Creating an Instagram account for your business is easier than you think! In this post, we’ll cover 4 reasons you may want to jump on the Instagram bandwagon now, even if you’re not ready to fully commit to managing an account. Then when you’re ready, use the 12 steps in our checklist to set up and optimize your account.
[Updated 6/20/18]
4 Reasons to create your Instagram account now:
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To reach people on one of the most popular social platforms
Instagram announced in June 2018 that it has 1 Billion Users! and that users of all ages are on this platform. While you may still need to do some research to determine if your target audience uses this site, it’s not a bad idea to at least create an account as a placeholder.
That way, you make sure you get the username you want, and when the time is right you can put a strategy and posting schedule in place.
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To “test the waters” while the platform is getting lots of attention
Facebook is putting a lot of emphasis on Instagram as it continues to quickly grow, and that creates excitement and attention for the App. With new users joining the platform at a rapid pace, your business could stand out among competitors just by being there.
Set up your account and start looking for current customers, peers, and top prospects. Connect with current customers to keep in touch in a more “informal” way with eye-catching photos or behind-the-scenes videos of your business.
Check out accounts of peers, industry leaders, and competitors to get ideas on what’s working for them and how you can adapt some of those ideas for your account.
Post a few photos, videos or Stories each week to see what kind of response you get, and then if it’s a good one, plan a more consistent, frequent posting strategy.
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To expand your Facebook marketing strategy
As reach and engagement on Facebook have declined, both have increased on Instagram (which is owned by Facebook if you didn’t know). So integrating both platforms may help your Facebook Page strategy.
Create an Instagram business account and then go to your Facebook Page settings to connect the two platforms. Note that this also connects your Instagram Stories to your Facebook Page Stories (adjust Story settings on Instagram).
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To create Ads on Facebook that can be posted on Instagram
You can use Facebook’s Ad Manager to create Ads that will display on Facebook and Instagram or on Instagram only.
Connect your Instagram account to your Facebook Page (as mentioned above) before you create an Ad. Go to your Page’s Settings, choose Instagram, and follow the steps to link your Instagram account.
Learn more about creating Instagram Ads from this Facebook tutorial: Get Started Advertising on Instagram
Checklist: 12 Steps to Get Your Instagram Account Set Up or Optimized
Step 1. Define your marketing goals and your target audience
Why would Instagram be a good fit for your business?
Who do you want to connect with, and what interests do they have that might be highlighted on Instagram?
What specific goals do you have for your Instagram account?
Step 2. Decide what type of content (and in what form) to share
Organize your content ideas into topics or content “buckets”.
Then consider how you’ll share them. Mainly photos? Videos? A Combination?
You will need to plan for posts on your Feed, and content for Instagram Stories.
Step 3. Determine your available resources
Align your Instagram strategy with your available resources: will you be managing your own account or out-sourcing?
Do you have a team or assistant available to take and edit photos/videos?
Do you have a few time-saving Apps lined up before you begin posting?
Step 4. Choose a username that is easy for people to remember (or attribute to your business)
When setting up your account (or re-branding), pick a username that makes it easy for people to find you: use your business name (or your name for personal branding), your Twitter handle, the name you use on Facebook or Pinterest, etc.
Step 5. Optimize your Bio and Settings
You need a business account to get analytics and insights, and to run Ads, so if you already have a personal account either convert it or create a second account for business.
Make sure your account is set to Public if you want to build a following.
Include keywords (for your interests/topics) and a short description of what you’ll be sharing and posting in your Bio.
Including emojis is another effective way to make your Bio stand out.
You can also include hashtags, but try to focus on ones that are branded for your business: a hashtag that is too broad will send potential followers to other accounts.
Use the contact options: Call – Email – Get Directions – Action Button (like bookings or reservations)
Step 6. Upload a good profile photo
You may decide to use your company logo if the account is strictly business, or use a photo of you/your team to make the account more informal and personable.
Step 7. Add a website/landing page link to your Bio
Put your website (or most important) URL in your profile since it is the only spot for a “clickable” link.
Links are not clickable in posts, although you can add the text so people have the option to copy and paste it.
Note that once you have 10,000 or more Followers, you can add website links to your Stories.
Step 8. Use Hashtags on all your posts
Choose your target market’s top hashtags: make a list of the top 5-10 hashtags for each topic you’ll be referencing, and then use them on a consistent basis.
Check out Instagram’s Trending Tags and related Tags when optimizing posts. (Also take note of the hashtags your competitors and industry leaders are using.)
Create several hashtags that are unique to your account so you can track them when others include them in posts.
The maximum number of hashtags allowed is 30, but do some research to find out if you need that many in all of your posts.
Step 9. Geotag your posts if location is important
Adding a location to all or some of your posts can be strategic if you are a locally-based business or if you are attending events and sharing photos.
Note that adding locations and hashtags to your Stories can help your content show up in the Explore tab.
Step 10. Watermark your own images
Make sure you are adding a watermark to any original photos, so people will easily recognize it as yours.
Your watermark can be your website, name or unique hashtag. There are a variety of mobile Apps available that add text or signatures to your images.
Step 11. Promote your Instagram account on your website and social sites
Put a Badge or Gallery on your website so people can easily find (and follow) your account. You can create a badge on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/accounts/badges/
Link your Instagram account to other social sites (in your Settings) to easily share posts across platforms.
Pro Tip: Link your Instagram account to your Facebook Page (in your Page Settings) so you can create Instagram Ads on Facebook’s Ad Dashboard.
Step 12. Engage with other users and connect with new people
Just like any other social media site, success on Instagram relies on how effectively you are engaging with your community.
Monitor your account consistently and then reply to comments, reciprocate with Likes (hearts), and follow new accounts.
If you want to learn more about a custom strategy for your business, then let’s talk! We offer a free consultation so you can learn the next best steps for your business’ Instagram marketing plan.
Click here to contact us about your free Instagram Consultation today!
About Terry League