With an estimated 600 million users, Instagram is one of the most popular social networks online. More than 1 million monthly active advertisers also indicates the platform has an engaged following that is responsive to marketing. Content marketing, one of the most prominent promotional strategies at this time, requires access to engaged users, so Instagram should certainly be included in any campaign. As with all strategies, however, you need to understand the platform you are targeting and how to get the best results for your effort. The following methods can get you started with Instagram, allowing you to focus on the aspects that provide the greatest ROI.
Monitor Hashtags
Paying attention to relevant hashtags lets you see the type of content that receives likes and comments. You can quickly uncover accounts in your niche that are using the platform effectively, learning valuable information about what works and what doesn’t. Interacting with niche sites can also lead to new followers and business relationships.
Use Image Tools
You can create images yourself, but there are tools that make the process easier. Canva and VCSO can be used to size and edit images, using various filters and text tools to provide engaging content. Boomerang lets you create short videos that loop back and forth. Aviary has many different filters and backgrounds that help you edit pictures and build your own memes.
Develop Content in Advance
Creating content in batches is a great way to ensure you stick to a consistent schedule. Using a block of time to develop your weekly images will free you up to work on other tasks. Hootsuite and Later are a couple of tools that let you upload your images in advance and set a posting schedule.
Repost Images
Social media is designed for sharing, so consider reposting appropriate images from other accounts. You can provide attribution to the original poster, but also benefit from the interest generated on your own account. If you only repost images, many followers will simply gravitate to the original accounts, but sporadic reposting helps maintain a high standard. Repost is one of the various free apps available for quickly reposting with attribution.
Make Use of Video
Instagram has moved deeper into video, increasing the length of video clips over time and developing Instagram Live, so video marketing also plays a key part with any Instagram strategy. The live video streaming can help connect followers to your brand, offering behind-the-scenes footage of events or an interview. Recorded video can be used for product demonstrations, mini commercials, and viral content.
Use Dedicated Software
Along with the aforementioned image tools, there are also products that can benefit businesses looking to grow their brand. SimplyMeasured offers comprehensive social media analytics, while Minter simplifies data interpretation. Crowdfire helps you find the accounts you should be following. Iconosquare is a tool for businesses requiring detailed analytics. Finally, Buffer covers everything from editing images to scheduling the posting, as well as analysing the data for you to make smart choices.
As one of the fastest-growing websites online, Instagram is hard to ignore if you want to maximize results from a content marketing campaign. Social media does, however, require an alternative style of marketing that might not be appropriate elsewhere. People are predominantly using the site for fun and leisure, so your marketing must be subtle and in the spirit of the site. The right images can lead to a rapidly increasing follower count that will gladly visit an external site, thereby allowing you to move people into your sales funnel. With effective branding and quality content, you can attract people interested in learning more about your business and any subsequent offers.
