TLSE Tips: How to Market Your Small Business on Instagram

If you're reading this blog then chances are you landed here via our Instagram stories, which means you'll probably already know how much we love the platform! In fact, as we are a visual agency, it is the number platform we work to - albeit we do share to TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn regularly as well, for both the TLSE account and our clients.

It shouldn't come as any surprise for you to hear us say that Instagram is a powerful marketing tool for small businesses - I mean, unless you've lived under a rock for the past 10 years, it probably goes without saying anyway! With over 1 billion active users, the platform provides businesses with a unique opportunity to connect with potential customers and increase brand awareness. However, with so much competition on the platform, it can be challenging for small businesses to stand out. So, here are our top 7 tips and strategies for marketing your small business on Instagram...

1. Optimize your profile

Instagram is an aesthetic platform and your profile is your business’s digital storefront, so it’s essential to make it as attractive and appealing as possible. Make sure that your profile picture, bio, and username reflect your brand and are consistent across all your social media platforms. Your bio should be brief, informative, and engaging, and it should tell your audience what your business does and how it can benefit them.

2. Post regularly and make sure you're posting reels

Consistency is key when it comes to social media marketing. Posting regularly will keep your followers engaged and increase your visibility on the platform. However, don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. It’s better to post fewer high-quality posts than lots of mediocre ones. In terms of video content, Instagram does keep changing their minds on whether they'll prioritise video or static content, that being said you'll widen your audience and improve your engagement if you're posting reels as well as the standard static posts to your grid.

3. Use hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing your reach on Instagram. They allow your posts to be discovered by users who are interested in the same topics as your business. Use relevant hashtags in your posts, and consider creating your own branded hashtag to help increase brand awareness and encourage user-generated content. Don't just set and forget your hashtags, always keep them relevant and regularly update them.

4. Engage with your audience

Engagement is crucial for building a loyal following on Instagram. Respond to comments and messages promptly, and like and comment on other users’ posts. You can also use Instagram’s features, such as polls and Q&As, to encourage interaction with your audience. After all, social media is meant to be social!

5. Use Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are a great way to showcase your business’s personality and connect with your audience. Use them to share behind-the-scenes content, promotions, and exclusive offers. You can also use Instagram’s features, such as polls and quizzes, to engage with your audience. Stories are also a great way to drive your audience back to your page by sharing new posts.

6. Collaborate with influencers

Influencer marketing is a powerful tool for small businesses on Instagram. Partnering with influencers in your industry can help increase your brand awareness and reach new audiences. When choosing influencers to work with, make sure that they align with your brand values and have a genuine following.

7. Run Instagram ads

Gone are the days where you could easily grow your audience to over a 10k following organically, now you have to pay to play! Instagram ads are a great way to reach new viewers, grow your audience, and promote your products and services. You can create ads that appear in users’ feeds or stories, and you can target specific demographics based on age, location, interests, and more.

So there you have it, folks! Instagram can be an effective marketing tool for small businesses. By optimizing your profile, posting regularly, using hashtags, engaging with your audience, using Instagram Stories, collaborating with influencers, and running Instagram ads, you can increase your brand awareness and grow your business on the platform. Remember to track your results and adjust your strategy accordingly to ensure the best possible outcomes.

And if you're wanting to take your business to the next level by handing over management of your account to the experts then why not drop us an email at hello@thelifestyleedit.com.au and ask Heidi how we can help.

WORDS | Emma Douglass