How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Brand and Drive Sales

Over the years, businesses and marketers have made some serious changes to their marketing plans and most of it is because of the changes in social media. There are new channels introduced to the industry all the time and social networks seem to become popular by trend. 

Instagram happens to be one of the most popular social networks in the world. 1 billion people use Instagram every month and 500 million people use Instagram stories every day. Needless to say, if you are not using Instagram for business, you are missing out. 

To those who aren’t familiar with Instagram, it might seem like an app just for you to post pictures. The truth is, its much more than that. Those who use Instagram are shoppers, and with the right strategy, they can become your customers. 

If Instagram is done correctly, with the high-quality content filled with the right message, costumers receive your marketing messages without any sales pitches from your or your team. Instagram for business is a whole new ball game. There are features business accounts can use that the average Joe does not have access to. With that, you can use Instagram to promote your brand and drive sales. Here’s how: 

Create a Business Account with Instagram 

If you have a personal Instagram account, that’s great! But your business account must be separate from your personal account. 

This business is account is strictly for your business, so it is created to appeal to your customers. While customers do appreciate the ‘behind the scenes’ content, customers do not need to see posts of your family and what you do outside of work, which is why the business account comes in hand. 

The content you post on this page should be content that appeals to customers that will ultimately help boost sales. 

Direct Followers to Your Website

Unlike other social media networks like Facebook or Twitter, there is no place in captions for website links. This is why it is so important to include your website link in the bio of your Instagram account. The link in your bio is the only place for a clickable link. If someone comes across your account and wants to learn more about you, this link will be the first place they look to. 

Post-High-Quality, Follow Worthy Posts

Before posting any content on Instagram, understand that while Instagram is a place for shoppers, it is not your follower’s shopping destination. Do they love a good post that features products they can buy? Yes, for sure! But they do not want to be bombarded by sales posts. 

There are nearly 95 million photos posted on Instagram each day. Posting salesy pictures won’t capture the attention of your audience. Get creative with how you can promote your products in an image. 

The photos you post should also have a theme, so it enhances your brand recognition. Photos that have a consistent color scheme will help to boost your brand recognition so when a customer sees your post, they know it’s yours without even looking at the name. 

Offer Specials 

Instagram is a way for customers to stay in touch with their favorite brands. A great way to boost sales is to share holiday specials or discounts. Creating graphics to post or a catchy caption is a way to capture your audience’s attention in a way that they can’t miss the post. 

Grow Your Audience 

Instagram is a great way for potential customers to discover your brand. Using hashtags on Instagram puts your posts in a collection of posts that can be searched by users. Your photo should have at least 5 relative hashtags. Asking customers to tag your product in their posts is another way for potential customers to come across your content.

An effective, affordable way of growing your audience is to partner with an influencer. This influencer is someone who people consider an expert in your industry. The way it works is they share your product with their followers and their followers follow your page. 

For example, if you are a business that creates exercise apparel, you may want to partner with an influencer that is a physical trainer who has a large following. 

Use Instagram to Build Relationships

The great thing about Instagram, or any social media channel for that matter is the fact that these networks are a two-way street. Not only can you post content on Instagram, but followers can respond back. When they do engage with your posts, be proactive to continue on a conversation. For example, if a follower says they love a picture of a product you shared, thank them and invite them into your store or to your website so they can get their own. 

Your content should entice a reaction from your audience. Proposing a question is a way for customers to engage and provide feedback. Giveaways are also a way to boost engagement. Who doesn’t love free stuff? Creating a giveaway that asks followers to share, like or comment on your post is a way to boost engagement and your following. 

Collect Data 

How do you know how well something is working if you don’t measure it? The only way to successfully grow your Instagram account is to analyze your audience and collect the data. 

By collecting data, you can research your audience, the best times to post and the content that works best with your audience. 

If you feel like Instagram requires too much work, don’t be overwhelmed. There are Instagram professionals, like our team at Joseph Studios, to create and manage your Instagram business account for you. 

If you’re ready to expand your reach and boost sales with Instagram, don’t hesitate to call our team at Joseph Studios!