25 Tips for Building Your Brand on Instagram

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Instagram is one of the most exciting social media channels on which to build a brand for your business. The platform is very visual and growing at a tremendous pace.
“By 2017, an estimated 51.8% of social network users will use Instagram and By 2019, nearly two-thirds of all millennial smartphone users will use Instagram”. (Source)
According to this report, the platform has 300 million daily active users in 2016. Instagram’s per-follower engagement rate for top brands is 58 times higher than on Facebook and 120 times greater than on Twitter. User interactions with brands Here are some essential tips that you can use to build an impressive brand presence on Instagram:

1. Create a Profile

You need to create a separate business profile on Instagram which posts content that is relevant to your business. Adding a call to action along with a link in the bio is helpful in getting your target to visit your website, your landing page, or a contact page. You need to showcase the core value proposition of your business in the profile bio. Using searched keywords or hashtags in the bio is optional since these are not considered in Instagram search results. Here is an example: Salesforce on Instagram

2. Link to Other Social Accounts

You can repost your Instagram posts to other social accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr and Foursquare. You can link these accounts to your Instagram account and get more reach on your Instagram posts with simplified sharing on these accounts.

3. Be Regular

Like any other social media platform, you need to post to Instagram on a daily basis to ensure your followers can engage with your business, actively. You can also promote your Instagram account on other channels like Facebook and Twitter to get more followers on it.

4. Influencer Outreach

This is one of the most popular strategies for promoting your business on Instagram. You need to search for influencer accounts on the platform which have a larger number of followers. Make sure these people belong to your business niche. You need to contact them to check whether they will be willing to ‘shout-out’ your business on their profile. They may do this without a cost depending on the number of followers they have. You could also end up with a barter deal where you promote their account in return. Here is a list of some of the top global Instagram influencers in 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo

5. Using Hashtags

Hashtags are the best way to obtain search traffic on Instagram. You need to use a maximum of 3-5 hashtags in your post caption to improve the visibility of your posts. Add relevant keyphrases to the tool to find their popularity and then make a wise choice. Here is an example: Hashtags on National Geographic’s Instagram

6. Professional Images

Instagram is a visual medium and the quality of your images plays a vital role in developing your brand’s desired reputation. You could hire a professional photographer while sharing product images on your Instagram page. Tasteful stock images, such as those from Unsplash, can also be used to share engaging posts relevant to your business. Use Instagram image filters to make your pictures look trendy. You can look at competitor posts to understand which filters work best. The standard square image size for posting on Instagram is 1080px by 1080px.

7. Getting More Followers

You can get more targeted followers on your Instagram account by engaging with them. You need to look for accounts in your niche. These could be those who are following your competitors, or just prospects. You need to follow these accounts, like and comment on their posts and tag them in your posts. Follower engagement on Hubspot’s Instagram

8. Organize Contests

Instagram contests are a useful way to improve the level of interactivity among your followers. You need to create a contest hashtag and then ask prospective participants to upload eye-catching images using the hashtag along with a unique caption. Pick a few winners and give away prizes that they would like. These could be goodies like your company branded coffee mugs, gadgets or anything that the target group will find useful. Here is an example: WeddingWire Contest

9. Use Geo-Tagging

Instagram allows you to add the location of your images to your posts. You can use this feature to tag the site of an event your business is participating in or organizing. The feature also helps in showcasing the location of your business. You can also get your contest participants to use this feature in the case of contests that are organized in your business location. Instagram geo-tagging (Source)

10. Create a Teaser

You can build excitement around upcoming contests, events or product launches by adding posts that just provide a hint of what’s going to happen. You can ask your followers to take a guess, to build engagement around a particular event. The tactic is helpful in building a buzz among your prospects and followers.

11. Schedule Your Posts

You can easily schedule your Instagram posts with Later. The tool helps you share posts from your desktop. You can start using this tool for free. Make sure to analyze which posting times are getting the highest reach and engagement so you can optimize your scheduling in the future.

12. Post Videos

Instagram has increased the video length limit from 15 seconds to 60 seconds. You can benefit from this feature by adding videos about your services. These could range from introductory videos to promotional ones or tutorials. Make sure the video quality is good and visually appealing to your target group.

13. Embed Images

You can add photos from Instagram to your website or blog using embeds. These could be images added from your account or followers’ accounts. You can embed contest posts shared by participants to a separate ‘contest showcase’ landing page. Embed your Instagram videos to your website and improve their views.

14. Run Paid Campaigns

You can easily connect your Instagram account with your Facebook page and business manager account to start running paid campaigns on Instagram. You can create your ads using the Facebook power editor and run campaigns targeted to specific audiences. Paid campaigns can help you build a good follower base that you can engage with on the account.

15. Content Calendar

You need to have a content calendar while posting on Instagram. It can be based on events and festivities that are popular in your industry. You can also add product-based promotions depending on business requirements.

16. Use Instagram Stories

‘Stories’ is a recent addition to Instagram that was inspired by Snapchat Stories. The feature allows you to add temporary photos and videos to your profile. These stories will be shown to your followers for 24 hours before they disappear. You can add doodles and filters to your stories and engage with your audiences in a unique way.

17. Use Notifications

Instagram allows you to receive notifications if somebody in your network adds a post. You can use this for your business to engage with specific accounts that have a high following. Just turn on the post notifications on their profile.

18. Instagram Direct

With this feature, you can send a direct message to up to 15 of your followers at a time. You can include an image or a 15-second video to convey your message. You could select your most active follower and send them an offer or a product promotion with this feature. The feature can also be used to reach out to prospects of a particular location. Avoid coming across as a spammer. Use this feature carefully, with users who have an active interest in your business.

