It is observed that the businesses that have a digital footprint perform better overall. However, now, every other business has started using social media, especially Instagram. Therefore, when somebody new tries to promote their business, they are often met with the challenge to stand out.
Are you one of those people? Do you struggle to get traffic to your Instagram? If the answer is yes then you are at the right place. It is very easy to get lost behind the glamour and colors of Instagram. But, if you have the right knowledge, you can turn that curse to your advantage.
How to make your business stand out from your competitors on Instagram?
1. Communicate through Pictures
Instagram is all about graphics. Here, people join to see pictures instead of reading long paragraphs. Therefore, the pictures you upload should not be random, but highlight different aspects of your business. In this area, you can get the upper hand on your competitors by having a direction when it comes to posts.
If you are a graphic designing expert then well and good. If not, hire a professional who can craft engaging and eye-catching posts that can communicate your purpose effectively. The graphic should be in a way that will make you use the least words about your product or service.
2. Tell Stories
This is the traditional way that never goes out of fashion. A story is what connects us all. Our whole lives are a bunch of stories themselves. In this regard, whenever you post, you should have a backstory. It should be in a way that reflects what you do. For example, you can post a picture of your team member and tell a story about her.
The story can be about how empowering or hard workers they are. In this way, you will be building an emotional relationship with your customers. On top of that, you will be telling them how good your customer service is or the quality of the product without mentioning these words.
3. Use hashtags
If you are not in the business of hashtags then you are using Instagram wrong. Hashtags are the best way to get original and organic traffic to your page. A person who discovers your page through a hashtag most likely will buy from you. Because they had already made up their mind about purchasing, that is why they were searching for hashtags in the first place.
The catch here is that the hashtags should be relevant to your business. If you are putting hashtags of skincare in your clothing business, you can not get conversions. Putting relevant hashtags will also make you appear in searches more than your competitors. On the other hand, you can also start a marketing campaign by incentivizing your customers to use certain hashtags.
4. Signature Colors
The color combination plays a vital role in brand imaging. Colors define the overall message that you are trying to convey. If you use bold and colorful colors that means you are an entertaining, fun, and outstanding establishment. On the contrary, if you use dark and dull colors that means you emphasize more on maturity, sophistication, and aesthetics.
The color you choose should reflect in all of your posts. It can be in the background or in the template that you use. Whenever someone visits your profile, they should observe a continuous theme. This action will make you look more organized and disciplined compared to your competitors. When your profile is pleasing to the eye, the bounce rate will drop and people will stay longer. Which in turn will help your business.
5. Increase engagement
Most of the business just makes an account and does not make any further effort. They will just post once in a while about their products and think their job is done. The reality is the opposite. To retain your customers or potential customers, it is important to constantly upload content so that they feel it is worth it to keep following you.
One of the best tools to engage more people is through Instagram stories. Upload behind-the-scenes of your work or show anything fun that happens at the workplace. By doing this, you will increase the trust of people in you because now you are not unknown to them.
Another way can be to make an IG TV series. In this series, you can tell about the future goals, and hardships you faced or teach other people how to do what you are doing. Before posting a new post, you should create hype around it so that people will wait for what you are going to post next.
Last but not least, be responsive all day. Reply to queries of people about your product or service. Try to reply to as many comments as possible. These types of acts will encourage people to participate more which will increase the reach of your post.
6. Utilize Ads
Instagram ads can be the best investment you can make for your business to increase your post likes, Instagram followers, and shares. The return on investment always outweighs the cost. The reason for the success of Instagram ads is that you can target your audience.
Consequently, your ads will be visible to those only whom you wish to show. Together with the feature of Instagram insights, which tells all the statistics about your followers, you can be unstoppable.
7. Consistent Posting for Visibility
Establishing a regular posting schedule on Instagram is a crucial strategy for maintaining visibility and audience engagement. Consistency not only demonstrates your commitment to the platform but also ensures that your brand remains at the forefront of your audience’s feed. By consistently appearing in their feed, you increase the likelihood of your content being noticed and interacted with.
8. Optimized Bio for Clarity
Crafting a compelling and clear Instagram bio is essential for effectively communicating your business to your audience. Your bio should provide a concise overview of your brand, highlighting key aspects such as products or services offered, brand values, and a unique selling proposition.
Additionally, a call to action (CTA) guides visitors on the next steps, whether it’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or engaging in some other desired action.
9. Authentic Interaction, Avoiding Automation
Cultivate real connections on Instagram by prioritizing authentic interaction over excessive automation. While automation may offer efficiency, it can compromise the genuine engagement that resonates with your audience.
Strive for authenticity in your responses, comments, and interactions to build trust and meaningful relationships with your followers.
10. Building Community Through Conversation
Actively engage in conversations on Instagram to foster a sense of community around your brand. Participate in dialogue, follow relevant accounts, and respond thoughtfully to comments.
Building a community is about more than broadcasting messages – it’s about creating a space for genuine interaction. Encourage conversations, ask questions, and make your Instagram presence a welcoming hub for your audience.
11. Building Anticipation with Stories
Instagram Stories serve as a dynamic canvas for weaving narratives and fostering anticipation. Take advantage of this feature to tease upcoming posts, unveil behind-the-scenes snippets, and initiate countdowns for upcoming events or product launches.
By strategically utilizing Stories, you not only captivate your audience but also build a sense of anticipation, turning each moment into an eagerly awaited chapter in your Instagram narrative.
FAQs
How can collaborating with influencers benefit my Instagram business?
Collaborating with influencers can extend your reach to a broader audience. Influencers can introduce your brand to their followers, who trust their recommendations, thereby enhancing your brand’s credibility and audience base.
How can I use Instagram analytics to improve my Instagram business account?
Instagram analytics provide valuable insights into your audience’s behavior and preferences. By analyzing metrics such as engagement rates, best posting times, and follower demographics, you can tailor your content strategy to better resonate with your audience.
Can Instagram Stories and Reels significantly impact my business’s visibility?
Absolutely. Instagram Stories and Reels offer dynamic ways to showcase your brand creatively and engagingly. Utilizing these features can increase your visibility, as they often have a wider reach and are favored by the Instagram algorithm.
What are the key strategies to make my Instagram business stand out?
To stand out, focus on developing a unique brand identity, consistently posting high-quality and engaging content, and actively engaging with your audience. Utilizing Instagram’s various features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV can also enhance your visibility.
Conclusion
To succeed on Instagram, remember that just having a good profile isn’t enough. Your product or service must be outstanding too. Don’t make the mistake of copying others; it can harm your reputation. What works for someone else may not work for you. Be unique and creative. Balancing your style with effective marketing trends is the key to standing out and succeeding on Instagram.
