How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Business in 2019!

A few years ago I created a video called, how to use Instagram, to promote your business and this, was a very, well received video so many people in my community reached, out to me and told me how, helpful that video was for helping them understand. Instagram. And how to use it and specifically, how to use it to promote, their, businesses. But. So much has changed with, Instagram in the last few years we've, gone through several algorithm. Changes, and so. Many new features being added to Instagram, that I think it's about time to create, an update to that video so, that, is what we're going to be talking about today so if you are looking for an updated, strategy for using Instagram. Specifically. To grow your brand or business online. Stay, tuned. Hello. My Charmed Ones and welcome back to my channel for another video and if this is your first time with me I would like to say welcome my, name is Alexis, but I'm also known as miss trenchcoat, all across, the Internet I'm an online entrepreneur who, designs themselves productivity. Tools strategies, and skills to help you manifest. Success, with less stress so if that sounds interesting to you I'll leave some links down below in the description box where you can check out more of my work online and feel free to download some of my latest free, productivity. Tools over, at the charm shop comm, so today's video is going to be structured a little bit more like a class where, I'm going to be teaching from slides I have my computer right here in front of me and that's just to make it easier for you to follow along because there, is a lot of information in, this class that I want to get through in as quick, amount of time as I can. Now, like normal I'm not going to be giving out the slides to this class but, what I am going to do instead is give you an incredibly, valuable free, download, and Instagram. Content. Planner so this Instagram content, planner is going to help you take what you learn today and, integrate. That into a, real, 30, day Instagram. Marketing plan, for your brand and business so, grab the link at the top of the description box it's going to be soo valuable, for anyone, who's interested in this topic of growing your Instagram, for, business and honestly. It's something that I would normally give, to, the students, in one of my online business courses, but, I decided to give it away as an accompaniment, to this video, because I really wanted to make sure that, each and every one of you who is interested in growing, your Instagram, for business and learning how to use Instagram, more, strategically, was able to see results, very quickly from, using these strategies oh, and. Can you guys see my new shirt that I'm wearing today, it says entrepreneurship. Is the new black yes. Like the name of that class I put. On a few years ago this, is actually from a new line of merch that I created with teespring, if you're, watching this video through. YouTube you, should see if something below the video that, is kind, of promoting, these new, merch designs, I have a couple of different designs. These are mostly going to be like tops and shirts but there are a few other accessories, as well to, make it a little easier for you all so make sure to link be new designs in the description, box just in case you're not seeing that promo below, the video so, definitely check them out if you want some inspirational, office attire or new, office, accessories, oh and, one more thing before we get started please take a moment right now to go ahead and give this video a, thumbs, up give it a like if you like this topic, and you're interested, in this topic and make, sure you're subscribed to my channel for, more awesome productivity. Planning, and online business content because I have, lots, of great new content coming your way and since, we're talking about Instagram, today why, don't you go ahead and show your instructor, a little love by following her on instagram, at miss trenchcoat, and that way you can let me know how things are going for you as you, start executing, on these strategies, okay, so without further ado let's go ahead and jump into today's, content. Okay, so what you're going to learn in today's class I have structured, this information, into three parts part. Number one is the mechanics, of Instagram, where you're going to be learning how to get your account set up and optimized. For business, use in, the next section we're going to be talking about posting, to Instagram so, we're going to be talking about all of the different hosting options, like I said there a lot of new options at it and we're going to talk about what they're each used for so that you're not confusing, the purpose of each and making. The best use of each of the options and then the third and final section is going to be ten tips for using Instagram. For, your business so this is going to be the strategy to follow for.

