Instagram is growing like crazy. It seems like everyday I login and see there's been a new update, which is awesome! But, also really hard to keep track of... am I right?
I've been investing more time on Instagram these days because I am finding it's easier to grow a following for free, and I get way more engagement on my posts than Facebook. I still love Facebook and will keep showing my business page some love, but with all the recent enhancements to Instagram it's really becoming a powerful platform for me to connect with business owners across the world and I can't deny the results.
I'll get a few likes and comments on my Facebook business page here and there, unless I pay to boost a post, but on Instagram I consistently get over 100 likes per post and depending on the content, a good amount of comments. I also have double the followers and have spent zero marketing dollars.
So, if you're thinking of adding Instagram to your marketing mix, or are already using it, here are some tips to help you organically grow a following and reach your target audience.
Ready to dig in?
P.S. - If we aren't connected yet on Instagram or YouTube you can find me @KatKobzeff (another reason why I love Instagram... you only need one account, not a business and personal).
Before you go, I also want to share with you a list of new features on Instagram...
NEW ON INSTAGRAM!
- You can now save your live videos! One of the downfalls of Instagram live was the fact that once the broadcast was over, it was gone forever. Now you can save your Instagram Live broadcasts to your camera roll. After the broadcast is over, save it to your phone, and then upload it as a regular video post. If the video is too long for Instagram, you can share it on Facebook or YouTube.
- You can send disappearing videos, images and boomerangs all from Instagram Direct. Instagram Direct (how you send private messages) has been updated so that everything is more streamlined; regular private messages, shared posts, and disappearing photos and videos now all show up in the same thread. You can access your direct messages by swiping right on Instagram. To the left of the “Write a message” field, you’ll see the Instagram icon in blue. You can click on this to send a disappearing image or video. To send a non-disappearing image or video, click on the image icon to the right.
- Updates to the call to action buttons and the look of your business Instagram. I love this one! So before Instagram business accounts just had a contact and follow button, but now it displays the follow, email, directions and call buttons. See below...
BEFORE..... AFTER.....
- Multiple image posts. You've probably seen this one already but now you can post multiple images at a time and when you swipe left visitors can scroll through your mini album. The max number of pics you can share is 10 and keep in mind you can only use one filter on all the photos so I like to edit my images individually before sharing.
- Video posts. You can also share mini videos on Instagram, which is a powerful way to engage people and deliver value. Keep in mind your videos have to be under 60 seconds or they will be clipped, which is a bit of a challenge... it's hard to make a solid point in less than one minute!
- Ads in Instagram Stories & Lead Ads. I haven't tested this one yet, but as you may know you run ads for Instagram via Facebook Ads Manager or Power Editor. Before you could only run awareness or clicks to website ads, but now they have expanded and are offering ads in Instagram Stories as well as lead ads, which have been a popular choice on Facebook.
XO
CopyKat