use IGTV to get personal with your followers and potential customers or clients, create share-worthy content and ask and respond to questions on your channel. Make people feel like they’re part of the discussion and they will want to engage. – Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc.
3. Post Beautiful, High-Quality Photos
Photography is an essential part of the Instagram game. The more beautiful your photo, the more likely someone will engage with it. It also makes your account look professional and eye-catching. I recommend you invest in a good phone camera and take online classes on how to take better pictures. You’ll learn how to frame your content and use light and Instagram filters to take stunning pictures that people can’t resist sharing. Your audience will appreciate the effort you put in, which will lead to more likes and an increase in followers. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
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4. Display Your Instagram Feed On Your Website
You can take your Instagram game to the next level by displaying its feed on your website or blog. Doing so introduces your existing visitors to your social media, which can increase your followers and boost sales for your business. It’s important to stay active on social media since so many customers use it to contact brands and retrieve information. Displaying your Instagram feed on your site is a fun way to give visitors a better look into your brand and what it’s all about so you can create loyal customers. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
5. Incorporate Humor
For most businesses, using humor works brilliantly to connect with customers better and increase their followers. People are attracted to emotional content, and they’ll respond positively to any brand that makes them smile or laugh on Instagram. I recommend making funny videos and memes that are relevant to your industry and responding when your audience leaves comments. You’ll win over people online and give your Instagram profile a powerful boost. – Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
6. Share Inspiring Stories
We share the inspiring stories of those who are afraid to post theirs. We speak on behalf of our customers. We share the unspoken truth and realities of the problems other people think are just normal. We created Instagram accounts to share our customer’s stories, reviews and battles; we call them Banish Soldiers. We also made an account for our Banish Warriors, who post their weekly stories to encourage more people through their voices. We lift others up through our social media account and we inspire them by empathizing with them. Just build a culture that understands you and your mission. From there, gather real people who will help in patronizing your mission. Finally, constantly and consistently share stories, which is your main advocacy. Don’t be contradicting and share perfect people. – Daisy Jing, Banish
7. Focus On Authenticity
Instagram has changed so much from its original days of photos and filters. Instagram can literally become another home for your company—one that, in many cases, sees more engagement than your meticulously designed website. Of course, as things have changed since Instagram’s early days, the pressure has increased on the quality of content, the frequency in posting it and what consumers (and the Instagram algorithm) are looking for. To ensure your brand always stands out, no matter what changes take place, focus on authenticity. Yes, quality photos, videos and captions are important, but it’s even better to be honest and relatable than perfectly polished. Make sure your loyal followers and prospects receive consistent messages and experiences behind your brand. – Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker
8. Diversify Your Content Type
A single image is the Instagram classic, but don’t stick to your comfort zone. Create slideshows, dabble in stories and have fun with long- and short-form videos. By switching up your post styles, you’ll attract different audiences. For example, older audiences may still appreciate one image with a value-rich caption, while their kids and grandkids would rather click through a story in a matter of seconds. – Shay Berman, Digital Resource