Growing Your following and selling, on Instagram, as well so, part number one the mechanics, of Instagram. So. What is Instagram, for any of you who are completely. Fresh and new to Instagram, it is a photo and video sharing social, media platform, so it's just like all of the other social media platforms, out there where you sign up for an account and you're able to connect, with other people specifically. In a business setting you're going to be hopefully connecting, with, people who are going to be your audience your followers, and your customers. Now Instagram is kind of like the Swiss Army knife of platforms. Right now there's a lot of things that Instagram, is trying to do and it's doing it very well actually. So, for, instance Instagram. Has killed snapchat, it's, replaced. Periscope, and it wants to be YouTube and it's even, beginning, to mimic Pinterest, in some ways in preparation, for today's video I even noticed a new video, call feature so, I have a feeling that Instagram is going to be coming for like FaceTime, and Skype as, well so kind of watch out for that but. Instagram gives you the ability to post, photos and, videos, to your feed livestream, to your following, post, 24-hour. Temporary. Posts, to your Instagram story, and to post longer. Form video content, to your Instagram TV. Channel, so. Like I said really, the Swiss Army knife of platforms. Integrating. The best of photography, and video. Into one platform now. If you did not know Instagram. Was purchased a few years ago by Facebook. And ever since Facebook has gotten their hands into Instagram there, have been a lot of new changes and upgrades so due to the integration now with Facebook Instagram. Can also help, you to shop, through, Instagram, you, can run ads do group chats through DM, and save, inspiration. To boards this book has really changed a lot about Instagram, and for business owners who have been using the platform for a while it, can feel like some of these changes are actually making it more difficult for, us to remain relevant, but, realistically. We have to remember that everything that facebook is doing is ultimately, to increase user engagement and, profitability, of the platform, which, means they want to make sure that they're doing a good job of, keeping users happy with the content that they're getting on the platform, so all this work that we do for our businesses, building, followings, and creating content isn't. Just lost overnight, because Instagram goes under or Falls to a competitor, so remember. That now. Let's talk about how, to get set up on Instagram, so obviously, if you want to create an Instagram account you, can go ahead and do that it's absolutely free you sign up via email, or Facebook, I don't know if they're gonna change those options in the future but those are the options I see now and of, course the first thing that you're gonna want to do is to choose your username. Your handle that you're going to be using on the platform, now this is very important. Because if you're a business, owner your, username, should be in line with your business make sense right your, picture, should also be your business logo or if you are like me and you're kind of the face of your brand it should, be a headshot. Of you that is used in other social media as well and this is just to develop consistency. For your audience when, they see that consistent, business name when they see that consistent. Business icon, photo either your logo or your headshot, they, know that the person they're following is truly, you is truly a representative. Of your brand and business, now. A very popular question I get for, those who actually do run, a business and would like to share personal, things on Instagram as well is should.

You Have more, than one Instagram account if you want to use one for business and one for personal and my answer for that is yes if you, are planning to use Instagram. To grow your brand of business but you also want, to share a lot, of your personal, life a lot of things that really aren't relevant to your business, go, ahead and just create a second account it makes it so much easier for you and really helps to keep your privacy, if you're someone is really going to be posting a lot of personal things now. You might be wondering about me I only have one account well technically I have two I, have one under my Mis trenchcoat, which is the one I actually use and I have another one that is the name of my website strange, and charmed but I don't use that strange and charmed one I just kind of have it there as a placeholder so that no one takes that name but. Realistically. I'm not someone who shares a lot of the details of my day-to-day life or like personal, things everything from my life that I share is, business-related. For, me for, the most part so I haven't felt the need to create a second account but, that could I guess change in the future but for now you know my name is trenchcoat account is the one that I've used for years, and that's where I've got my following, of like 25,000. Subscribers or, followers so. That, is the main account that I use now the next step once you create your account is to go ahead and create your bio, Instagram, gives you an ability to put a bio in there in, your profile to let people know who you are which are about things. Like that now, it's really important to keep in mind that this bio area, if you are a business, is not, about you, and telling your life story but. Instead it's kind of like a social version. Of your elevator, pitch this. Is the area where you get to tell people why. They want to follow you and to set the stage for what, they can expect from you in terms, of content, if they do follow you so, I highly, recommend that, you kind of leave out personal, details if they're not things that play to your brand if there are things that definitely play to your brand let's say that you are a. Blogger, who focuses, on motherhood then absolutely, you're gonna want to mention that you're a mother and that. You have maybe a certain amount of children or what their genders are or maybe, you can share their names if you feel comfortable with that because, it's relevant but, you probably wouldn't want to do that if you have you, know a business that is not motherhood. Related, right so you just want to make sure that you keep the details that you share on here light. And fun and really geared, towards your business and who your audience, is as opposed. To talking. Specifically, about you so, as you can see, have shown you here my little bio and I'm gonna go ahead and read it to you so you guys can get an idea of what, this is about so it says productivity. And online, business tools, of strategies and skills I'll teach you how to manifest success, with less stress get my latest free online business, toolkit with, the link below so. That is an example of what I'm talking about about letting. People know what, you're about what you do and why they'd want to follow you so you can you know assume that, someone following me know is that they're going to learn about productivity and online, business and I'll talk about tools strategies, and skills that they'll need for those topics, and of. Course, I've got my little branded. By. Line that says manifest, success with less stress because that gives more information to people about, what I'm about from about manifestation. About doing things easily and stress-free so that all rolls into my, brand, but you see that there's really nothing about my, personal life anything. About, things that I personally like, or am interested, in it's all about my business and all about, what. I can do for my audience so keep that in mind when you're creating your bio now, the next thing you're going to do with your bio is to choose your bio, link, so, there is one, link and I say that one link that you get for Instagram in quotations, because there's.