19. Create a Style Guide

It is important to create a style guide while building a brand on any platform. The same goes for Instagram. Your guide should specify the rules around your color palette, use of the logo, image design, font usage, and captions and hashtags. A guide for video posts can also be included if videos are being frequently used. This helps in achieving consistency in your posts, which strengthens your brand image.

20. Measure and Analyze

You need to analyze your Instagram marketing activity to understand which content is doing best with your targeted audience. This will help your content to make it more relevant and engaging for your audience. You can use tools like Simply Measured, Iconosquare and Sprout Social to track the required metrics. Using these tools you can analyze at which times your posts are performing best, rates of engagement, follower analysis and more.

21. Be Creative

Instagram is a platform that helps you showcase your brand visually in a way that attracts prospective customers. You can make your posts more creative using various methods, such as adding quotes as image overlays, using image filters, showcasing your product usage, featuring existing customers or employees, using funny memes, adding videos of live office action and more. Varying your content in this way will help you develop a personal connection with your network and attract more followers. Here is an example: Califia Farms product usage example

22. Don’t Sell

You need to build an emotional appeal for your brand through interesting posts. In other words, you need to focus on a pull strategy rather than a push one. Your posts and images need to build aspiration for your products and services rather than communicate a sales pitch.

23. Set Up a Shop on Instagram

You can easily set up a shop on Instagram with add-ons like Have2Have.It. The tool helps businesses redirect users from their Instagram page to an online store. Using a tool like this can help you save time for your customers and simplify their shopping experience.

24. Respond to User Comments

Some of your followers will always be more active in adding comments to your posts and engaging with them. Responding to both positive and negative comments will help you build a relationship with your followers, which strengthens your brand image and makes it more trustworthy.

25. Stay Updated

You need to keep up to date with the latest on the Instagram platform. Follow the Instagram blog for business to know about new and upcoming features that can help you in market your business more effectively. With more and more internet users shifting to mobile, Instagram is one social media platform that cannot be ignored. The platform provides a high level of engagement to brands and allows you to build your brand story in a unique way. Don’t pass up the opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Building a Brand on Instagram

How can I create a consistent brand image on Instagram?

Consistency is key when it comes to building a brand on Instagram. This includes consistency in the type of content you post, the colors and filters you use, and the tone of voice in your captions. Start by defining your brand’s personality and values, and then ensure that every post reflects these. Use a consistent color palette and filters to create a cohesive look and feel. Also, make sure your captions reflect your brand’s voice – whether it’s professional, casual, or playful.

How often should I post on Instagram to build my brand?

The frequency of posting on Instagram can significantly impact your brand’s visibility and engagement. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a good starting point is to post at least once a day. However, the quality of your content should always be a priority over quantity. It’s better to post less frequently but with high-quality, engaging content.

How can I use Instagram Stories to build my brand?

Instagram Stories offer a great opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality and behind-the-scenes content. You can use them to share daily updates, offer sneak peeks into new products or events, or even conduct live Q&A sessions. Remember to keep your Stories engaging and interactive by using features like polls, quizzes, and stickers.

How can I increase engagement on my Instagram posts?

Increasing engagement on your Instagram posts requires a combination of high-quality content, strategic use of hashtags, and active interaction with your followers. Make sure your posts are visually appealing and offer value to your followers. Use relevant hashtags to increase your posts’ visibility. Also, encourage interaction by asking questions in your captions and responding to comments promptly.

How can I use Instagram to drive traffic to my website?

Instagram offers several ways to drive traffic to your website. You can include a link to your website in your bio, and direct your followers to it in your captions. If you have over 10,000 followers, you can also use the ‘Swipe Up’ feature in your Stories to link directly to your website. Additionally, you can use Instagram ads to promote your website to a wider audience.

How can I measure the success of my Instagram branding efforts?

Instagram provides a range of analytics tools that can help you measure the success of your branding efforts. These include insights on your followers’ demographics, the reach and engagement of your posts, and the performance of your Stories and ads. Regularly reviewing these insights can help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.

How can I use Instagram influencers to build my brand?

Collaborating with Instagram influencers can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility for your brand. Start by identifying influencers who align with your brand values and have a following that matches your target audience. You can then partner with them for sponsored posts, product reviews, or giveaways.

How can I use Instagram ads to build my brand?

Instagram ads offer a powerful way to reach a larger audience and promote your brand. You can use different types of ads depending on your goals – for example, photo ads for showcasing your products, video ads for telling your brand story, or carousel ads for featuring multiple products. Make sure your ads are visually appealing, align with your brand image, and include a clear call to action.

How can I use user-generated content to build my brand on Instagram?

User-generated content (UGC) can be a valuable tool for building your brand on Instagram. It not only provides you with free content but also helps build trust and authenticity. Encourage your followers to share photos or videos of your products, and make sure to give them credit when you repost their content.

How can I use Instagram Live to engage with my audience and build my brand?

Instagram Live offers a unique opportunity to engage with your audience in real-time. You can use it to host Q&A sessions, product launches, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes tours. Make sure to promote your live sessions in advance to ensure maximum attendance, and engage with your viewers by responding to their comments during the live session.

Abhishek TalrejaAbhishek Talreja
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Abhishek Talreja is working as a Digital Marketing Manager with Enterprise Monkey. He has a keen interest in technology, and small business productivity. Enterprise Monkey helps SMEs and Not-For-Profits save time & money and increase revenue through automation, optimization & intelligence.

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