5 things you should be doing on instagram

Instagram is a pretty easy tool. Slap a picture, a few hashtags and off you go – right? Well, not exactly. Instagram can be a lot more effective for your company, if you follow a few simple guidelines.

ONE – Plan Ahead:

Although you don’t want every post to be scheduled (and look scheduled), it is important to plan most of your posts ahead of time.

This allows you to be strategic with what you are posting, instead of making it up on the spot. Try introducing a series of posts (with a constant theme) that are ongoing. This will get your audience intrigued and gives structure to your content.

TWO – Use effective Hashtags:

Hashtags aren’t effective unless they are the right Hashtags. You can Hashtag every word and you will get traffic. However, you will not get the right traffic.

You want your Hashtags to be strategic and draw the right crowd to your post. Try to be specific with them. Include your location, specific industry and other specific keywords that relate to the traffic you want to attract.

THREE – Follow like brands or inspiration

Your instagram feed can be the perfect marketing tool! Follow other similar brands, your competition, local events, or other accounts that follow the same vision.

Also, try to follow accounts that have a similar look and feel. These accounts can be representing a different industry, but can provide some visual inspiration.

FOUR – Converse with others

Instagram is a big community! One of the most important things you can be doing on instagram is building relationships.

Start liking other posts, comment on similar brands and follow back. Also, if people are commenting on your page, reply! People are more likely to return if they get validation on their comment.

FIVE – Keep it on Brand

If everything else you put out with your company name is on brand, then why isn’t your instagram? This is one thing that a lot of companies don’t follow, and they should.

To keep it on brand you could try using a similar photo theme, the same filter throughout and making your account cohesive. The main point is consistency, try and be consistent with what and how you are posting on your social media.

Following these few guidelines can increase your traffic and engagement on Instagram! Although these are simple tips, they require you to think strategically. Which should be kept in mind when using any social media platform!

If you have more instagram or social media tips to share comment below!

 Or if you need us to give you specific guidelines for your account, send us an email at Alyssa@redbluemarketing.com! We love to be social!