Does this sound like you… you know about Instagram, you may have even set up an account, but you cannot figure out how the heck to use it for your business. It seems like a lot it’s all about posting selfies and the great meals people are having at cool restaurants. Where does business come into play? How do you get more visibility on Instagram?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this post I’ll share some tips on how you can optimize your Instagram account to create more visibility, awareness, and opportunities for your business.
First, you should know that I love Instagram. I love scrolling through the stream and discovering gorgeous photos of landscapes I’d like to visit, food and restaurants I want to experience, art I covet, and motivational quotes that inspire me. In fact, I have tried several new restaurants in Los Angeles after following their posts, and I recently bought a print from a street artist I follow, after I saw his work featured in a pop-up gallery.
Recently, I asked my blog subscribers to let me know what kind of challenges they were facing with their social marketing. One of the replies I received was from a friend and client who is a fine art consultant. She said,
I have an Instagram page now, and sometimes its fun, but I have a hard time seeing if it will ever reap any benefits.
- Make a list of all the interior designers, hotels, art galleries, artists, journalists whose attention you want to get.
- If they’re on Instagram follow them.
- When they post something you like, like it and comment (that gets you on their radar and often they’ll follow you back)
- Make a list of the hashtags interior designers are using on their IG posts (her primary clients are interior designers).
- Take pictures of all your projects and post them (at least once a day) using the hashtags designers are using plus tag the project and artists
- Connect your IG account to the Facebook profile and when you post on IG, share to FB so you leverage your time and get the posts on both platforms.
Your Instagram Profile
Who to Follow on Instagram
As you can see from the first item on the list above, you want to follow people who are important to your business. Start with the easy people: your clients, employees, vendors, friends, and family. Next, make a list of the people you want to know: prospects, influential people in your industry, journalists who write about your industry, for example.
You could visit their websites to find a link to their Instagram profile and follow from there. Or, you can use the search tool on Instagram to find their profile, if it exists.
In the case of Paragone Gallery, I recommended she start following interior designers since they are a primary source of her projects.
Laurie Laizure is the founder of the Interior Design Community, one of the most active and largest on Instagram. That’s the first profile, I suggested Francie should follow.
Here’s why: once Francie is following the IDC, then their posts will show up in her feed. From there, Francie can like, comment and share the images she loves. This will help get her on the radar of more interior designers who may, at some point, follow Francie and eventually may see a piece of art they want to show to a client.
Louie Beckham
A good example of showcasing followers and the logo/template idea is a shopping centre here in Toronto ..
Denise Wakeman
Hi Louie, do you have a link on Instagram for the shopping centre?
Garrett
Great comprehensive post Denise. I think the part about the one link in the bio is interesting for marketing. I wonder if that’s something Instagram will eventually change. Keep up the great work!
Denise Wakeman
Thanks for stopping by Garrett. The single link in the bio is a real distinction on Instagram. I think there would be an uprising on Instagram if it changed to allow more links.
Francie Kelley
Thank you Denise for discussing the rewards and challenges of Instagram, and featuring my company. You have been my guide on the journey into social media for a long time, and demystified to me what was overwhelming. You have this incredible ability to pinpoint a plan of action that speaks specifically to my business. You help me recognize a myriad of possibilities, and how to turn those possibilities into realities and successes.
Denise Wakeman
Francie, you are most welcome! I’m glad we found a social network that is perfect for showcasing your business. I love the photos you post. Keep it up!