Why I rank Instagram my top social media platform to use?
ok, so here it is! I absolutely love Instagram. Within the last 2 years Instagram has proven to be very lucrative. I get most of my sales and leads from Instagram. Here is the stats for one of my instagram accounts.
Note the number of comments. I feel that you can get way more engagement on your posts on Instagram. It might take some time to build up your followings but at least they will be real targeted leads and you can see immediate results when used correctly.
NOW, ON TO THE GOOD STUFF
Here are the 7 ways to drive traffic with Instagram.
- Use the link in your bio effectively. This link should be used to send Instagram followers to the most ideal location. This can be a blog page, a home page, a product page, or a lead/landing page. To accurately track clicks, I also recommend you use a custom link (from bit.ly or other services). You need to direct people to this link in your bio in order to really drive traffic – use calls-to-action in your post captions inviting people to click on the link in your bio to get them where you want them to go.
- Use appealing images. You want to connect with Instagram users so make sure your images are top quality. They should show your products in an “atmosphere” not just as stand alone items. Use filters and tools to enhance images to blend in well with Instagram. Use a variety of images (behind the scenes, tips and advice, promotions and discounts, celebrations, etc.) to showcase your business.
- Use creative videos. Show the real side of your business and your personality through videos. You can use how-to videos, answer frequently asked questions, offer greetings, show celebrations, or use blooper reels even. Use these videos to connect with your audience and recommend they visit your website for more details or information.
- Use hashtags. The best way to generate exposure and get more engagement is to use hashtags on Instagram. Find hashtags relevant to your business or industry. Don’t use too many – I recommend 5-10 per post. And mix in a variety of popular hashtags as well as less popular hashtags.
- Exclusive content. You want to make sure that the images and offers you showcase on Instagram aren’t the same things you always promote on other social media sites. Otherwise, there’s no reason for people to follow you on Instagram. Share images and videos that followers can only see on Instagram. Offer Instagram exclusive promotions and discounts.
- Be active and engaging. If you really want to grow an audience and create brand advocates, Instagram is the place to do that. But you have to be as equally open, engaging, and active with your audience. You want to like and comment on a lot of other people’s posts. You want to share content regularly to show your commitment to your audience. When people respond to or comment on your posts, make sure you are engaging with and responding to them. Make sure to @mention them so they see your response. To increase engagement, ask questions and invite conversation through your image captions. And follow people! If you have hundreds or thousands of followers but only follow 10 people, you don’t look very social.
- Have a strategy! Just like every other social media site, if you don’t have a strategy on Instagram, you won’t successfully drive traffic, nor will you see much success. You need to know your analytics and what works for your audience. I’ve repeatedly recommended Iconosquare (formerly Statigram) as a dashboard and comprehensive analytics tool. Beyond that, you need to know who your audience is, why they’re on Instagram, and why you’re on Instagram. Then figure out what you want to post and when you’re going to post.
