5 Ways Instagram Can Help Promote Your Business

Here are a few Think Tech tips to get you started on Instagram:

1. Host a contest 

Customers love the chance to win prizes and using Instagram to hold a photo contest is a great way to help boost your company’s online presence. Holding a contest engages your customers and gives the impression that your business is personable.

Holding a contest could be as simple as asking fans to send in a photo of themselves using one of your products or services. You choose the winner and feature them on the page or offer a discount of some sort in return.

2. Use hashtags

Think of hashtags as keywords or as trending topics. Each time you add a hashtag to an Instagram post the larger your audience gets. This is because consumers use hashtags as a method of searching. To ensure that your company’s hashtags are relevant, try researching which tags are the most popular or searched for before posting.

A few popular hashtags you can start with include #throwbackthursday and #tbt.

3. Post regularly

Just like Facebook or any other social media networking site, consistency is key. Instagram’s feed is constantly refreshing, which means posting frequently is imperative.

In order to see what works best for you and your company, try experimenting with a different number of posts each day, at different times of day. Then measure the results and keep note to find the perfect formula for you.

And, if all else fails, try posting at least once a day. That way followers will still recognize that your business is out there.

4. Follow your followers  

Another great way to build your following is to follow your followers. Many large companies on Instagram take their followers for granted and don’t follow back. Sometimes this can lead to a consumer unfollowing the company.

To create strong and reputable relationships on Instagram, find and follow the brands and people that inspire you.

5. Optimize your profile

An Instagram profile is similar to a Facebook page or Twitter account – it needs to include brand information in a specific format. For example, an Instagram profile image should be 110 x 110 at minimum.

Let us know how we can help your organization.

Editor’s Note: This post is attributed to Tabitha Shiflett and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.