3 Things You Should Be Doing On Instagram to Grow Your Brand
Everyone is looking for an edge on social media. Whether you are building a person brand or working for clients, it is important to know some of the simple ways you can get an advantage on platforms like Instagram with all of the noise. Instagram has become on of the best places for visual content marketing, and continues to become better.
Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories have surpassed Snapchat in usage. Once Instagram added the feature that made Snapchat highly popular with younger demographics, usage sky rocketedd and far surpassed that of Snapcaht. Stories are a great tool in your Instagram profile to amplify your reach past your existing follower base. Currently there are many formats available that work well to deliver your message. You simply add a text message as a story, deside to do a live session, do a normal video clip post, a boomerang short video clip, a superzoom clip great for product marketing, a rewind format clip, and a hands-free video clip feature. There is something for everyone in terms of the format types. Don't want to use these formats on the spot? You can also add a previously created image or video clip if you choose. Additional features if you've created a Instagram story really drive the reach of your story. Are you a local business or want to get business in an area you may not be in? Use location tags to expand your reach. Add a poll for free user feedback on anything you would like to engage with your user base about. Add a hashtag directly to the story to further amplify your reach into the tagged category. Although they don't add a direct amplification, the recent addition of GIFs to instagram stories have add an additional interaction factor to increase engagement. So whether you use them for fun or for business I would encourage you to test all the formats and features Instagram stories have to offer.
Instagram DMs Your Key to Networking on Instagram
Direct Messages are probably one of the best ways to break through in social media. You have the power to reach every individual account on Instagram. Need to reach an influencer or someone you would like to work with? With DMs on Instagram you have that power in your fingertips. Just try to be genuine, add value, and craft tailored messages to those you are trying to reach. The key is to be persistent and also remember it is a numbers game.
Hashtag Strategy
One of the most important things you can do across all social is have an established hashtag strategy to grow and expand your brand. Start with including 1-3 branded hashtags representing your brand. After, include 1-3 hastags that are a bit more descriptive that describe what you do or sell. Finally include 1-3 vertical specific hashtags that are broader and are readily used. Stay consistent with adding tags for every image post you do as well as every story. Do your research prior for the secondary non branded tags that will help you grow the most.
As with everything on social and in digital marketing test ever thing. Break the mold in your vertical, and make sure your try everything yourself to really understand how it works.