Instagram is known for the content and strategic marketing it offers to the entire world. It has become one of the most popular platforms for independent social media influencers, content creators, content marketers, and more. The talents these individuals have to deliver are endless. Businesses that “thought” that they did not need to create an Instagram account (probably thinking that it was not relevant to their field) have also benefited from this social media app!

Instagram has continued to be the most adored platform among marketers and content creators in several growing domains. It boasts more than 2 billion monthly active users and has also expanded to another application called Threads. Threads is an Instagram app where you can view and share public conversations. Although TikTok and Snapchat maintain their popularity among Gen Z users, Instagram is expected to catch up and rank higher by 2025.

Here, we deliver this fun and informative read to guide you through all the tips and tricks the newbies and professionals use to market their content and business through this amazing social media handle. If you are interested in growing your own business or are starting up your personal brand, MarketingVent offers the latest effective strategies that work for their clients and delivers easy-going tactics for you to stand out from the billions of creators out there! In this comprehensive guide, you will walk through each step towards the finish line. You will know how to build your following and get the most from using Instagram in no time!

Instagram Marketing: What’s it About?

Marketing on Instagram has become one of the latest strategies and popular platforms for practising and promoting a business or a personal brand. This results in high traffic, huge brand awareness and the bones of extra sales. Instagram has become one of the most compelling strategies and has also become a major craze for Gen Z users. You wouldn’t be surprised to see that parents create monitored accounts for their children for content purposes, and that leads them to create merchandise, collaborate with famous brands, increase their audience, and so much more.

Instagram provides various marketing opportunities for brands, businesses, and creators, similar to other social media channels. These include Instagram Ads, sponsored posts and partnerships, and organic marketing through Instagram Stories, Reels, and posts.

Why Should I Use Instagram For Marketing?

When you market your business on social media, you would most likely want to choose the platform where there is more activity, trending strategies, and more usage from your audience. It is reported that most active social media users lean towards using Instagram. Even though most uploads are done on TikTok, Instagram usage is higher!

Almost more than 50% of Instagram users fall between the 18 to 35 age groups, making the platform a compelling channel for Gen Z users and continues to attract Millenials and Gen Alpha.

You would want to use the right approach combined with the right strategy in order to market your business through Instagram. This will help you build trust and increase your customer reach. The number of shares, likes, and comments users send to one another through this platform creates a meaningful relationship between the buyer and seller! What’s more, is that people comment on reviews and support the brand online this way. Boosting loyalty and trust even more!

Instagram marketing is highly effective, providing a great ROI compared to other social media platforms.

Read more: Best Marketing Strategies Decoded: 10 Dominating Brands

How to Start an Instagram Business Account?

As compared to the regular user account, the Instagram business account unlocks several new features to make it easier for businesses on the rise on this social platform. Almost 90% of its users follow at least one business on this social media platform– according to Instagram. Additionally, a business profile allows more users and customers to follow your productivity and activity on the app. Making sure that you are a brand worth following!

Take a look at these two popular brands on Instagram. This platform offers two kinds of business accounts for you to choose from. There is the standard business account and the new creator account.

Although both accounts may have similar features, we will look into the similarities and differences between the two and guide you into choosing the right account for your brand!

Whatever new products are launched, whoever even tags them for using their products or uses hashtags to support them builds their reach more and more!

View: @Sharpie

View: @Netflix

Steps on How to Set Up an Instagram Business Account

Instagram business accounts provide advanced insights, contact information on profiles, and commerce tools for selling. Follow these steps to create one for your brand:

• Head to your profile and tap the menu in the upper right corner.
  
• Tap “Settings and privacy”
  
• Scroll down and then tap “Account type and tools”
  
• and “Switch to a Professional Account.”
  
• Pro Tip: Having a business account on Instagram is useful for showcasing your brand, but obtaining a blue verification checkmark is an additional trust factor. Learn how you can get verified on Instagram.
  

  Steps on How to Set Up an Instagram Creator Account

  Through an Instagram Creator Account, you can gain most of the features that are available in the Business Account but not the extensive commerce tools. In addition, you gain Instagram’s Creator Studio, the best choice for content creators and influencers. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be done in no time:

• Go to your profile and tap the menu in the upper right corner.
  
• Tap “Settings and Privacy”
  
• and select “Account Type and Tools”
  
• Choose “Switch to a Professional Account”
  
• Search and tap “Digital Creator”
  
• If you are migrating from a business account, go to settings and privacy and then tap “Business Tools and Controls”
  
• Then click “Switch Account Type”
  
• Select “Switch to Creator Account”
  Bonus: Here is a popular example of an Instagram Creator Account. @Daisuke’s Instagram is the definition of comfort food and art!
  

