You have a business or brand and know the importance of having a social presence, so you decide to create an Instagram account. You setup a nice little bio about your business and post a few pictures. Great, you started getting some engagement and new followers. BOOM, all of a sudden you hit a wall and your growth stops and you aren't getting any new leads. You probably have around 200 followers and just do not think Instagram is right for your business anymore. You are either thinking that Instagram can't help you grow or you know that it can but you just do not know how to optimize it.
Well it is a good thing you clicked on this blog because I will give you the top optimizing tips that we are using every day for our clients accounts. With having managed and optimized hundreds of business and personal brand Instagram accounts, I think I know a few things about it :)
First of all, let me just tell you that INSTAGRAM WORKS! But, just like a website that is not optimized, it will not convert, no matter how much traffic you get. Maybe someone will feel bad for you and click on your link, but trust me, that will not happen open and it is not really something you can scale.
If you are ready to start converting your Instagram traffic into paying customers, let's jump into my top tips!
Optimizing Tip 1: Switch to a Business Profile
If you are an advanced Instagram user, I am sorry that I have to include this one as a tip, but trust me, a lot of users don't know that there is such a thing as a business profile.
Instagram allows you to choose between a normal profile and an Instagram Business profile.
You want the latter.
Why? Because it comes with a bunch of extra features and tools that you can use to grow your business.
These include Instagram Shopping, Instagram Ads, and Instagram Insights.
The data alone is extremely useful: You can learn about your audience demographics, post impressions, post-performance, and follower growth.
You’ll also be able to add Action Buttons to your profile. These allow visitors to call you, visit your shop, or make a reservation directly from your profile.
Optimizing Tip 2: Include a Keyword With Your Name
Instagram users search for keywords as well, not just names. Because of this, putting a keyword in your name triples your searchability scores. Please take a second and learn the difference between a username and the account name. Your username is "@example"; your name is right before your bio.
To choose keywords for your name, think about the target keywords your potential followers might use to find inspirational accounts, cool hashtags, services or specific locations.
To illustrate, if you want to attract a target audience based in Tampa, add the word “Tampa” next to your name. Then people can find you by typing the name of the city in the People search bar.
Optimizing Tip 3: Have a Message In Your Bio
You started getting traffic to your Instagram account, that is great! Are they converting? If they aren't, ask yourself why... Are they maybe confused by what you do?
It is very important to have a clear message on what you do, for who you do it, and how it can help them.
This will take you back to knowing what your business message and mission is. We are all very good at creating a very long message but can you make it short enough to fit it you bio which only holds 150 characters?
Mine for example says "Helping Entrepreneurs and Businesses Scale Using Instagram"
Below that, include a few titles that you hold and any data that backs up your statement.
Optimizing Tip 4: Setup Call To Actions
Say it with me one more time, CALL TO ACTION! This is one of the most important tips when it comes to growing your business using Instagram. If you do not have the correct CTAs your account will not convert, period!
The first CTA will be in your bio right below your message and titles.
Let's use my account for example again. Right below my business message and credibility pointers I have a call to action that says "Looking to Grow? Click the Link Below for a Free Consultation". They click on the link and BOOM, just got another new lead from Instagram.
Your other call to actions need to be in your captions and stories. Make sure you take advantage of every post on Instagram because it all counts. Just remember, don't be too pushy. A call to action does not have to always be a sale. It could be free value that you are providing, it is just important to get your users used to engaging with your account and reacting to your CTAs.
Optimizing Tip 5: Create a Simple Landing Page
A user clicked on your link and was directed to your landing page. Remember to stay consistent throughout your optimization. If you stated that you wanted them to click on your link to setup a free consultation, that's what they better see. Do not send them to your website home page.
Create a very simple landing page reiterating what you told them earlier before they clicked.
Okay, let's use my landing page for an example. I told them that I can help them grow using Instagram and to click on the link if they want a free consultation. After they click on the link, the landing page will only have a title and a form where they will be able to leave their contact information. You can check it out.
Optimizing Tip 6: Provide High-Quality Content
On Instagram, looks matter. A lot.
Remember, this is a social network based entirely on visual content.
Your Instagram aesthetic should strongly represent your overall brand, as this is your first chance to make a lasting impression on any would-be follower.
When developing your brand aesthetic, think about your target audience. What style of imagery will resonate with them most? How do you want to make them feel? Also, what are your brand colors? Ideally, you want people to recognize your business just by looking at the photos.
The name of the game is consistency. So whether it’s bright or dark, vibrant or washed out, choose a look and stick to it.
Summary
For many businesses, an effective Instagram profile can be far more valuable than a full-fledged website.
Feel free to DM me on instagram if you have any questions. I would love to help you optimize your Instagram Account. If you are located in Tampa, we have Instagram Monetizing Classes, DM and i'll send you a free class pass!
Instagram username: @amelkilic
Email: amelkilic@gentechmarketing.com
Look forward to seeing everyone grow!