With over 100 million active users, Instagram is a powerful tool for businesses. Users can post photos, videos and live updates and engage with their followers. Even celebrities and well-known businesses have used the platform to build their own brands.
Many small businesses – including restaurants – are using Instagram to network with customers and gain new business. As a result, Instagram has become one of the most important social media networks for small business marketing. An Instagram business profile allows you to connect with your customers in a new way. People love to see pictures of your dishes and by creating a business profile you have the opportunity to showcase your brand in a more personal way that will be appealing to wider audiences.
Here are 6 steps for growing your following on Instagram.
- Create a business profile
You don’t have to use your personal Instagram profile as your business page. It’s important that you create a unique presence on the social media platform and it can’t hurt your SEO efforts. Make sure your business is represented as a professional profile on Instagram. This will make it easier for customers to find you, and give them confidence that they’re dealing with a reputable business. Also, by having a professional business page, you’ll set yourself up for easy integration with other social platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Keep it clean and simple: Make sure your profile picture is a photo of you, the team, or your recognizable logo.
How to do it: To set up a business profile: Go to the Profile section of your Settings page. If you’re following a person, tap Business to learn more. On your profile, tap Name and select your business name from the drop-down menu.
- Use high-quality photos and videos
With Instagram being a visual platform, it’s important to post high-quality photos and videos that represent your brand well. Poor quality content will reflect poorly on your business. When it comes to social media images, larger is better. Make sure that your profile picture and cover photo are easy to see and in high resolution.
How to do it: To create a photo, tap + in the top right, then select a photo or video from your Camera Roll. To create a post with text and emojis, tap + in the bottom right, then type your message, use emojis, or add stickers. When you’re happy with how it looks, post it to Instagram.
- Use relevant hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by people who are interested in what you do. Hashtags are words or phrases that describe what your post is about. People searching the hashtag will then see your post in their search results. Use relevant hashtags that relate to your business, so that people can easily find your content. Taking the time to pick relevant hashtags can do wonders for your post. Whether you’re a blogger, shop owner, small brand, large corporation or even a celebrity, hashtags help you connect with your target market and reach them in new ways. Local hashtags can work well here; using your city or community can help people in your area find your business. You may also want to add #local or #supportlocal if you want people to know you run a local business.
How to do it: Make a list of the hashtags that you want your post to show up for during a search. For example, #eattacos and #pizza are effective hashtags for reaching foodies that are interested in a specific dish.
- Post regularly
If you want to gain followers and keep them engaged, you need to post regularly. Consistency is key when it comes to social media marketing. With images, you have a bit more flexibility than with a blog. You can post on your own time, even if that means 2am, as long as the content is good and fits with your brand. Don’t just post because it’s Wednesday and you said you would. Post because the image you are sharing is worthy of being seen by your audience. Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for their opinions on Instagram posts either.
How to do it: Snap a picture of your best dish, a special, your staff prepping food, or even your clean kitchen before you open, then put it up using the + in the corner.
- Use influencers
Influencers have a large following of people who are interested in what they do or recommend. If you can get an influencer with a large following in your industry to mention or promote your brand, it can be extremely beneficial.
How to do it: Start by making a list of every single person on Instagram who posts about your target market or products (ie: coffee lovers). Next, go through their followers. Contact these influencers and ask if they’re willing to post about your restaurant or a specific dish.
- Keep track of your analytics
Make sure you’re keeping track of your analytics, so that you know what’s working and what isn’t when it comes to marketing your business on Instagram. By paying attention to the numbers, you can fine-tune your strategy for maximum impact.
How to do it: When you post a photo, there are plenty of stats you can view (likes, comments, shares), but there’s another important one – your reach. This helps you know what posts are having an impact on your followers.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us to find out how we can help you.
