Instagram is such a powerful marketing tool when it comes to creating organic brand awareness but where do you start? Here are our top tips for getting your product or service in front of potential customers on this incredibly popular platform.

Choose your Instagram handle/username

The first step is to choose your Instagram username (which is sometimes referred to as your handle). If your business name is already taken, consider adding an underscore or a 2. For example, we went with @aster_fern.

Logo/profile picture

Ensure you have a relevant profile picture or logo. There are lots of free apps available, such as Canva, to help you create your logo. Make sure it stands out and brings your brand to life.

Set your theme

Instagram is the most visual social media platform out there so those squares in your profile need to sing. Research states that you have a mere 3 seconds to grab someone’s attention (not a lot of time, hey!) so it’s vital that your squares look organised, consistent and professional. Stick to a theme whether it be your colours, fonts, style of quotes or layout.

Optimise your bio – the small window of text at the top of your profile

This can often be the trickiest part of setting up your Instagram account and it will most probably evolve so don’t be afraid to amend it over time. Ensure it includes what you do and why your product or service is so relevant to the reader. If you can evoke an emotional reaction with the words you choose for that little space, brilliant. Emotions are so important on Instagram. If you can make people ‘feel’ something, they will take action.

Switch to a business account

If you haven’t already got one, consider switching your personal account over to a business account. It’s completely free and very easy to do.

Handy tip: The transition from a personal to a business account can only be done via a Facebook profile that you have admin rights to.

But what are the advantages of an instagram business account?! Where do we start?!

You get additional options in your bio, including a choice of ‘contact’ buttons such as ‘Call’ or ‘Email’ giving your customer a stress-free way to contact you.
You can add a clickable business address in your bio that will take the follower directly to the Maps on their phone.
With a business account, you get the option to run ads as long as you have a Facebook page connected to your Instagram account.
Once you reach 10k followers, you’ll get the swipe up option in stories which is incredibly useful for directing followers/customers to a website.
A business account gives you additional Insights into your followers, such as age range, location, gender breakdown and when your followers are on Instagram. All of these insights will help you to work out when to post and who your target audience is.
And you’ll also get more data on your post impressions, reach and engagement over varying time periods such as the past week, month, 3 months, 6 months, past year or even 2 years.

Secure your account

Finally, make sure your password is really strong and ensure you have two-factor authentication set up.

Ready to know more? Take a look at the Instagram Workshops that we’re running in 2020.