Instagram has vastly transformed from being a simple photo-sharing site to an effective means of online sales. Not many people are aware that the engagement on the platform is higher than on the major social networking sites. Engagement on Instagram is 15 times higher than on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Interestingly, 13 percent of internet users use Instagram, while more than half of the top 100 brands have also established a presence on the site. Small business owners should also take advantage of this platform to promote their products.
Here are some of the best ways to do it.
Use appropriate hashtags
Hashtags allow people to find you and your products on Instagram. Be sure to use the correct hashtags each time you post an update to reach more people who may be interested in the items you’re selling.
In addition to using hashtags in your company name and products, it would be a good idea to include those that are frequently searched for and used on the platform. You can also use free online tools like Iconosquare and Websta to find popular hashtags based on your preferred keywords.
Use filters frequently
It’s okay to post regular photos on Instagram, but know that by using the site’s filters, you can bring more attention to your images. A study published by TrackMaven showed that photos using the Mayfair filter, no filter, and the Inkwell filter got more likes and comments on the site.
If you are new to using filters, you can first experiment with different types and then find out which one is popular with your target audience using an Instagram management tool.
Post at the best times
When posting on Instagram, you should do so during times when your target market is using the platform. You can use a tool to help you with this. IconoSquare features an optimization report that discovers the best times to post an update based on your past interaction with your community.
Once you determine the best times, be sure to post your updates during that period to attract more views, likes, and comments.
Connect with other followers
While you have your own set of followers, it won’t hurt if you also interact with your competitors’ followers. By doing so, you have the opportunity to increase your own followers and leads.
Again, there is a tool that can help you do this. The JustUnfollow tool can search for your competitors on Instagram by their names and will provide you with their follower list. You can follow them and interact with them, for example by commenting on their photos.
For this reason, business owners who are into selling products will greatly benefit from adding Instagram to their list of online sales channels.