Statista reported in September 2021 that Instagram has over 170 million users in the United States alone. On the other hand, it has roughly one billion users globally. This makes Instagram one of the powerful marketing channels brands can use to grow their business. But how do you start Instagram marketing? Here is a step-by-step guide from the best digital marketing company in Los Angeles to help you start your brand’s Instagram Business account:
1 – Sign up for a new Instagram Business Account.
You can start a new account on Instagram for your brand. If you already have a previous account, you can also switch it up to a business account. Here is what you have to do:
Create an Instagram Business Account
- Download the app on your device.
- Open Instagram and click Sign Up.
- You can use your email address to sign up on Instagram, or you can also log in using your Facebook account.
- Type in your username and password. Make sure to fill in your business profile. If you are logged in on Facebook, it might ask you to sign in as well.
- Tap Next, and you now have your Instagram Business Profile Account.
Switch Your Personal Account to Business Account
- Tap the Hamburger Menu on your Instagram App. It can be found in the upper right corner.
- Tap Settings and then tap Switch to Professional Account.
- Tap the Account and then choose Business.
- You can connect Instagram account to your Facebook Page, follow the steps that will appear.
- Tap Done.
2 – Create an Instagram Marketing Strategy.
You need to have an excellent social media strategy if you want to start Instagram. Here are some tips on how to start planning out your marketing strategy for Instagram.
- Finding your target audience.
According to Statista.com, in July of 2021, 32% of all global users on Instagram were aged between 25 and 34 years old. Identify if these age groups suit your business’s target audience. For example, sell statement T-shirts. Instagram will be an excellent place to reach out to millennials and share your products.
- Set a goal.
Like any strategy, you need to have a clear goal for why you’re starting Instagram marketing. What do you want to establish by creating a business account on Instagram? Is it to increase brand awareness? Or is it to build a community? It is easier to think of the following steps you need to take when you have a plan.
- Create a content calendar.
Once you know your audience and you have a goal, you can now start posting visual content on Instagram with a purpose. You can start this by creating a content calendar. This tool helps you not miss important dates to have enough time to develop and plan your visual material. Take time to brainstorm themes and try to build content buckets.
3 – Optimize your Instagram profile.
Your Instagram profile isn’t complete without the proper optimization. It is more than just posting pictures, videos, and stories. Start by creating an engaging Instagram bio in less than 150 characters. Your bio should be exciting and shows the characteristics of your brand. Let users know what your brand is about and why you do what you do. Another thing about bio is it allows you to include one link. Use that to your advantage. You can either use a link directly to your landing page.
Add a profile picture to your account. For businesses, using your logo will work best. You should upload a file with up to 320 x 320 pixels. You should also add your business’ contact info. Use your local number for this, as it can significantly help with your local SEO.
Other tips to optimize your Instagram posts include the following:
- Use action buttons on your posts. Go to Instagram’s Business Profile, tap Edit Profile, then tap Action Buttons.
- Add Instagram Story Highlights. Story Highlights appear on top of the Instagram app, so it allows your followers to check them right away. You can also organize Stories and save them into a collection on your page.
- Use Instagram Live. When you go live on Instagram, an icon will appear that will show your “LIVE,” which will instantly get your followers’ attention.
4 – Use and post high-quality visual content.
Instagram is all about visuals. If your visuals aren’t great, then don’t expect results from Instagram. In this channel, your visual materials will create an identity for your brand. You shouldn’t also just post anything and everything at the same time. Your Business Profile should have a flow that will make your followers interested and understand what your brand is all about. So try to create recurring themes for your visual content.
If you are unsure how Instagram profile themes work, you can check the big brands for inspiration. For example, you can go to H&M, Forever 21, and Old Navy for ideas if you sell clothes.
5 – Post regularly to keep your followers engaged.
If you want your Instagram account to flourish, then you need to post consistently. This doesn’t only help Instagram knowing that your account is still active. Still, it also lets your audience know that you always deliver visual content. From there, they start to expect to see posts from your brand. This is very important, especially if you want to build a relationship with your followers.
Another thing to keep in mind is to always keep your followers engaged. People love it when brands engage and interact with them. So ask them questions, start contests, and reply to their comments. This will make them feel good about your brand.
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If you need help in your Instagram marketing, Cybertegic offers social media marketing for businesses that need to grow and increase their brand awareness. For a free consultation, you can visit us on our website.