20 Tips For Marketing on Instagram

1. Keep Posting!

Consistency is key when it comes to posting content. Being an active user on Instagram, people look for new content and new things to see from their loved brands every day. Additionally, if you are a startup brand, this point is crucial for you to grab attention since beginning on Instagram is all about advertising and marketing! Every day posting at times could also be a bit of a stretch, so you can aim to post at least 2-3 posts per week. And remember, it is quality over quantity. This always matters. Some brands love to keep the suspense in their posting as well.

2. Use Different Content Formats

Utilize Reels, Stories, Feed posts, IGTV, and Lives to cater to different preferences and keep your content engaging. You can always add features to your videos by either inserting gifs, memes, lyrics to the songs you upload with the video or extra effects. Some content creators make reaction videos or reels, which not many viewers are fans of but still end up watching regardless! It’s just how the Instagram algorithm works!

3. Create High-Quality Visuals

If you are to post and create content for your business on Instagram regularly, you will have to invest in a good camera, have a good lighting set-up, and learn how to edit your videos. If you are a creator, you would also want to invest in a green screen setup.

For instance, if your content leans towards creating HQ videos for products in order to get sponsored, etc, you will have to dedicate a room for all of this. Or, if you plan on just creating content for the purpose of influencing, you will have to have excellent editing skills. Currently, a lot of “GRWM” reels and “My 5-9 after my 9-5” videos are trending. This kind of content is where people record their entire day shift, so they invest in selfie sticks.

4. Attention-Grabbing Captions

You could either choose to jot down what your content is about, or you could write engaging captions that make people stop scrolling and actually focus on you!

5. Respond to Comments

Show your audience and followers that you care by either liking their comments or responding to them or the queries they ask.

6. Run contests and giveaways

Giveaways are always fun, and people really do their best to be a part of the giveaway. Lots of influencers and popular product brands do this since they can, but it is also important to note that startup brands do the same! They reach out to influencers and content creators to try and test out their products to gain raw feedback.

For example, Glossier is a well-established skincare and makeup brand that partnered up with Away for a giveaway concept!

View: @Glossier

7. Collaborate with other brands and influencers

Partnering up with relevant brands similar to your content is a good way to gain more reach and increase your loyalty to your audience. A lot of individuals host celebrities for a higher reach as well. Sometimes, even celebrities end up partnering up with famous influencers to gain their followers as well.

This strategy is very powerful, and you have to keep in mind that not all can achieve this reach without the help of another well-established brand/popular figure.

8. Promote user-generated content

Share posts featuring your products/services being used by customers, fostering trust and community. For instance, reposting content from real customers adds credibility and authenticity to your brand, showcasing genuine experiences and positive feedback beyond your marketing messages. This builds trust with potential customers who may be more sceptical of traditional advertising.

9. Optimize your profile

A professionally designed profile picture and high-quality cover highlights create a positive first impression and establish credibility. Strategic use of keywords in your bio and captions helps users discover your profile, while clear calls to action guide them towards taking the desired action, be it visiting your website or contacting you.

By optimizing your profile, you transform it from a static page to a dynamic tool that captures attention, conveys your brand identity, and ultimately drives engagement and growth for your Instagram marketing!

10. Utilize relevant hashtags

Relevant hashtags act as magic words on Instagram, unlocking a world of increased discoverability and audience engagement. Think of them as signposts that lead potential customers directly to your content. By using targeted hashtags related to your niche, products, or services, you tap into existing conversations and communities, increasing the chances of your content being seen by people actively searching for what you offer.

This expands your reach beyond your existing followers and attracts highly interested individuals, leading to more meaningful connections and potential conversions.

11. Run targeted Instagram Ads

While organic reach on Instagram can be challenging, targeted Instagram Ads act like a charger for your marketing efforts. You can reach the right audience at the right time with the right message. Unlike organic content, targeted ads allow you to define specific demographics, interests, and behaviours, ensuring your message resonates with potential customers who are most likely to convert.

This laser-focused approach maximizes your return on investment (ROI), as you’re not just casting a wide net but strategically targeting individuals most receptive to your offerings. Additionally, targeted ads offer detailed analytics to track performance, allowing you to refine your campaign based on data and continuously optimize your strategy for maximum impact.

