Instagram for business: 7 top tips to get you started
Posted by Emma Rudeck on Thu, Jul 12, 2012
Are you one of the 30 million Instagram users already out there? Or, just curious to know what all the fuss is about? Either way, Instagram is a fast-growing, fast-paced photo sharing app, which is changing the way we share visual content. Users take photos, apply styling and then upload them for others to see. It’s a quick and easy way to share your great photos-instantly! Available on iPhone and Android, here are our top 7 tips to get the most out of Instagram for business.
#1 Regularly post photos
Consistence is so important when using any social network. Followers will come to expect the same amount of content from you on a daily/ weekly basis. Upload photos as often as possible, but make sure you can maintain it at that level.
#2 Keep the quality high when using Instagram for business
People will be more interesting in following you if your content is worth seeing. It might be simple to put your photos onto Instagram, but that’s no reason to limit the quality.
#3 Integrate with your social media strategy
When uploading, Instagram allows you to share your photos on Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare. It’s a simple way to spread the impact of your visual content. So, plan how to use your Instagram photos on other social networks and make it part of your overall strategy.
#4 Set your targets
Before launching into Instagram for business, know what it is you want to get out of it. Are you trying to build reach? Or start a conversation? Decide now. As with any social media platform, if you’ve got clear goals, then you’re more likely to get the benefits from using it.
#5 Engage with your community
Just because Instagram is mainly visual, doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to get involved and have conversations. You could try liking photos and commenting. This will get you involved in conversations, which is what social media is all about.
#6 Follow key industry influencers
Start building a community around your industry and key industry interests. And make sure you engage! That way, you’ll cement your place as a go-to resource.
#7 Add keywords to your caption
Keep your keyword strategy in mind, when uploading any pictures to Instagram. Make sure you include these in photo captions. It’ll help people find you. Think about longtail keywords, as these make it even easier for you to get found.
Already using Instagram for business? Take a look at our free guide on social media lead gen and start converting your followers.
