I could be biased, but one of my favorite social media platforms for business is Instagram. Instagram has been a lead-generating machine for my business, and I've helped countless clients achieve the same results. I've put together a list of my best tips to help you revive or take your Instagram to the next level and start to watch those leads come in.
Optimize your bio & update it as needed.
You should think of your Instagram bio as your primary selling point; it should also be what drives your followers and prospective followers to feel they belong on your page, and want to learn more about you and your business.
To get started you need to ensure that your bio displays what you do, the services you offer, and other places where people can find you. For example, in my bio I include my name and title, platforms where I am a contributing writer, a call-to-action, and a Linktr.ee where my followers can find my website. I also include my latest articles and various freebies. You want to keep your bio clean and easy to follow, yet very informative.
Linktr.ee is a great tool to use because this allows you to post various links in your bio without the need to rotate your link and have just one displayed at a time. This is specifically helpful when you write a CTA (call-to-action) in your posts. You also want to ensure that you set up a link to your email list in your Linktr.ee; I offer a free mini social media audit in my Instagram bio as a constant sales funnel.
Showing up on a consistent basis.
I am sure you hear this everywhere! You need to be consistent on social media and ensure that you show up on a regular basis. You do not need to post every day if this is not most effective for you or your business, but show up on a regular basis.
Post a specific number of times per week (3-4), or every day if you can. I post on a daily basis, and I ensure that at least once or twice a week I provide value posts to my audience. These value posts include tips that they can walk away with and take immediate action. No fluff, no sales pitch. YES, I pitch my services on Instagram, but I focus on providing value and building trust. This is how the leads keep on coming!
I keep a social media calendar in Google drive and each week I schedule my posts for the following week. There is always room for last minute or impromptu posts, but I like to know in advance what I will share. This allows me to spend more time on the value posts that I want to offer.
Give an insight into your daily life.
It's always great to take your audience behind the scenes. Either a photo of you with your family and friends, or a picture of your staff at work in the office. Your audience wants to feel a connection and a sense of belonging, and showing them that you are human just like they are will do just that. I like to talk about milestones, the good and bad of entrepreneurship, and share a glimpse of what I love. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly works for me.
Your way or the highway!
I always cringe a little when I hear that you should follow a specific color theme or style on Instagram to be consistent. There is no better way for your business to shine on social media than by posting what represents YOU! If it feels right and represents your business and what you do well, you are probably on the right track. Be you, be genuine and focus on value, and the rest will fall into place.
So, by optimizing your bio, showing up with consistency, giving a sneak-peak behind the scenes and doing what works for you, you will be on your way to attracting new leads from like-minded businesses and individuals, and the rest.......will be history.
Until next time......
Debbie