Some Ways around this your. Bio link is the one link that you get to, direct, people elsewhere. Outside of, Instagram. So. You really want to get strategic, about how you're going to use it a lot, of people use that link tree, thing, where, they can create a link tree account that gives them the ability to actually give. Their, users a. Few, different options for, how they can follow them or where to go after Instagram. Some. People like me give, a free opt-in something, that is like a gift or something that really introduces. Their audience to their, brand. Their business, their product etc, other. People, might direct their audience to another platform to, their shop or to their, blog if that's where they want to send people really. This is where you need to ask yourself, if I could let. New followers, see one, thing if I can send them one place outside of Instagram, where would I send them so really you want to thank about what your priority, is for, Instagram, and for your business, so a little activity that you can do to help you kind of narrow, down what you might want to use as the link is to, finish this sentence, I'm, using, Instagram. To blank. So fill in the blank is it, to grow my community, is it, to make sales is, it to show off my work maybe, it's to grow my list, the, person who clicks that link is what we would consider a warm. Lead, ok so they know a little bit about you and they. Like you enough to go ahead and click and they want to see more of what you're doing so, where should they be going next if, they, are warming, up to you and you want to make them a hot, lead a hot follower who might become someone, who is a customer, in the future and the final thing that you want to do in setting up your account is to add integrations. So you can link your Instagram account to, your Facebook business page and get, a business account or what I'm using right now is currently a creator, account now these are free, integrations. That basically. Give you access to upgraded. Features the. Biggest feature that you get that I would say is the most valuable from, doing this is the, ability to use, the soy up feature to add a link into your Instagram, stories, if you have a following, on Instagram that's. Like over 10,000, although, there are other ways to get around that, actually as well so it's not 100% necessary, but. When you do have that integration, with Facebook to your Instagram you are given, access to be able to have increased analytics, run. Ads and, really. To do some of those like shoppable, Instagram. Options. That you may have seen on Instagram, if you've been poking around so. That's the final thing that you'll want to do is add any integrations. That fit for you and are, applicable. To the type of business you're running so. Next let's go ahead and talk about posting. To Instagram. So. Like I said there are a couple of different options you have for posting. To Instagram the, first the classic, is the Instagram. Feed and as you can see in this picture I have, just kind of zoomed in to show you the area of your, profile, that is your Instagram, feed, now. Here you're going to want to focus on using the, 1 to 1 square where for, your images yes, you can use images, that have slightly different ratios. But, one-to-one. Square ratio, is what is optimized, for the platform now, things to know about the feed is that this is a more permanent, place to, post content.

