Since 2010, Instagram has allowed users to share their photos and videos. They can connect the Instagram account to other social media, use hashtags and geotags to enhance the visibility, as well as Stories feature since 2016. Therefore, you can imagine how difficult it is for individuals and businesses to decide which social network is perfect for marketing. However, Instagram is special because it uses visual engagement to attract and gain followers.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it, just that you need to adjust your strategy. Over time, business world recognized its potential and now it finds it to be a great opportunity to reach the target audience. With statistics like 700 million monthly users, Instagram has quickly taken its rightful among Facebook and Twitter. With that in mind, here is some advice how to run a successful Instagram profile for a small business.

1.    Build a business profile

First, your business needs a proper profile. This means that you have to create a one concentrated on your business completely, like the name, category, short description using keywords, add website and location. This will be enough information for Instagram users to know who you are and what you do. You have only 150 characters to present yourself, so use them wisely.

2.    Display brand personality

Even though you’re a business entity, you still need a brand personality to attract the followers and get them to know you better. This is not hard. It’s all about the message you send about yourself like being funny or serious. This is the feature you will have to use all the time in your communication with your audience on all social media platforms and your website.

3.    Use aesthetics

Aesthetic in your posts will set the visual standard and must be in line with the brand personality. This means that you have to choose a colour palette that you will use. A photo planning apps can help you with this, like Planoly. This app is will keep your visual elements in check and will help you see how your images look one close to another before you publish them on Instagram.

4.    Don’t leave out location and hashtags

Hashtags and geotags are important if you want to reach a wider audience. Every post must include them, no exception since they will put you in the spotlight. They will help Instagram users find you and follow you. You can use custom hashtags which will authenticate your business and help with contests and giveaways.

Geotags are important for the local followers. For example, if you’re a restaurant, the local followers will have the chance to see your profile and visit you in person.

5.    Dedicate to visual quality

Since Instagram is all about the visual elements, you should use only the high-quality image and videos. It’s all about the lighting and clarity. You can choose one place which is perfect for taking photos or hire a professional photographer which can be pricey. Quality includes everything that is important for creating excellent photography, and that means creativity as well. Moreover, images and videos are perfect for the promotion of your brand personality and presenting yourself.

6.    Post diverse content

Posting the same content will bore your followers and chase them away. That’s why it is important to diversify your content to be interesting. Use photos and videos alternately, ask customers to send you their content, and publish it with your own. Write something funny, meaningful or informative, and you can even present your employees through your posts.

7.    Communicate with customers

Communication with the customers is one of the backbones of business dealings today. If you start answering their questions, noting their reactions publicly and acknowledging them, you will create loyal followers and customers. For example, you can place HD Booths on your premises. This way your customers can take a picture, so you can post it on your Instagram profile tagging them and writing something about them.

8.    Present your product

Don’t forget that you are working on growing your business and find as many customers as you can who will choose your product. However, the audience doesn’t like when you try to sell them something directly, so allow yourself to be creative. Allow them to try your new product through giveaways and offer discount codes from time to time.

Don’t forget to use calls-to-action on Instagram too with “learn more”, “comment to enter the contest” or “check the link in our bio”. This will help you get to marketing goals while still having fun.

Finally

Instagram is a different but less burdening platform to promote your business. It will be as fun for you as for your followers and can be a significant boost in your marketing campaign. Use all these recommendations here and you’ll reach your customers and gain a loyal following in no time.

Bio: Nina is a digital nomad, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast. She’s passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas. If you wanna see what she’s up to you can find her on twitter