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Instagram Tips for Small Business Owners

Instagram Tips for Small Business Owners

Freshlime-Instagram

One thing that I’ve learned recently as a social-media-maven for-hire, it’s that small businesses are scared of Instagram. Maybe the term “scared” is a little strong, but small business are for the most part, still unsure of the ways in which the dominantly visual platform can add to their success. Currently, Instagram has 150 million users, who on average upload 55 million pictures daily. As someone who has worked in and with small businesses the thought of standing out in that type of online pool can seem daunting, so I’ve put together a list of ways your small business can utilize Instagram to its maximum potential and expose your brand to the hash-tagging, Valencia filtering masses.

  • Pay Attention to the People Behind the Curtain
    With Instagram’s layout being purely visual it is easy for small businesses to fall into a purely promotional trap. Show them something more.  We all love to feel privy to something special, so include pictures of your company’s employees. Give your followers a “behind the scenes” look at the people and preparation that goes into your business. It’s ok to promote your products and services, but sell what makes you unique as well.
  • Hashtags
    You want to make sure that you’re taking part in the larger conversation happening relevant to your business. Utilizing hastags will help broadcast your post to a wider targeted audience. Do some research about which hastags are being used that applicable to your business, and hashtag everything!
  • #Follow4Follow #Like4Like
    Instagramers enjoy being liked and followed, so that’s what you should do. Following people who follow you and liking their posts will humanize your organization and will cultivate a positive reputation for your brand.
  • Branding
    Instagram provides a unique branding opportunity for your business that other platforms can’t. Our brains process images more quickly than text, so by sticking with themes and consistent imaging your company can be more easily recognized.
  • Reward your followers
    Who doesn’t like to win every once in a while? Who doesn’t like a sale? By offering your Instagram followers special opportunities to win prizes or access to exclusive sales, you’ll show them how appreciative you are for their loyalty.
  • Connect your platforms
    Lastly, connect your platforms. If your organization already has an established Facebook or Twitter account, make sure you connect your Instagram to them so your posts get displayed there as well. It will help with gaining followers early on, and most certainly help co-brand your social media presence as a whole.

About the author / Jillian Koeneman

Juiced about social media & digital. Entrepreneur. Founder @freshlimemktg | Connector. #MSU Alum. #Detroit native. Dog lover.

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