When it comes to social media marketing, Instagram often steals the spotlight.
And for good reason!
As the world’s 2nd favourite platform, Instagram is a powerhouse for engaging with your audience. It's not just about showcasing your brand’s personality, it's about building a real connection with your followers. But what does it take to craft a flawless Instagram strategy that truly stands out?
Let's find out!
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE
Before you start posting, take a moment to understand your audience. What are your audience's interests, pain points, and aspirations? Knowing your audience inside out allows you to tailor your content to resonate deeply with them.
Think about the last brand you followed and the content that made you follow them. Were they posting sales-y content advertising their products over and over again, or were they posting content that was relatable and human?
We're willing to place our bets on the second! Authenticity goes a long way on Instagram, so don't be afraid to show the unfiltered side of your brand. Check out our portfolio here for some more examples!
2. CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Consistency breeds familiarity, and on Instagram, this is no different! Aim to maintain a consistent posting schedule that works for your brand and resonates with your audience.
Understanding your audience's preferences is key. Whether it's daily posts, stories every few hours, or a weekly IGTV series, find what works best for your audience and stick to it. For a good reference point, the average Instagram business account posts 1.55 posts on their feed per day!
Including a consistent posting schedule in your strategy will help to keep your brand top-of-mind and ensure your audience knows when to expect new content from you.
USE CAROUSELS AND REELS
If you want to boost your engagement, carousels and reels are the way to go!
Carousels are fantastic for boosting interaction. While the average engagement rate for business accounts is 0.65%, carousels bump it to 0.76%! They’re perfect for sharing multiple images or telling a story in one post, encouraging your audience to swipe and engage.
Reels are also incredibly popular as of right now. According to Meta, Instagram Reels are the most shared format in DMs. They’re not just fun and dynamic but also highly engaging! Use reels to showcase your brand’s creativity, personality, and behind-the-scenes moments.
MAKE HASHTAGS YOUR NEW #BFFS
Hashtags are the secret to getting discovered on Instagram. Use a mix of popular hashtags related to your industry, niche hashtags specific to your content, and branded hashtags unique to your brand.
Don’t overdo it, though—focus on quality over quantity! Instagram recommends using just 3-5 hashtags per post.
ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE
Instagram isn’t just a megaphone for broadcasting your message – it’s a conversation. Building a loyal community means actively engaging with your audience. Respond to comments and messages, like and share user-generated content, and join relevant discussions in your industry.
With 70% of Instagram DM conversations leading to conversions, engaging with your audience could lead to a new customer!
Who doesn’t love a brand that listens and responds to its customers?
ANALYSE AND ADAPT
Lastly, every Instagram strategy is complete with analytics. Use Instagram Insights (or third-party tools) to track your likes, comments, shares, reach, and more performance metrics.
Analyse what’s working well and what isn’t, then adjust your strategy accordingly.
Instagram’s algorithm constantly evolves, so staying agile and adaptable is critical to staying ahead!
READY TO STRATEGISE?
With these tips and tricks, you should be well on your way to creating a flawless Instagram strategy!
And if you still need a helping hand, we’re here for you. As content marketing specialists, we assist with content creation, community engagement, and more. Check out our Instagram services here to get started, or contact us for personalised advice.
Until next time, see you on the gram!
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