5 Steps to Integrate Instagram in Your Business Model
We all know that organic reach for businesses on Facebook has drastically decreased. We know this because we've seen the numbers dwindle, and also because Mark Zuckerberg told us it would.
As we roll this out, you'll see less public content like posts from businesses, brands, and media. The public content you see will be held to the same standard — it should encourage meaningful interactions between people.
– Mark Zuckerberg
While we're not saying you should ditch Facebook, we ARE saying that now's the time to start looking at Instagram as another tool in your approach. After changes to Facebook's direction, Instagram has become the home of businesses and brands. And while Instagram users still don't want to be sold to, they are more keen on interacting with brands.
The question becomes what is your current business model, and how can you integrate Instagram?
SET UP AN INSTAGRAM BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Download the app, tap sign up, and follow the steps. Once you've completed that, switch it to a business account. We recommend attaching it to your Facebook Business account. With that, you'll have an easier time doing Instagram Advertising.
CREATE YOUR STRATEGY
At this point, you likely already have a strategy for your website, as well as for your Facebook Business profile (if not, let us know, we can help!). Now it's time to create one for Instagram. Think about your target audience. There are a billion people signing in to Instagram every month, but not every one of them is your target. Set an audience based on your website and Facebook, and then adjust accordingly by using Instagram Insights.
Let's be super honest here. Instagram is ok with brands and businesses, but don't expect the sales leads to flow like the Saint Lawrence, here. This platform is here for you to build and establish your brand. You may, and likely will, make a sale occasionally from Insta, but that's not your goal. But what is your goal? First off, they need to be SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebound. If your goals fall under those five things, then you've got a SMART goal.
Examples of SMART goals.
We want to increase our total number of followers by 10%, over the next three months.
We want to engage with 5 new accounts each week for the next six months.
Instagram is all about the photos and videos. That's what you need to provide to get people interested in you. What kind of photos and videos? Instagram users, and people in general, LOVE feeling like they're in on something. So, give them the behind the scenes look. Are you a real estate agent? Show your followers the process of staging a home for an open house. Are you a furniture builder? Bring your followers with you while you pick out the wood and supplies for your next piece. Take your followers on a journey with you.
…and stick to it. I cannot stress this enough. If content is king, then consistency is queen. Take a look at your SMART goals. Are they realistic? Start with what you're comfortable with, and get good at that. Businesses who post on social media daily see the most success; but if you know that you can only post quality content twice a week, then that's what you do. Quality content on a consistent basis is a recipe for success.
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