How Startups Can Leverage Instagram

Social media marketing works.

You can harness the power of a community in a way unlike any other. Not only that, but you can build brand awareness, set yourself apart as an expert, and engage with your followers on a repeated basis.

You also have the incredible opportunity to send people to your website through your social media post links.

The potential with social media is nearly endless. We bet you have a Facebook page and perhaps a Twitter account. But, do you have an Instagram page?

In this article, we look at how startups can leverage Instagram for maximum benefit.

Owned by Facebook, Instagram has the ability to solidify your brand and generate engagement for your startup.

Why is Instagram such a powerful platform for you?

First, Instagram is mobile, and as you probably know, people are glued to their phones.

Second, Instagram is visual. It’s the perfect platform to showcase your photos and videos.

Lastly, Instagram users throw hashtags around like candy. This allows them to search for interesting content and categorize what they enjoy. You’ll find that hashtags help you get your content in front of more people.

What’s more, with in excess of 200,000 million active users, you can’t afford not to use Instagram.

Now, let’s look at how startups can leverage Instagram.

Follow Other People

One especially nice thing about Instagram is that you’ll find when you follow someone, they will generously follow you back.

This isn’t necessarily true of other social media platforms.

In fact, it’s relatively painless to gain one thousand followers in your first month. You can follow up to 50 people every 10 minutes.

Go ahead and get started following people on Instagram. Be smart about it. For example, if your startup is tied to a specific geographic area, follow people who live in the area.

Then, sit back and watch your initial followers roll in.

Use Hashtags

This is important. Use hashtags on every single Instagram post. You can use as many as you’d like.

Do research your hashtag before you use it, though. You don’t want to use a hashtag with a negative connotation or one that doesn’t pertain to your startup.

The more hashtags you use, the more exposure you’ll gain. Aim for five to 10 hashtags per post.

Find Your Voice

Instagram is an easy going kind of place. It’s less formal than other social media platforms.

This is the place to showcase behind the scenes photos and other interesting shots.

You’ll gain the trust of your followers by opening up to them on Instagram.

Know Your Audience

Just like all the other social media platforms, it pays to know your Instagram audience.

If they’re online at noon, don’t post at 3 pm. Pay attention to your timing and share when you know your target audience is online.

Steer Clear of the Hard Sale

Instagram is not the place for your consistent sales pitch.

People on Instagram are there to be inspired, laugh and feel something. They don’t want to be hit with your sales pitch all the time.

Build loyalty and inspire trust by engaging with your followers and building a relationship that matters.

That being said, you can throw a sales pitch into the mix once in a while. After all, everyone likes a big sale. Just don’t overdo it and concentrate on creating loyal fans.

If you’re posting product photos, intrigue your followers and tell them how they’ll benefit from the product. Remember – it’s about them, not you.

Final Thoughts

The strength of Instagram comes from its very visual component and the fact that’s it’s a mobile social media platform.

Keep these two things in mind when crafting your posts for Instagram. You’ll also want to crop your photos accordingly for the best resolution:

• Square Image: 1080px in width by 1080px in height (most popular)
• Vertical Image:  1080px in width by 1350px in height
• Horizontal Image: 1080px in width by 566px in height

Finally, the best way to engage people on Instagram is to like and comment on their pictures. Consider liking five-ten photos per day and commenting on five-ten posts per day in addition to sharing your own content.

Follow these steps to leverage Instagram for your startup and watch your following grow.

Escalon today to get started.

Image: Toronto Eaters