This, Is where you're going to want to tell the story of your brand business, and focus heavily on your, messaging, and your aesthetic, this is really going to be like the meat of your profile. On your, Instagram, feed, images. And descriptions that, you use here and even videos as well should be very polished, high quality well-written, because. Quality is really what matters here because it's a more long form and, more, permanent option, for sharing content, with, your audience, the, next option you get is your Instagram, story and as you can see here and zoomed in on my, headshot. My logo, for my account, and you can see it's got the red ring around it, which means that there is a, Instagram. Story if people click on that so, that's where you can go and see people's Instagram, stories, and here this is optimized, for the 9 to 16 ratio, which is you, know basically just the, screen. Size, of most, smartphone. Devices. Now. Your Instagram story is a temporary, posting. Option it only lasts, 24 hours when. You post something into an Instagram story so, here is a really great place where you can share previews, of content, products, you, can share content from other platforms, if you have that swipe up feature you can literally say hey I posted, a new video or hey, I have, a new you know item in my shop swipe, up to go check it out right so if you have that swipe up feature that's very, helpful, but. It doesn't have to be as polished because this is a more temporary, place, to post things, can be a little, bit more off-the-cuff, you could be using you know more. Graphic. Sort of pictures and photography. Here because, it is less, permanent. But. Of course quality, does always, count so if you can be creating, the best quality graphics here and photography. Here and video as well it's, also it's always going to help bolster your, brand. Now. I personally actually have templates that I use before, different content that I share on my story this, makes it easier for me to share and gets a audience familiar. With the templates so that they kind of understand, and pay attention when. They see something, that they usually like, so, here's a few examples of, some templates. That I have ready to go I've got a template that I have that she's where I like to share my videos by putting like my video image, in the computer screen I also. Have some just like desk shots where I can, you know create lists, or give people information I, will, often create, templates, that promote, things like in this example the online business toolkit free, class and a PDF guide it's, a promotion, thing that would have a swipe up in there and then the final image, is a screen. Of my, iPhone where, again I could replace that screen, and put something in there maybe, a call to action content. Another, image something, that gets people a little bit more engaged so I found that having sort of template images, or graphics goes. A long way for helping me to really be able to keep my story filled and promote. Other aspects, of my brand of business online through, Instagram, now the next option you have with, your Instagram story is Instagram. Story highlights, and I have kind of zeroed in here on my, iPhone, screen where. You can see that I've got little circles. Of topics, that say, hi vibe office, inspo, I think the next one is maybe, freebies, and. You can see that a little graphic and and if you click on one of those what it does is it brings you to a selected. Feed of different. Instagrams stories, I've posted, in a. Highlight, now I think when it comes to your Instagram highlights, it's really important to think strategically about, which highlight, categories, you want your audience to see, and which Instagram, story posts, that you save to these categories, because it's, easy for these highlights, to get very long and really just like muddled up with content so. Just save a handful, of posts, into each category, so that people don't get annoyed having, to watch or click through lots. Of different content, in addition, I recommend, choosing your highlight cover image, wisely, as well I know a lot of people are doing these graphic. Icon, covers, for their highlights but honestly. Because Instagram is an image based platform, I think, it's important, to use a very pretty, like eye catching, image for these and I think that that probably does better than a generic icon. Also. Keep in mind that when it comes to your highlight cover images, you aren't. Limited to, using images, that are in that highlight you can actually upload, other covers, so I recommend, doing that use, the nicest, pic that you have that, illustrates, the category, for your cover so that people want to click on it want to learn more and then, get to see a very, streamlined, collection.

Of Highlights, that you've chosen to really, indoctrinate. Them into, that category that probably speaks to, some, area, of your business like I said products, content, things like that for my categories, I like to keep collections, before products. And different. Areas that speak to my business like office supplies or free downloads, that I have or you know productivity, and planning, topics, so, think, about the topics that you would want to show, people on your highlights, and again. Just streamline, what those images are going to be that, you're going to have there and hopefully, you'll be able to better direct your audience through your content, and help them to quickly and easily identify, other. Content, or products, or even services, that you offer that, may help them develop. A stronger bond with your business specifically. Now, the next posting option is Instagram, live, and again this is another 9, by 16, ratio, just. The size, of a smartphone screen, now. In order to access your, lives you will also see them in that same circle, that, your story, is in so actually if someone has a live and a story you, click their their, icon and you'll actually get an option for which one you want to view. Now. The Instagram, lives are an option, that you will actually find when you go to take, an image for. Your Instagram, story or post to your Instagram story it's just one of the scroll wheel options, at the bottom that, says live now, again, the lives are a temporary, option, for posting, to your account and it's. Really a great way to talk, directly to your audience. This is good for creating a live event, feeling, for a promotion. Or interacting. One-on-one, with your customers, getting, feedback sharing. More of the behind-the-scenes of your life doing, you know ask me anything sort, of question-and-answer, sessions, there's a lot of different ways that you can use the, live feature but remember it's temporary, it only lasts 24 hours it's, really more for spur the moment type, of you, know interactions. And authentic, interactions, with your audience or customers, now, for higher turnout, rates though I would definitely, suggest that you schedule and announce any lives that you're doing so, that you're following gets a chance to like know, that you're gonna go live instead. Of just randomly. Going live whenever yes you have the ability to do that and Instagram, will share. With your followers that you have gone Lize but, I think it's always better to be, able to schedule something like this and let people know or create, like an ongoing schedule, like hey guys I always go, live for a Q&A session about my products on Tuesdays, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern something, like that right if you keep it consistent or at, least announce when you're going to do it it gives you, better chance that people are going to show up live and when they show up live they have the ability to interact with you and again that's just more authentic. Interaction, and bonding, between, you and your brand and your, audience, and the. Final, Instagram, posting option is IG. TV, and again this, is optimized, for the 9 by 16, ratio or 16, by 9 ratio. Which, is the standard sort of high-def video dimension. So as you can see in my image your Instagram TV, feed, is also, down where your highlights, are and it actually is marked IG TV now, these videos are, really supposed, to be more permanent, high quality, video, content, that you're going to put here unlike. Your Instagram story these do not expire, you choose when, you delete them and so, this is really an opportunity for. You to create. Content. That is a little bit more high qualities, and another. Benefit, of using the Instagram TV, feature is that you have the ability no, matter who you are to, add a link into the description so, this is a great option for sharing videos that. Might be content. Previews, you know creating, additional content. For your Instagram, promoting. Prop promoting. Products, and even your opt-ins, you can do a lot of different things here create sort of almost like content. Commercials, I would say for, your brand and your products services etc now. I do want to stress here that it is very important though that this content, has some sort of value you, don't want to just make everything a commercial, but it does give you the opportunity, to showcase your brand and your, business products.