12. Engage with relevant communities

Engaging with other businesses within relevant communities opens doors for potential collaborations, cross-promotion opportunities, and expanding your reach. By actively participating in these communities, you go beyond simply marketing your brand; you become a valued contributor, fostering meaningful connections and ultimately propelling your business growth.

13. Promote your Instagram on other platforms

Share your Instagram handle on your website, blog, email signature, and other social media profiles. For example, most influencers post their TikTok videos side by side with Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

14. Go Live regularly

Live sessions allow you to showcase your expertise, answer questions in real-time, and cultivate a sense of community. This increases engagement, builds trust with your audience, and fosters a more personal brand image.

Additionally, Live sessions can be used for unique marketing tactics like product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and exclusive content, ultimately boosting brand awareness and driving sales. Going live also creates a stronger casual connection with your followers or audience!

15. Utilize Instagram Shopping features

By tagging products in your posts and stories, you eliminate the need for users to search for product details elsewhere. They can simply tap the tag to learn more, view prices, and even initiate the purchase process directly within the app.

This increased convenience translates to higher conversion rates and boosted sales. Additionally, Instagram Shopping features help you showcase product collections, run targeted product promotions, and gain valuable data on user engagement with specific products, allowing you to tailor your marketing efforts for maximum impact.

16. Offer exclusive deals and promotions

Offering exclusive deals and promotions on Instagram can be a powerful marketing strategy, but it’s important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, exclusive deals can gain immediate action, driving sales and conversions with attractive offers like discounts, free shipping, or limited-time bundles. On the other hand, it can also foster brand loyalty and engagement.

Consumers appreciate feeling valued and receiving exclusive offers, creating a sense of urgency and excitement around your brand. You can promote these deals through eye-catching Stories, targeted ads, or strategic captions, which can help attract new followers and encourage existing ones to make a purchase. Doing so can increase brand awareness and customer acquisition and create a strong online presence.

17. Run Instagram Shopping Ads

These targeted ads showcase your products directly within the user feed, complete with compelling visuals, pricing, and a direct link to your product page. Reaching a highly relevant audience actively browsing the platform, immediately sparking their interest with visually appealing product presentations.

These ads offer several advantages: increased brand awareness, reaching users beyond your existing follower base; targeted campaigns, ensuring your products are seen by individuals most likely to be interested; seamless purchasing journey, allowing users to discover and purchase directly within Instagram, eliminating friction and boosting sales. By strategically utilizing Instagram Shopping Ads, you can significantly amplify the reach and effectiveness of your Instagram marketing efforts.

18. Include clear calls to action (CTAs)

Effective calls to action (CTAs) play a crucial role on Instagram by converting passive viewers into engaged customers. Imagine your audience being captivated by your content, but not knowing what to do next. A strong CTA, such as “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up Today,” bridges the gap between awareness and action. It clearly communicates to users what you want them to do, whether it is to visit your website, subscribe to your email list or make a purchase.

19. Trace your performance

Tracking the performance of your Instagram account is not just about the numbers. It’s like having a window into your audience’s preferences. By analyzing metrics such as engagement rate, reach, website clicks, and follower demographics, you can gain valuable insights into what resonates with your audience and what needs improvement.

This knowledge enables you to refine your content strategy, focusing on formats and topics that truly engage your audience. In addition, tracking the traffic driven from Instagram to your website helps you understand the effectiveness of your marketing efforts in directing potential customers to your business hub.

20. Enhance your strategy based on data

Analyzing metrics like post reach, engagement rates, audience demographics, and website click-through rates, you gain valuable insights into what resonates with your audience and what needs improvement. Imagine identifying your most successful post formats, hashtags, and posting times based on data, allowing you to tailor your content for maximum impact.

You can also discover which audience segments engage most with your brand, enabling you to refine your targeting strategy and reach the right people with the right message. By continuously learning and adapting based on data, you can optimize your Instagram marketing strategy, boost engagement, and ultimately achieve your business goals.

It’s surprising how much effort and dedication Instagram influencers and marketers put into gaining the reach they have today. It’s not just their audience mindlessly following them; it’s the trust and importance that people place in following such creators and brands. For many, following these influencers and brands is like an investment of their time and money.

Ready to Become A Pro?

Instagram is truly one of the best social media platforms for businesses and brands of all sizes. By using the right tactics and targeting the right customers, your brand can flourish online through these brilliant strategies mentioned above. Instagram is also easy to manage and to trace your advancements! Better yet, get your account verified today through MarketingVent and gain the professional attention your brand deserves!