You're on Instagram and you're using it to promote your business. Great! But, does anyone know you're on Instagram? Are you reaching all of your target audience or do you only have a few followers? Even if you have hundreds of followers, are you reaching everyone you could be?
The reality is that Instagram usage is drastically increasing. In the last year alone, Instagram's base of followers has tripled to over 130 million users. Yes, it tripled its users in ONE year. Where do you think it'll go by next year?
With this many users, the odds are very good that many of your fans from your other social media sites are also hanging out over here on Instagram. Do they know you're here? Are they following you?
Here are some tips to grow your Instagram exposure:
Cross Promote
If you have hundreds or thousands of followers on Twitter or Facebook, tell them where to find you on Instagram. Let them know you're here and active. Share a screen shot of your Instagram profile and include a link to your Instagram profile. Make it so easy that they will click and follow you.
Share Exclusive Photos
If there's nothing new on your Instagram account, why should anyone follow you here? Make sure that many of your photos here are exclusive to Instagram. And let your fans on your other sites know that this is where they can find exclusive photos - give them the incentive to come over and join you.
Use an Instagram Plugin on Your Website
Chances are you are already using a Facebook plugin so that people can like your Facebook page right from your blog or website. You might also be streaming a Twitter stream in your side bar menu. So, why aren't you showing your Instagram photos? It's so easy - there's a plugin for that. Take a look at my side bar... see how pretty that is? And it takes you right to my Instagram account!
Embed Instagram Posts in Your Blog or Website
Now you can embed Instagram posts (both photos and videos) in your website and blog posts. If you're getting lots of readership on your pages, embedding an Instagram post is a great way to bring attention to your profile. And it makes it easy to follow your account!
Include Instagram in Your Advertising
Do you list your Facebook and Twitter accounts on your business cards? What about your flyers or promotional materials? It's time to include your Instagram account on these marketing items too.
Use Hashtags
Using popular hashtags (without hashjacking, please) is a great way to get your posts in front of new Instagramers. Use hashtags that are relevant to your post and industry. Now, anyone searching for those hashtags can find your posts.
Run a Contest
Contests on Instagram are easier than most other sites and are a great way to get new exposure. Encourage people to participate by tagging their photo with a contest-specific hashtag. Having them encourage their friends and fans to vote and participate will garner you tons of exposure and new followers.
Implement these tips and watch your numbers of Instagram followers increase. You'll also find that when your engaged fans comment and participate on your Instagram posts, that others will be more likely to get involved.
So what are you waiting for? Your fans are waiting for you to tell them where to find you!
A clever blog post about increasing Instagram exposure! In this day of age people and businesses are using plenty of social media websites to their full advantage. Businesses have their own Hashtags that connect an unlimited and welcoming amount of people in through basic social media rules. Instagram users, as well as Twitter and Facebook users are all familiar with the trending hash tag symbol (#) and how a simple sign before a word or phrase can connect so many people together. I think it is a clever initiative that businesses take when they take advantage of social media websites and not only connect, but promote their business as well! This page will help a business promote better on Instagram is the user pays attention. Every business should cross promote between social network sites and that is the first point you bring up. Another point you bring up is running a contest. I have recently been thinking about an idea for a blog post and have brainstormed the concept of contests on social media websites. There are many ideas and tools that businesses, and people can use from social media websites, even Instagram.
-Ilyssa Miroshnik
[email protected]
http://ilyssamiroet.wordpress.com/
Thanks Ilyssa! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and got so much out of it. And I love seeing someone else enthusiastic about the opportunities available through Instagram and other platforms!