Etc At. A higher quality, level and it's more permanent right you're, gonna want to invest time and energy into creating the best video as possible, because it's, going to be able to sit there and I believe you're actually able to post videos that are up to an hour long using. The IG TV, function, now I think you only get maybe like 15, minutes if you are posting directly from your phone but. Instagram now has like a web-based, video uploader, so you could like upload a full, hour long video to, Instagram, from, your computer, so, definitely, put time and effort into thinking about what sort of videos you might want to share here, what, sort of links or things, you might want to add into your description so that you're sending your audience, to, places, specifically, that work for, your brand and your goals, now. We, get into the third and final section. Of this, class, and the 10 tips for using Instagram, for your business this is going to be heavy. Instagram, strategy here. So. Tip number one is to, take photos. And videos with the best camera that you have access to so, use a DSLR. Camera if you, can so that is what I use to take my pictures for Instagram most. Of the time and videos. As well even. Those template, images that you saw for Instagram, were created, with a DSLR camera because, quality, does matter, it goes a long way for, speaking to your brand and your, brand's quality as well. I'd. Also like to recommend here that you edit your photos before you post them right so even if you're taking photos on your, smartphone. Device, there are lots of different editing apps that you could be using on your smart phone on your computer etc, to. Make, the photo look, a little, bit better a little bit more high quality even. If it wasn't taken with a DSLR. Some. Examples, of apps that I use and, love on a regular basis are after, light facetune. Pic. Frame over Union, and Rona design, so definitely check those out, they are iPhone. Apps I'm not sure if they are available on Android, or Google or anything like that but those are the ones that I use and rely on. Tip. Number two is to use great, lighting now, if you are new to photography and do not know natural. Lighting is the best, possible, lighting that you can use it gives your pictures the best possible. Quality, now. If you are in a situation where, you do not have a lot of great natural light it, is fine to use studio, lighting if you have sort of studio lamps, or things that you can set up to take your pictures anyway that you can add light to a photo is great now. Another option you have is to use bright, daylight bulbs, in lamps, or for, example here in my office the lighting that you're seeing is partly coming in through a, double. Window that I have in my office but. Also I have bright white daylight, bulbs in my. Ceiling. Fixtures and that helps to create a, more even. Toned, look, for. My pictures, and my videos, so, consider, something like that you can always put these sorts of light bulbs, into a lamp and kind of create your own at-home studio, lighting if you don't have that option and, finally. Use things like reflectors. To enhance light you, can use things like white boards, or any other sort of balance boards there's plenty, of different photography. Options, and I'll maybe link some down below for you guys to check out just, some really great tools that you can add to, your photography. You know bundle for Instagram, but. These are going to also go a long way to help you create you, know a more, light filled image so those images, are higher-quality and go. A longer, way to speaking, to and you know catching the eye of your audience tip. Number three is to stick to your brand color scheme, in your Instagram, photos so, what I mean here, to use the colors and patterns and, even sorts, of filters. That, are all the same that, speak to your specific. Branding, this, will help to visually, distinguish, your brand from others even, those, in your niche so if you can see here in this picture I'm, showing you just like a little snippet of some pictures, that are on my Instagram, feed and what you're going to see here is a lot of black and white a lot of high contrast and, like.

