Instagram marketing is one of the most popular ways to market your business in 2018.  This global social platform has over 700 million active monthly users that brands are feverishly trying to humanize their brands with. It's even safe to say that over 70% of users have spent time looking deeper into the brands they see on the platform.

So with so much going on in the Instagram Marketing world, there are some big dos and don'ts one should following when developing their Instagram Marketing Strategy. Follow along to see what we're talking about…

The Dos and Don'ts of Instagram Marketing

Do Focus On Community

It's important to make your audience feel like they're a part of something.  When your audience can relate to you and feel like they're a part of your community, they start creating content FOR you.  Followers don't engage with brands they don't feel connected to…so connect with them first.

Don't Use Chatbots in the Wrong Way

While Chatbots are convenient for brands in several ways, using them in the wrong way can quickly turn a client into a vision of the past.  Using Chatbots to trigger exchanges between you and your client is not only obvious but tacky.

Do Use Call-To-Actions

It's a good idea to test out different Call-To-Action strategies to see which your audience responds to best. It's also a good idea to try various content links that your CTA's direct to. Don't forget that the more you engage with your audience, the more conversions you'll have.

Don't be Over Salesy

Always remember that your audience is more-so looking to buy your “why”...not just “what” you sell.

Do Use Stories

Storytelling Marketing is one of the largest trends in 2018. Connect with your audience and tell them why you do what you do. Using Instagram Stories is a solid way to show your audience what you're doing and can give them a sense of urgency to connect with you.

Don't Buy Followers

Not only is purchasing followers to “unlock” special features cheating, it's 100% evident to your real followers. A genuine and authentic following will engage with your posts. Additionally, it's easy to sort through a following to see what followers are real and which ones are scantily clad scams (if you can pick up what I'm layin' down). Additionally, it's hard to gauge true analytics when your following isn't genuine followers.

Do Use Well-Crafted Ads

Don't be afraid to boost your posts if you have good content to share! Do your research and see which kind of content your audience responds to the most.  Once you find the formula that works the best, you'll have great success!

Don't Spam People

Everyone hates to be spammed.  Using spam to boost your engagement and following is in poor taste and a bad business practice. Be genuine and it'll pay off in the long run!

Do Hire Influencers

Building your Instagram street-cred can be easily done through a reputable Influencer! Aligning yourself with a good image and a familiar face is a sure way to spread the good word about your brand.

Don't Fake It 'Til You Make It

Being authentic and true to your brand voice is essential to your reputation on social media. Building an Instagram following requires patience, but through a good strategy, you can slowly and surely build a brand people will be excited to follow.

Do you need an Instagram strategy?  We can help you!