When mobile users add contacts within Instagram, that increases the potential for new followers to your business. Instagram is also working to attract web users.
"Instagram has predominantly grown via mobile application channels, and it appears that they are now trying to grow via both mobile and web channels." See "How Will Web Profiles Help Grow Instagram?"
The following tips will help you seize the opportunity to grow your presence on Instagram and attract more people to your other sites.
1. Register a username that is already recognizable
Your current branding will help you attract followers who may search for you on Instagram, and it is good business practice to use the same profile photo and identity across different social media platforms. If you have a following on different networks where you have established trust, use the same branding.
2. Complete your profile
Instagram profiles allow for 150 characters for you to say something about your brand or purpose. This appears alongside your profile photo when viewed by potential followers. You are able to link a website or current promotion as well. This is not a significant amount of real estate, so make it effective.
3. Link all your social sites
Currently, you can share your Instagram posts out on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, and FourSquare. If you have a significant following out on one of these other platforms, sharing your Instagram posts may attract followers who are also Instagram users. That puts you even closer to their Instagram followers.
4. Engage users
Search Instagram to find users who may have an interest in following you. Follow them, like posts, and leave meaningful comments. They will check your profile and the things you have shared. This is a great way to pick up followers.
5. Share engaging photos
The number of followers you attract will depend on the things you share. You do not want your sharing to be mainly advertising. Share things that interest your followers and that have some relation to your business. Share photos of events and everyday happenings with your business and people related to your business. Take advantage of the opportunity to help people relate personally. Use photos to tell a story that will resonate with your followers. Spend time getting to know your followers through the things they share.
6. Use hashtags
Use tags (#) that describe your posts. Make use of tags that are unique to your business as well. Tags build a library of content that will tell the story of your business when people click on them.
7. Ask questions
Questions that require more than a yes or no answer encourage conversation. Do not overdo these type of posts though because they will weary your followers. They do no always have the time to give an answer. Vary your posts by asking yes or no questions.
8. Share inspirational quotes
People love to read inspirational quotes. They search for positive and uplifting thoughts and photos. Try to share unique photos and thoughts, and avoid the ones that are being overused. This is another way to build relationships with your followers and help them learn more about you and your business.
9. Help web users find you
Visit Instafeed to find extras that you can use to help web users discover your content. At Instafeed, you can:
- create a "Follow Me" button
- embed your photo stream
- get the rss feed for your photo stream
If you found this article helpful, be sure to subscribe above so that you do not miss the next one from the National Social Networking Examiner. Also connect on other social sites.
Comments