Turquoise, Right because that turquoise color is my. Signature, color so black white turquoise those are my branding. Colors and you, will see that I use a lot of high contrast on, my pictures that's kind of what I mean by filters, you just want to make sure that, your images. Kind of all look the same that people know that all of these photos belong, to your, brand and you can do that by sticking within your brand color scheme and sticking, to sort, of treatment, of images, that are, in, post-production. In your editing process that, are all the same tip, number four is to use consistent. Backgrounds. For any photos, that might be sort of like styled. Desk shots or things like that you, can use a whiteboard or a photography. Backdrop, for something like this it's very common, for people to use those like, foam board is a really good way to kind, of get that whiteboard effect, you can also use, different sorts of cardboards. Wrapping, papers, you. Know sheets, blankets. Marble. As you can see in my image here and even sorts of tile sorts, of patterns, and things like that as a, background so the thing here is that you just want to kind of choose what your backgrounds, are gonna be and be consistent with it and make sure that the backgrounds, that you use speak, to your brand obviously. If you're someone whose brand is a little bit more like country, or rustic you might want to use like wood or like the wood paneling, as a background for your images because it might speak more to that sort of farmhouse country. Rustic feel, so, just do what feels right for your brand just make sure you keep things consistent a lot of my backgrounds, end up being like black or white or like. Marble, like this so this is just an example of, just, like a generic, image background that, I would have tip. Number five is to define your subject. Matter so. Ask yourself what subjects, speak to your brand and business. Four things that you could be taking, pictures of and sharing, on your Instagram, feed as, you can see here on this collection and images that I put together from, my feed there's, a lot of office, and desk, and coffee sort of inspiration, here some, of my products, tech gadgets, just things, that sort of evoke the idea of, working. For yourself working. From home being an entrepreneur, etc, and of course I threw a picture of myself in there a selfie because even. Though I do focus on my, content, topics a lot I do like, to make sure that people remember what I look like and share selfies of myself as well but my brand because it's you know because I'm not a model and I'm not someone who's very like focused, on me, I do. Tend to share more often than not photos. That are the. Situations, that, anyone, could literally see themselves walking into like a desk a computer, etc, really. Help people to connect with the image and feel like this is their life this. Is the light they could have if, they, work, with Alexis, and her brand and her products, etc another. Point I want to make on the consistent. Subject matter is also, the use of sort. Of consistent. Props so, if you can see in some of these images there's a lot of things in these pictures that are the same right so my, glasses, planner. Even, some like desk accessories that you might see when, you keep all of these sorts of things consistent. People are going to begin to recognize your, pictures, in the feed without even having to see your name now, I personally like to keep all of these items very realistic, I don't ever just throw things into my pictures just. For people to see I really make sure that all of the things that I'm taking pictures of are really things from my work to, give a very authentic, feel, to, my photography, tip. Number six is to stick to the big five content. Kings when it comes to the, content, and the descriptions, you're writing for your feed, I know a lot of people have questions about what, they should be writing as the, descriptions, of their pictures and even, to some extent the, subject, matter as well for the photos that they should be sharing on their feed and they, all come down to these five, content. Categories, number, one is to educate so, teach, your audience something that has to do with your brand in business through, your picture and through your description, number. Two is entertained so show them something funny or relatable. Something. That's going to help build like a connection, of trust between you and your audience, the, next is inspire, so give them a message that, is going to uplift them and really, inspire them into action, or to, really just help lift up their vibe but their their energy their mood because if you are someone who can affect their mood you're absolutely someone, that they're connecting, with number. Four is inform, so show them something like the behind the scenes of what goes into your brand and business so, often, we have these perfectly, curated, feeds and people are dying to know what's behind those, so, feel free to inform, your audience of what goes into, the work that you do and what goes into your brand your business and again that just develops more trust with, your audience and you and, finally.

