Continue with some other Instagram best practices you should know in 2020 to help you drive more traffic…
5. Rock those Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories feature images or short video loops that followers could view at the top of their app for 24 hours. Stories may include text, links, and even GIFs.
The new Stories Layout feature gives 5 new layout options with multiple frames. And of course, there are many good Stories apps for iOS and Android.
Put to great use, Stories is a strong engagement tool. With Stories, you could:
- Drive traffic to a new Instagram post or the product page
- Use the “Ask me anything” function to invite questions and share your responses
- Conduct a poll to make buzz around a new product or brand growth
You could also consist of Story Highlights (which don’t expire) on your profile page. It is a good method to invite visitors to get to know your brand.
Here are some examples of how leading brands are utilizing Instagram Stories.
Right here, ThredUP is alerting users to some recent clothing finds.
Harry’s is kicking off a Q&A session.
Fender is giving a shout out to its brand group.
GE is taking users behind the scenes.
Instagram gives some valuable tips for taking advantage of Instagram Stories:
- Aim for the unconventional. Experiment with filters and drawing tools as well as video editing tools like Boomerang (now with SloMo, Echo, and Duo effects) and Hyperlapse.
- Lean into that 24-hour limit. Make an offer or invite so irresistible, people will be afraid to miss out on it.
- Don’t neglect sound. Treat viewers to a multisensory experience.
6. When setting goals, consider short- and long-term value
Your Instagram posts and campaigns needs to be designed to appeal to your target audience based on their demographics and interests. To drive outcomes over time, you will need to set S.M.A.R.T. goals (particular, attainable, measurable, related, and timely) and decide how you will measure success.
Based on our annual survey of over 3,000 marketers for our Social Media Trends 2020 report, 44% indicated that “driving conversions” is the #1 purpose of their social media efforts.
While this is a vital purpose that could simply be measured against, conversions are short-term wins. Concentrating on building brand equity and delighting existing customers can deliver far more value in the long run.
7. Create a content calendar
Spontaneous posts are fine when opportunity strikes. However, steady progress requires a marketing discipline. Utilize a content calendar to arrange posts and schedule them in advance.
- Identify themes. They could be seasonal, reflect current trends and events, or play on your target audience’s lifestyle and/or values. Select themes that lend themselves to your brand personality and products.
- Select the right formats. Would Stories, a photo carousel, a video series, or some other post or advert type best deliver your intended message?
- Don’t wait to write captions. You need to always be ready to publish, even when your publishing schedule gets thrown.
- Pay attention to timing. Schedule posts based on how much time you will need for content creation and the most appropriate time(s) to publish.
- Establish workflows. Carve out a dedicated block of Instagram time, or decide a everyday post quantity—whatever fits your team and business interests.
8. Expand your reach with hashtags and geotags
Instagram users seek for content utilizing hashtags (#). They could also follow hashtags.
By adding related hashtags (even daily ones) in your profile and your post captions, you are exposing lots of potential new fans to your brand and products.
When you are a brick-and-mortar business attempting to reach users in your area, utilizing geotags could help you make these local connections.
9. Use Insights to track engagement and conversions
Your Insights page, which you could access via your profile, gives a detailed view of how your content is performing. Insights for Stories are available for up to 14 days after Stories appear.
- Content: This tab reveals your brand’s most prevalent posts (as measured by total impressions). You could also see metrics for individual posts including total impressions and users reached.
- Activity: Here, you will find profile visits, site clicks, and details about where and how users are discovering your content.
- Audience – This tab gives info about your followers (when you have at least 100). You will know their gender, age, and location; once they are most active on Instagram; and how fast your brand community is rising.
As the insights start to flow, take note of trends and look for outlier posts. Both high and low performers could help you fine-tune your messaging and design. You could even cannibalize winning posts for future content or turn them into paid adverts to maximize your ROI on the platform (see below).
10. Turn awesome organic posts into marketing gold
If an organic post is seeing heavy engagement, it can be worth promoting. To get began, just follow these easy steps:
- Click on the “promote” button below the post.
- Select a business goal and a call-to-action (“Learn More”, “Shop Now,” “Watch More,” “Book Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Contact Us”).
- Select your audience (let Instagram do it, or make your own).
- Select a budget and campaign duration (you will see estimated reach next to your entries).
- Review your order, including the method of payment.
- If your promotion is approved, Insights will appear in your notifications tab.
Branded content, a relatively new Instagram function, permits you to partner with individual creators of organic branded content (even Fb content) and promote their posts as an Instagram feed or Stories adverts. What a good way to make a splash, develop your reach, and maximize your resources in 2020.