It is hard to believe that it has been eight years since Instagram first launched its app and seven years since it introduced us to filters and square formatted photos. Since its launch, Instagram has taken over the world. This can be observed from the latest statistics provided by Instagram itself. How crazy is this? Instagram has 700 million monthly users. Over 95 million photos and videos are shared on Instagram every day. More than 75% of Instagram’s user base consists of people living outside the U.S.
You may be thinking, I love scrolling through my personal feed, but how can I take my Instagram game to another level? This social media platform is great for growing brand awareness, introducing products and perhaps fulfilling your dream of becoming America’s Next Top Model. In order to get more traffic on your Instagram no matter what your ultimate goal is you should take into account the following:
1. Use the link in your bio correctly.
According to social media platforms, the link that you use in your bio should ideally be used to send Instagram followers to the page you want them to see. This is what I like to call an “ideal location.” This link can be a blog page, home page, product page, or a custom link to the business or product that you are promoting. Having a link in your bio is statistically found to increase the traffic on your Instagram page. Make sure to promote your link by either uploading a post or story to let your followers know what you are promoting.
2. Post appealing images.
The main goal of posting images should be to be able to create a connection with your followers. Therefore, your content should be appealing and trendy. These posts should be targeting a community as a whole and not portraying a certain stereotype. Use filters and try to capture the little moments of whatever it may be you are promoting.
3. Use hashtags.
Ironically, I remember when I first started using Instagram and all my captions had at least one hashtag if not more. Years later I stopped using them and according to statistics now more than ever before they are back in style. Your posts should offer exclusive content. Using hashtags is a great way to get more engagement with your audience. Find hashtags that are relevant to what you are trying to promote. It is recommended that you don’t use too many. A maximum of ten hashtags should be used for every post. It is also recommended that you use a mixture of hashtags both popular and less popular.
4. Have a strategy.
This is the most important one. Just like every other social media platform, if you don’t create a plan you won’t successfully create traffic on your page. In order to create a plan, you need to know your Instagram analytics and your audience. An application that helps with this is called “Iconosquare.” This application is a comprehensive analytics tool. In order to begin your road to becoming Instagram famous you need to ask yourself the following questions:
Who is my audience and why are they on Instagram?
Who am I and why do I use Instagram?
After figuring out these two questions you are ready to take the final step, which is figuring out what to post and when you are going to post. Using Instagram to promote your business or yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. The best Instagram pages are the ones that have managed to stay authentic by creating a positive enlightening atmosphere with each individual post.
Love and Inspiration,
For you,
Always,
-Vero