Be, Sure to interact so, engage, with your audience ask them questions, do, community, building, or even sell, to them through, your pictures and descriptions, remember. Your, Instagram account is not just about you talking to them but, really trying to build a conversation. With your community, so, posts that help your audience to interact with you or to interact with your business are very, important. Tip. Number seven is to use, relevant, hashtags. So if you didn't know hashtags. Are like the search engine, of Instagram, so, what you're going to do here is make sure you have a collection, of relevant. Hashtags at, the, bottom of the, description for, your post. Now. The way you can do this is actually go ahead to your discover. Tab of your Instagram, and search, for tags and what. Might be relevant, keywords, that you might use to describe. A picture, it's, important, here that you're choosing, relevant. Tags that, really do speak to what. People are seeing or getting, from the content, that you're sharing keep. In mind there are like millions, of different hashtags out there so, it's really important, that you stick to ones that are as irrelevant as possible, and avoid a lot of the big spammy, tags. I personally. Find that using just a handful, of very relevant, targeted, tags is, a, better way to get new followers and new likes than, it is to really load, your description, box up with like every, popular, tag there is and the reason for this is that a lot, of the, more popular tags, end up getting marked as spam by, Instagram, and their algorithm, and if you happen to have a, spam. Tag on your, photo it's actually gonna end up blocking that photo from showing up in any search for any hashtags, so, keep that in mind it's better to check, out the hashtag make, sure it's legit make, sure it's not spam and use, them strategically because. If, you don't you, could run the risk of actually getting, your photos seen by no one, because, you're accidentally, using something spammy, and here, in the photo I just want to point out you can see that I've shown, you guys you, know some examples, of some, hashtags that I might use on my. Photos, and again they will change from image to image but, as you can see if you read through this a lot of it is planner productivity. Personal, development. And like, self management, related all, having. To do with my brand all having to do with the topic that was shared in that description, now. Tip number eight is to network and interact, remember. Instagram is a social, platform so, don't just post photos, and wait for likes you need to go out and find followers, and interact, with them as well, and don't, just follow people to have them follow follow you back and then drop them as soon as they follow you back be genuine, about who you're following who you're networking with who. You're interacting with as, you can see in this picture that I've shared with you you, know I make sure that when people leave me thoughtful comments, to leave them a response and that's really how you're going to grow trust. And authenticity, for, your brand and business with your followers and convert, followers, into potential. Customers, tip. Number nine is to have a plan, you, need a plan for your social media feed so that you remain, consistent. Growing. And interacting. With the community you're building and this is exactly why I've given you that free Instagram, content, planner so that you can sit down and, think, about August and that's been shared in today's class and really. Put these strategies, into action, by mapping out the content, that you're going to post on a monthly, basis, now. When it comes to mapping out and planning your content, there are some additional things you can do to help develop. Routine, and consistency, with your audience for example there. Are some shops that will share their new releases on specific. Days of the week so that helps to develop consistency. With their audience because their audience always knows that for example maybe on Wednesday the new releases are out so, they begin to anticipate and, get excited for Wednesday, and know on Wednesday I can see what's new in my favorite, shop also, think about running promotions. In line, with your Instagram even if you're running promotions outside. Of Instagram. On your shop through email on another platform think. About integrating, Instagram, into, these promotion, plans if you have a coupon code share, it on Instagram as, well perhaps. In your Instagram, story as opposed to your feed because it might be a temporary, promotion, but just make sure you're putting thought into using, Instagram, in line, with the rest of your business efforts so that you have that following, that you have built on Instagram, being.

Included, In whatever offers, and promotions and, things that you might be doing elsewhere and finally. Tip number 10 is to follow the 8020. Rule for, selling, this. Means that 80% of your posts should be sharing relevant, content, and 20%. Of your posts can be promoting. Your products, so, if you think about this out of 5 posts, 4 can be content, and then one has a sales call to action for example now the reason we follow the 80/20 rule is because you do not want to be constantly. Bombarding. Your audience, with, calls to action, or sales, or promotions, or showing them o buy this buy that do this do that you, want to give them incentive, for sticking around and, being, part of your community and those things need to be really high-quality valuable. Content, that again, speak to the, subject matter that you are posting in your account and those, big, five content. Kings that we talked about earlier, now. I have a few other tips that I don't want you to forget about when it comes to Instagram number. One that it's never been about, numbers on Instagram, it's always, been about community. As with most platforms, your Instagram Fowler account is really, only a vanity, thing as a business owner if you don't make more money because you have a larger, following, and thanks. To algorithm. Changes your whole following, is likely not seeing your posts anyway, only the people who are constantly engaging, with you are the ones who are really going to see everything you post so. Now it's more important, than ever to treat Instagram as a place where you share more intimately, and authentically, with your core community, to give them incentive, to, be checking up on you regularly, so that they're the ones who see your posts, number. Two is that the point of Instagram, is still, to socialize, at, its, core Instagram, is a social, media platform, and even though you and I might use it for business the. Point is to actually socialize. With our followers. This means actively, engaging, with them in our content, and actively responding, to their questions, and comments, we, should also be actively, engaging with the content of those that we follow as well the, platform, isn't just about you and you definitely, have people that you are connected, to that you're following and you, should absolutely pay them the favor of making, sure you engage and, interact with their content, as well number. Three is a big one you guys and that, is the pain for followers and likes is still against, the Terms of Service and, if you're thinking wait you can pay for followers, and likes on Instagram you can but, like I said it's, against the rules so it's clear that for some misguided people Instagram.

