Instagram has changed and has revolutionized the way businesses interact with their target audience. With 1 billion monthly active users, this pretty effective social media platform should be your awesome marketing tool for reaching customers and generating engagement.
But, there are common mistakes to avoid so that you can be successful. Here is a list of common mistakes many businesses make with Instagram.
- Don’t Have a Plan
Your first step should be to decide why you are using Instagram. Whether it is to create brand awareness, interact with your consumers, showcase your product or services, keep one thing in mind: the content you share must add value to your customers’ feed and is not spamming it.
Share what your company is doing, through either photos or videos, and plan what you’re going to upload. People don’t like random, unuseful content.
- Don’t Have Quality Content
Most people will scroll through their Instagram feed and pause only when they encounter something different or interesting. So when every company is trying to build its brand on social media, how can you make your message stand out? The answer is by providing quality content.
Design your content in a way that users will stop engaging with your posts rather than scroll down. Also, share high-resolution photos and videos which will convey your business believes in quality.
- You Are Not Consistent
Consistency is key. That said, there may be times when you will be overloaded with other work, but that does not mean you shouldn’t be posting anything new on your account. It’s important to stay in the eyes of your customers, and this doesn’t mean spamming their feed with just any content.
Once you are noticed by your target audience, it is imperative to maintain a consistent presence in their Instagram feed. A well-planned feed that posts regularly is sure to give you a good return on the time you invest.
- Not Using Hashtags
If you don’t use hashtags, it’s time to start using relevant ones that will increase your posts’ engagement. Create a hashtag that represents your brand, and use popular hashtags too.
The more hashtags you use, the more likes and comments you’ll receive on your posts. You can use up to 30 hashtags on Instagram, so start using the right ones and will improve your engagement.
- Buy Likes and Followers
You can buy Instagram followers, but this is not the preferred way to increase your numbers. Many of these “followers” are fake accounts, and recently Instagram has deleted fake accounts.
Your goal should be to improve your organic reach, and the best way to gain new followers is to post quality content consistently and to actively engage with your customers.
- Don’t Use Your Followers (The Right Way)
Your followers are your brand ambassadors. But many businesses fail to realize this and miss out on gaining new followers through their existing ones. Take advantage of your loyal followers by asking them to use your branded hashtags or share your content.
Doing so will help you reach the friends of your customers, thus resulting in an increased number of followers organically.
- Too Much Promo Posts
Promotions are important for your business, but there are better ways to connect with your target audience. Share photos of your office work culture, or show customers how much effort goes into designing your products. You can even highlight the different ways your business gives back to the community.
Sharing these types of photos and videos will put your company in a positive position.
- Don’t Generate Engagement With Customers
Customers need a platform to engage with your brand, so when they take the time to reach out to you, don’t run away. Many companies make the mistake of not following back their followers or replying to their comments or taking a look at their mentions.
Interacting with your customers will help you to gain their faith and trust. Which is very effective and can give you indirect publicity through their word of mouth. Also, follow your customers to know the type of content they like and share so you can modify your posts accordingly.
Make your research to discover more tips and trends about Instagram marketing and how to avoid mistakes.