Instagram for Business: The Ultimate Guide [+ 650 Marketers’ Data]

With Instagram becoming an integral part of marketing strategies, many businesses are now leveraging the platform’s power. According to data from Instagram, over 200 million businesses actively use it to connect with their audience.

Instagram has emerged as a major platform for businesses to see substantial returns. Our survey of 650+ marketers in January 2024 revealed that Instagram is rated highest for ROI, making it a critical part of marketing strategies for this year.

If you are used to Instagram’s personal features, transitioning to a business account might seem intimidating. This guide will help you understand how you can harness Instagram for your business and create a stronger online presence.

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Guide to Instagram for Business [+ Data From 650+ Marketers]

1. Elevate Content Value

Instagram is highly visual, thus, premium quality content is crucial. Ensuring your content is visually appealing and valuable is key to attracting and retaining an audience. Understanding your followers’ preferences and staying authentic to your brand can set you apart. For example, Hot Pockets uses humor to engage its audience effectively.

Experiment with different types of content to find what resonates best with your audience. While some brands leverage humor, others might focus on adventure or lifestyle images, as seen with The North Face.

2. Ensure Consistency in Theme

Consistency in your Instagram theme is vital. A cohesive aesthetic helps maintain audience loyalty. Each post should complement your overall brand image. Utilize consistent voice, color palette, and style to build a unified and recognizable feed. For example, MVMT maintains an edgy, consistent theme across its posts and captions.

3. Engage Actively With Your Audience

Engagement is the cornerstone of a successful Instagram strategy. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and use interactive features such as Stories polls to make your audience feel valued. Brands like Halo Top Creamery effectively use contests and giveaways to boost engagement.

4. Utilize Influencer Marketing

Leveraging influencers can significantly boost your brand’s reach. By collaborating with influencers who align with your brand values, you can tap into their established audiences. Influencer marketing is reported to have the second-highest ROI on Instagram. Micro-influencers, in particular, offer a targeted and cost-effective approach.

5. Build Effective Ad Campaigns

Instagram ads can be highly effective for either boosting brand awareness or driving sales. Define your campaign goals clearly, then craft visually enticing ads. For instance, Greenchef successfully uses ads to promote its meal kits with compelling discounts.

6. Utilize Shoppable Posts

Shoppable posts simplify the buying process by allowing users to purchase directly from your Instagram feed. This can greatly reduce friction and boost conversions. For example, Magnolia’s Instagram page efficiently uses shoppable posts to drive sales.

Setting Up Your Instagram Business Profile

Before you can implement these strategies, it’s crucial to set up an Instagram business profile. Here’s how:

• Create an Account: Start by creating a personal Instagram account.
• Switch to Business Profile: Go to your profile, click the hamburger menu, select “Settings,” and then “Account.” Choose “Switch to Professional Account” and follow the prompts.
• Complete Your Profile: Add business information such as contact details, business hours, and location to legitimize your account and provide users with necessary information.

Exploring Instagram’s numerous features and tools can significantly enhance your business’s online presence. While not every tool may yield a high ROI, experimenting with different strategies will help you find the best fit for your audience. For more insights and marketing strategies, Click Here For More Marketing Tips and Strategies.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.