Because of differences in their business approaches, entrepreneurs frequently view different social media networks differently. Traditionalists may be risk apprehensive and question whether the time and money spent creating a profile on newer platforms such as Instagram is worthwhile. However, I believe, and I am not alone, that Instagram is the future of business.
When I chatted with one of my entrepreneur friends, she stressed the importance of Instagram to her business because of her enormous following and the status that comes with it. She’s not the only one: Many of my clients have gotten up to 70% of their revenue through Instagram.
So, how do you increase the visibility of your company on Instagram? Here are three distinct opportunities that Instagram provides for businesses.
1. Allowing your consumers to see into your personal life
Because Instagram is an image-based network, what you post on your profile will have an impact on how your customers and partners see you. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the things that are most important to you in both your career and personal lives.
Customers value not only the product or service that a company sells, but also the story that it tells, according to research. Consider this: There are now two high-grossing films on Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ life and work. There’s a film on Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, a TV series about the origins of ride-sharing app Uber, another about the origins of fast-food chain McDonald’s, and a slew of others. Consumers enjoy learning about their favorite brands’ backstories.
However, notoriety can be a double-edged sword. Sensitivity in Instagram messaging is vital, and marketers can sometimes go too far in their attempts to be relatable. Focus on openness, your goods, and sincerity if you want to connect with your customers on Instagram.
2. Creating a network
When it comes to networking with other entrepreneurs, Instagram is also a useful tool. Entrepreneurs used to have to rely on chance meetings with powerful individuals to network – remember business cards?
Instagram and similar networks now allow you to carry about virtually everyone’s business card in your pocket. If the person you want to talk to has a Facebook account, all you have to do is go to their profile and send them a simple message inviting them to lunch or coffee. Frequently, seasoned executives will jump at the chance to advise a newcomer (and get a free meal). It’s impossible to predict where a simple message might lead.
Similarly, location-based posts that show your followers where you are in town can be beneficial. A simple geotagged post from a significant link in your city, for example, could provide an opportunity to interact with that individual.
3. Increasing your revenue
Perhaps most important to every entrepreneur is ensuring that the company is getting the sales it requires to stay afloat. Instagram has a lot of potential in this area, as millions of people use it to research purchases and see how items are utilized “in the wild.”
It’s not a surprise that our clients have increased their lead generation by up to 1,000 percent. Consumers want to know that there is a person behind the goods, even if it’s a B2B offering. It’s for this reason that Amazon and other online sellers take pride in presenting a nice face to customers: if you see that they believe in the goods, you’re likely to believe in it as well.
When it comes to selling on Instagram, there’s one thing that all business owners should be aware of. Instagram Checkout, which debuted in 2019, enables users to purchase things directly from the app. This is a feature you can’t afford to overlook, especially given Instagram’s higher-than-average engagement rate and user pool.
There are no links in Instagram Checkout, so you won’t have to open another browser tab or navigate away from the item you want to buy. The purchasing process is quick and easy, and the user interface is enjoyable to use, as is the case with almost anything on Instagram.
When it comes to social media for your small or medium business, especially in B2C segments, the facts are clear: Instagram is a critical tool for building meaningful connections and expanding your brand in a variety of ways.
These two objectives are indissolubly related. Customers want a personal interaction with you as your brand’s key ambassador since it allows them to imagine your product or service in their own lives and shows them that the person behind the firm believes in what they’re doing.
By using Instagram to invite customers into your world, you open up a world of possibilities for meaningful connections and the success of your business. When it comes to your Instagram strategy, don’t forget to pay special attention to content production; don’t just focus on paid ads.