Followers, And the, lake numbers are a reflection of the value of their brand so they purchase followers, and likes in order to make themselves look better but, this behavior is against, the Terms of Service for. Instagram, and can get you banned it's, also fraudulent. For brands or influencers, to do this in hopes of gaining, more opportunities. Or, even free PR packages. Because, you are defrauding. The other company, now you might think there's no way that someone can tell that you're doing this but alas there is smart. Businesses, know that a quick scroll through your user follower, feed can, quickly show a prevalence, of unusual. Accounts. And spammy accounts, usually they'll, have a lot, foreign. Sorts of accounts that don't make sense for, the brand and just, accounts, that just look like they're spamming. Right like free, followers. Follow, for follow things, like that but just look wrong, also. Sites like social blade actually track, and publicly, make available stats, for Instagram users and publish, that data on their site so so, I can easily go back through, your data and see if you've had large spikes of followers in a short period of time and then a significant. Loss of followers as well this, is always a dead giveaway that an account has purchased followers, because Instagram is, constantly, purging. Spam accounts so, you buy some and you lose some when they aren't true followers, and if. You are a business owner who wants to work with other influencers, online I want you to remember this because, you should check socialblade, historical, data for, anyone, you're sending, free samples, to we're partnering, with for a promotion, because, more people than you think actually do, this and like I said they, can pay for likes too it's, not uncommon, for a fraudulent brand, to pay for light to a sponsored, post to, make it look like they held up their end of the deal but trust me you won't be seeing a return on your investment, from working with them so, this is very important, for those, of you who want to start business accounts or want, to use Instagram, to work with other influencers, as well keep this in mind number. Four is that Instagram, is still, disposable. Content, driven because, it's a social media platform the lifespan, of a post at is max is maybe one day meaning. That you can expect activity, to sharply decrease, on a post after that amount of time the, Instagram algorithm, favors more frequent, posting so I see many branded, accounts posting like two or more times a day which, is a lot of content, when you think about it now, I want you to know that just, post as often as you can on a consistent, basis. And for, at least once, a day but, if you can only do once a week that's a better that you do it consistently then, to be inconsistent, with your posting, because, all of this data goes into the algorithm and really, goes a long way for deciding, how your audience is going to see your content, and number. Five don't, forget that Instagram, should not be your only platform. Although, you can do a lot of things on Instagram it shouldn't be the only place that you focus on growing a following you, need to have your own platform, like a self-hosted website, or an email list because, you don't control, the platform, and it can go away at any time or, you could lose your account, it does happen more often than you think and unless, you are a very famous person Instagram. Isn't going to help you get your account back so, it's always a good idea to make sure you have following, elsewhere, not just on a social media platform like, Instagram, also, I want to remind you to prioritize, your account security with two-factor, authentication, for. Good measure you would be surprised at the amount of accounts, that are hijacked, because of poor passwords, and poor, security, practices, so don't forget to do that because you do not want to lose all your hard work for, something silly like a hijacker, now.

That You have all this information I want you to go forth and kill it on Instagram. Because I know that you now are well-prepared with, strategy, and a content planner to make sure that you are putting your brand's best foot forward on the platform now, if this class just blew your mind and you're interested, in seriously, up leveling, your digital marketing for Instagram, and beyond I have, to perfect, of resources, for you to consider right now if you, need help with online marketing strategy, to uplevel your business or if you need help with creating, group images, for, your Instagram, or other social, platforms to. Uplevel your business marketing I would highly recommend my. Program, empire building this is a self-paced, online business. And marketing course delivered. Through six video modules, with digital, workbooks and activities, it's, everything, you need to create your brand grow your following and earn an income on line, for those who are getting started and if. You want to uplevel your photography, the digital, styling lightroom also known as charm DSLR, for short is the, choice for you this is a digital styled, stock photography class, delivered, through a six video modules, digital, worksheets, and guided, tutorials, everything, you need to create perfectly. Branded, photography, for your own online platforms, to attract and grow your. Audience, so, if you want to learn more I'm going to leave some, links in the description box where you can check out more about empire building and the, digital styling Lightroom today's, class is it a sales pitch I just wanted to make sure that anyone who does want more information, and wants to work with me knows. The options, that are available to, them and so. Moving, forward from today's class what, are the next steps I mean, you've just learned a lot about using, Instagram, for your business so, please give this video a like if you forgot to do that already and leave me a comment and let, me know what you learned from the class if you have any questions, on anything specifically.

Let Me know you can leave me a comment down below or shoot me a DM on Instagram at Mitch trench boat thank, you guys so, much for watching, today's class make sure you're subscribed for. More awesome content by me and until next time bye. Bye.

2019-05-23 20:18

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