Let’s get down to business

Welcome to the world where everything means business. Well not everything, but you know what I mean!

Instagram has changed the dynamic of their company by adding a “business” component. This allows consumers to use their platform to promote their brand online. How cool is that?

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Let’s start by looking at how Instagram’s business component has innovated digital marketing. This app has become an amazing way to boost brand awareness and an effective way for building a brand’s image.

In this generation, we are constantly needing to be relevant and up-to-date. Instagram is the perfect platform place to do this because you can use it to check out the latest trends, check out what your friends are doing, stalk your SO, and even stalk that one girl you have a problem with even though you’ve never met her.

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According to Forrester, Instagram has a rate of 4.21 % follower engagement. This means that Instagram is generating more engagement per follower than Facebook by 58 times. It is also generating more than Twitter by 120 times.

So as a digital marketer, what does this mean for us?

It has opened a gateway for ordinary people to advertise themselves as a brand. Big brands and companies are sponsoring ordinary people with lots of followers on Facebook and/or Instagram to advertise their products/services.

Now, I know this is nothing new. We’ve all seen “instafamous” people and YouTubers advertising products or services online. My point is that these social media platforms have adapted. They have given us all an opportunity to advertise online in the most simplest way.

For example, if you go onto your Instagram account (if you have one) and click onto “Settings”, scroll down to the “Account” section, and you’ll see an option called “Switch to Business Profile”. This allows anyone to switch their Instagram profile, from an ordinary account, to a business account. Take a look at what it looks like below.

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So, how do ordinary people use Instagram Business?

Well, it’s really quite simple. But like all things it takes time, A/B testing, playing around with, or even just researching strategies to use. But here are some key things that I think you should take a look at if you’re thinking of branding yourself on Instagram.

1. What’s your strategy? What makes you unique? Or not unique?

• What I’m referring to here is, what’s the purpose of you using Instagram business. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your goals, motives and mission statement before doing anything else. The most important thing with Instagram is consistency. Without consistency, you risk looking sloppy, unprofessional and even unorganised. So, clearly layout how often you’ll post, what time of day, and choose a theme for your account.

2. Who are you?

• You need to discover who you are in every way. Go out and learn something new. Go out and try something new. Do something that makes you feel special and original and then post a bunch of photos about it on your account.

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• I’m just kidding! You can do these things if you wanted to but really, what you need is to build a brand identity. If your brand identity is to be you, then be you! If it’s to be a fitspo model, then start working out. If it’s to become the next big foodie, then start taking photos of all your meals. Whatever it may be, be sure it’s what you want to do and stick to it. It’d be confusing to your followers if you had a bunch of different things going on.

3. The Engagement Party

• You’ve got to engage with your audience! Reply to comments you receive, like photos back, or even follow people back! It’s important to take on all opportunities and really make the most out of your experience on social media. Stay relevant by keeping yourself updated with who you follow (and maybe even your competitors).

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4. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes 

• Making mistakes is part of the whole process. If you don’t like a photo you’ve uploaded, delete it and re-upload a new one. If you’ve spelt something wrong in your caption, re-upload the photo with the right caption but be sure to sign “edit” otherwise you might get called out.

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These are some of my own tips just from using Instagram myself. Hootsuite has some excellent tips and guides for beginners using Instagram Business. Check them out and get down to business!

Until next time, click this post to leave a comment and give this post a like!

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