When starting up your new business’ social media profiles, it can be hard to build a following. So how do you do it? Here’s our guide to building an engaged and authentic following for your new Instagram profile in 5 easy steps:
1. Follow your network
This one is simple – find the profiles of everyone in your professional network, follow them, and regularly engage with their content. This could include your suppliers, stockists, business partners, employees and whoever else you can think of! They’ll get a notification that you followed them, so they can start following you back. This is a great way to start building your organic network – after all, these are all people who are already invested in and care about your business.
2. Spread the word
If you regularly send out communication to your audience, (e.g. newsletters or emails), mention that you’ve recently joined Instagram, and provide an link so they can follow you easily. If you have a physical store, put up a sign with your Instagram handle and encourage your regular customers top follow you to receive updates! If you have business cards, include your handle on there as well!
3. Engage with hashtags
As part of creating your content for Instagram, you should do some research and identify which keywords you’ll be using on your posts. These can range from specific, branded hashtags (e.g. #yourbusinessname), to location specific hashtags (e.g. #floristryyourcity) to broader, more industry relevant hashtags (e.g. #floristry). Picking a mix of hashtags will ensure your reaching a wide range of people. Once you’ve identified these hashtags, start following them and engage on them frequently! If there’s an account you keep coming across and love their work, comment on one of their posts and follow them! They might just follow you back.
4. Make the most of Instagram Stories
If you’re new to the world of social media, figuring out what content to put on your Instagram Feed, and what to post on your Instagram Story can be really confusing. You may also be trying to figure out how it’s going to help you grow your following on Instagram. Posting on your Instagram Story, and making the most of all the features, including location services, can help build your following on Instagram. For more information about how to make the most of Instagram Stories, here’s our guide.
5. Host a competition
Sometimes, the easiest way to get people to do something is to reward them for it. Consider hosting a small giveaway or competition when you hit a milestone on your Instagram account – maybe 100, or 500 followers? Encourage your followers to tag their friends in your post in order to enter, and spread the word about your business.
It’s important to note that when hosting a competition on Instagram, there are certain rules and regulations you’ll need to follow, so it’s important to do your research before starting. Here’s a helpful guide on what to do and not do.
By following these five easy steps, you’ll be sure to start building an authentic and engaged following for your new social media profiles. If you’re considering outsourcing the social media work for your business, reach out to Digital Freak today! Our team of experts will be able to help you every step of the way.
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