As of April 2024, Instagram has over 2 billion users worldwide. With a strong focus on visual content, Instagram has become the third most popular social network behind Facebook and YouTube, positioning itself as a go-to platform for businesses looking to connect with existing and new customers.
If you’re a business owner and feel a bit out of touch with social media, you’re not the only one! We’ll explain how to use Instagram as a business, sharing easy-to-follow tips and tricks to help you develop an Instagram marketing strategy that gets your brand noticed.
Why use Instagram to promote your business?
You may think Instagram is just a photo-sharing app. How can it help my business? However, it’s important to see Instagram as a powerful marketing tool to help businesses like yours build a brand, connect with customers, and drive sales.
Instagram has 500 million daily users, with 81% of them using the platform to research products and services before making a purchase. Your potential customers are likely scrolling through Instagram every single day, looking for brands like yours.
With the right Instagram business marketing strategy, you can engage them, build trust, and convert their scrolling interest into sales.
What type of content works best on Instagram?
It’s clear that Instagram is a very visual platform, but it is quite broad, so it’s natural for you to be confused about where to start. Several types of visual content perform best on Instagram, each serving a unique purpose.
1. Posts in your feed
Standard feed posts are the bread and butter of Instagram for business. These are the square posts that you’ll see when you click on your profile.
Always post high-quality photos or videos showcasing your products and services — and don’t forget to capture those behind-the-scenes moments. Consistent branding and a mix of informative and entertaining content are great for helping businesses build a strong visual identity.
2. Stories
Instagram Stories are short-lived posts that disappear after 24 hours. They appear at the top of your feed when you tap the home icon on the bottom left of your screen.
Stories are a great place to share more candid business content, like daily updates, promotions, and customer testimonials. Stories are great for connecting with your audience, as they can feel more casual, personal, and authentic.
3. Reels
Instagram Reels are engaging videos that often include music, captions, and effects, and they can be anywhere from 15 to 90 seconds long. Reels have high reach potential, as Instagram likes to promote this type of content to specific target audiences through algorithms.
Why not try creating a few Reels around your products or services? Users always like to watch videos that ask common questions about your services, or how to use one of your products.
4. Carousel posts
Carousel posts are similar to feed posts because you upload them in the same place. The only difference is that carousel posts allow you to upload multiple images or videos in one post.
They’re great for step-by-step guides, before-and-after photos, or a product/service series. The carousel structure also encourages users to spend more time on your posts, boosting your profile’s engagement.
5. Live Videos
Going live on Instagram can be quite scary at first, especially if you don’t have a huge following. However, customers love to see the face behind a brand as it helps build a better connection.
By engaging with your audience in real time, you can host Q&A sessions, product launches, or workshops to showcase your expertise. Live videos are especially useful if you want to answer questions, as followers can interact with your brand directly.
5 tips for optimising your Instagram profile for business
To make the most of Instagram marketing opportunities, it’s important that your profile is fully optimised for business use.
1. Create a business profile
Switching to an Instagram Business profile will unlock features like analytics, ads, and a contact button — essentials for anyone using Instagram for business. This also provides your visitors with easy ways to get in touch.
2. Write a clear bio
Your Instagram bio is one of the first things your visitors will see. Make sure it’s short, clear, and communicates who you are and what you offer.
It’s also a great idea to use keywords related to your industry or location to help potential followers immediately understand what you’re about. For example, we’d say, “Helping Essex businesses reach local customers with professional leaflet distribution.”
3. Add your contact details
Make it easy for customers to contact you by adding your email, phone number, and location to your Instagram profile. This means people can reach out directly from your Instagram page, saving them time while increasing the likelihood that they’ll connect with you!
4. Use a link in your bio
Instagram doesn’t allow clickable links in posts, so your bio link is super valuable. You can use it to direct visitors to your website homepage or specific landing pages, like your services or ‘all products’ page.
5. Choose a recognisable profile picture
Use a profile picture that represents your business clearly — ideally, your logo or a recognisable brand image. This will help your Instagram visitors remember you and help build brand recognition.
6. Plan your content
Use a content calendar to stay organised. Planning also helps you keep a good variety of content in your posts. Maybe start by scheduling three posts a week — one about you or your team, one about your services or products, and one about your industry.
7. Experiment with different content types
Don’t just stick to one type of content — try posts, Stories, Reels, and carousels to see what resonates with your audience.
8. Analyse your performance
Use Instagram Insights to track what’s working and what isn’t. Pay attention to your post’s engagement rates and adjust your Instagram business strategy as needed.
9. Be authentic
This is the most important tip for businesses using Instagram! Modern Instagram users value authenticity. Show the human side of your business, share stories, and connect with followers on a more personal level.
FAQs: Instagram for Business
Still got a few questions about using Instagram for your business? Here are our answers to some of the most common questions business owners have about using Instagram.
How often should I post on Instagram?
You should always aim for consistency over frequency when posting on Instagram. Posting three to five times a week is a good starting point, with daily Stories if possible. This keeps your business in your audience’s feed without overwhelming them.
Do I need to use hashtags on Instagram?
Yes, hashtags help people discover your posts, so you should definitely use them. Try using a mix of popular industry hashtags and location-based tags to increase your post’s visibility. A good goal is 5-10 relevant hashtags per post.
Should I invest in Instagram ads?
Instagram ads can be beneficial if you have a clear goal and budget, especially if you have a promotion or are hosting a giveaway.
They allow you to target specific audiences and drive traffic to specific pages. You don’t need a large budget to see results — just start small and see what works best for you.
What’s the best way to interact with followers?
Responding to comments, liking posts, and engaging with followers’ content can build rapport and show that there’s a human behind the business. This will encourage people to interact with your content more often and potentially become your next customer or client!
Upgrade your marketing strategy with Essex Leaflet Angel
While Instagram for business can drive awareness, sometimes it takes a local touch to make a big impact.
Whether you’re new to Instagram marketing or looking to pair your online presence with a targeted local campaign, get in touch with Essex Leaflet Angel today. Learn more about how our Essex leaflet distribution services can complement your Instagram marketing strategy.