Since its debut in 2010, Instagram has skyrocketed in both popularity and significance, transforming from a personal photo-sharing app into a premier brand-building platform for businesses of all sizes.

While it’s still packed with the meticulously filtered selfies and brunch snapshots that contributed to its early fame, Instagram has evolved into one of the most influential online spaces for increasing brand awareness, driving engagement, promoting products, and boosting sales.

To grasp why Instagram is the go-to marketing platform, consider these statistics:

• Instagram has over 1.32 billion monthly active users.
• 90% of accounts follow at least one business.
• 70% of shoppers turn to Instagram for their next purchase.

These numbers are too substantial to overlook, so the question is not if, but how to harness Instagram’s full potential effectively. This guide will cover all the essential steps to integrate Instagram into your brand’s marketing strategy successfully.

Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account

If your brand doesn’t already have an Instagram account, here’s a quick walkthrough to get you started. There are two types of Instagram accounts: personal and business.

Setting up a business account allows your brand to:

• Create shoppable posts so your audience can purchase products directly.
• Add links to your Instagram stories.
• Access real-time data on how your promoted posts and stories are performing.
• Learn more about your followers and their engagement with your content.
• Display important business information such as location, contact details, and hours of operation.

Steps to Create an Instagram Business Account:

1. Download the Instagram app from the App Store for iOS, the Google Play Store for Android, or the Windows Store for Windows.
2. Select ‘Sign Up’ and enter your email address (or log in with Facebook to connect to your Facebook account).
3. Fill out your username, password, and profile info, then hit ‘Done.’
4. Tap your profile icon, then find ‘Settings’ in the top right corner.
5. Select ‘Switch to Business Account.’

Optimizing Your Instagram Business Profile

Your profile is prime real estate and crucial for making a strong impression. Focus on three key elements:

1. Account Name: Choose a clear name representing your brand and aligning with best practices.
2. Profile Picture: Use your brand’s logo or a memorable image associated with your brand. Ensure it is high-resolution and fits within the circular crop.
3. Bio: Write a compelling bio that introduces your business and tells your brand’s story. Include a link to your website (optionally, a shortened trackable URL) and promote your branded hashtags.

Creating Scroll-Stopping Content

Instagram is a highly visual platform, so the quality and aesthetic of your content are essential. Establish a unique and consistent brand persona that attracts users and differentiates your business.

Define your brand’s personality and values. Is it quirky, bold, playful, minimalist, sophisticated, fun, etc.? Maintain this theme across your pictures, videos, captions, and hashtags to stand out recognizably.

Types of Content:

• Images: Showcase your brand with a variety of photos to keep your audience engaged. Avoid posting too many product images; mix in behind-the-scenes photos, educational photos, inspirational photos, and humorous photos.

Tips for Taking Great Photos:

• Use natural light by framing photos near a window or outside after sunrise/before sunset.
• Use negative space to draw focus to the subject.
• Photograph one subject at a time to avoid overcrowded scenes.
• Experiment with different angles for interesting perspectives.
• Look for patterns and symmetry for eye-catching compositions.

Adding Filters:

Instagram’s built-in filters can instantly enhance your photos. When uploading a photo, you’ll be prompted to add a filter, which can then be adjusted by tapping the filter a second time. Additionally, you can experiment with Instagram’s photo editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and other elements. Make minor tweaks to accentuate the photo without over-editing.

Continue reading this guide, which will help you navigate the essentials of Instagram marketing, ensuring your brand leverages the platform to its fullest potential.

The Table of Contents of “The Essential Instagram Marketing Guide“:

• Introduction
• Setting up your Instagram business account
• Creating scroll-stopping content
  • Video
  • Captions
  • Hashtags
• Instagram Advertising
  • Optimizing your Instagram ads
  • Influencer marketing
  • How to choose an influencer 
  • Types of promos you can run with an influencer
• Measuring success
• Looking for a solution that ticks all the boxes?

Pricing: 

• Free