Social media is a good way to create a brand presence online. Aside from that, it is also a good tool to meet clients and customers and create sales. However, not all social media platforms are created equal. Social media like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube among others, are created for different uses and audiences.

Like for example, Linkedin. All users in this platform are professionals and contents being shared in here are all about business insights, trends, and updates making it a popular tool among recruiters. Even though there are a lot of job listing sites out there, LinkedIn is still the go-to platform of many job hunters. This is also the best place to post corporate updates and insights.

On the other hand, YouTube is a good place to post and promote any kind of video. Whether it is a tutorial, a how-to, or an entertaining video, YouTube is a go-to platform. So if you are a video creator or your business spends a lot of time and resources in creating engaging videos, YouTube is the right platform for you.

Twitter may have some restrictions when it comes to posting as they only allow 208 characters for every post. But this does not mean that it is not a good social media to use when promoting your brand or product. Most businesses still use Twitter as one of their social media arms as it was proven to be effective in creating sales. The 280 characters seem to work for Twitter when converting sales since shorter messages are easy to remember and digest. Also, people are listening to recommendations from influential people.

 

How Can You Really Increase Instagram Engagement?

Facebook, on the other hand, has been one of the must-have social media for businesses. This is because of its billions of followers. Businesses have a higher chance of seeing their next customer on Facebook. Everyone is using Facebook, and this means, their customers are using it, too.

However, Instagram is not cut in the same cookie cutter as Facebook. Instagram is limited to interesting photos. Even though it is only a photo sharing app, it was proven over the years that Instagram can convert engagement to solid sales. That is why many businesses are signing up and using the opportunity to reach out to their customers using Instagram.

Just like any social media platform, Instagram also needs a solid social media strategy and planning for it to be an effective platform for your business.

Here are the best practices that you need to know if you want to increase your engagement on Instagram and convert these into sales.

1. Create an engaging post consistently

There is no formula or an exact number of posts that you need to follow on Instagram. You just need to be consistent with your posting. Don’t post once a month or once a week. Better to post every day so that your followers can hear from you. Posting every day also helps them remember your brand because they see your brand every time they open their Instagram.

Also, don’t just post content for the sake of posting. Make sure your post is engaging and compelling so that your followers will be encouraged to tap the heart button for your post.

If you are short on content, there are ways on how to create and repurpose:

1. Post behind the scene photos on your workplace or your business operations
2. Create short videos about what your brand or company does
3. Ask your followers to submit photos that are related to your business.

These are just some ideas that you can do to avoid running out of content. You just need to be creative in thinking of the best photos to post so that your followers will be inspired to keep following you and liking your every post.

2. Be generous in giving away discounts and good deals

Everyone loves a generous person. So be kind and generous to your followers. Offer good deals on your services, give discounts and other giveaways. This will attract more followers to your account because they know that they can get something from you. Also, this strategy will help you keep your current followers and turn them into loyal followers and possibly into customers.

Don’t just give discounts. Create a promo. For everyone who will like or follow you, or post a photo of you and their brand, give something to them. This encourages your followers to keep following you and possibly consider you on their next purchase.

3. Don’t be afraid to partner with influencers

One of the most effective ways to increase your engagement and convert engagement into sales is by partnering with influencers. Influencer marketing is gaining popularity because it works. Influencers have a huge following. And from this huge following, you can reach a wider audience. Furthermore, these influencers are also people, that is why many listen to them. They listen to what they are saying about a product or services. And this affects your customer’s buying decision.

In finding the right influencer, find the one that meets the mission and vision of your brand. Also look for someone that feels good about your product or who already use your product. This way, it will be easy for them to promote you.

4. Use relevant hashtags

Hashtags are the best way to widen the exposure of your post. By using hashtags, it is not only your followers that can see your post. Users who are searching certain hashtags will also be able to see your post. Also, if you use relevant hashtags on your post, you are assured that that person is interested in your content since they are looking for that specific hashtags. So don’t ever forget to use relevant hashtags on your post. The ideal number of hashtags to use on every post is 5-11.

5. Put a link on your bio

You cannot put a link on your post. That is why the best way to promote your website or your link is by adding it on your bio. On your post, inform your follower that they can check out your website or product, or video, on your bio. Use bitly to shorten or personalize your link. Don’t include a very long link in your bio as it will not appear good. So make sure to shorten it.

Some brands often refresh their links to attract followers to check out their bio every now and then.

6. Engage with your followers

This is a critical strategy that you need to remember. Make sure that you actively interact with your follower. If they commented on your post make sure to reply or send an appreciation message if they think that your product is amazing. Also, if they ask you a question, make sure to respond immediately. On the other hand, if you receive a negative comment, respond and say that you are taking note of their feedback.

This is a good way to humanize your Instagram account and to improve customer experience.

Date: March 13, 2019 / Categories: Engagement, / Author: Rich Drees