My CEO, Morgan, and I used Instagram™ to build our online brand. Now, we have a profitable seven-figure business. But here’s the thing, we don’t want to keep our steps to success a secret. We know you can do it too!
After assessing her account, the SBZ Team realized two things:
In fact, after being discovered on the explore page, Riva struck up an Instagram™ Direct Message conversation that turned into an invite to speak on a podcast. But even when she’s not building business relationships, Riva always takes the time to send Instagram™ Direct Messages to her followers.
Even something as simple as “Thanks for being a part of my community” can make a big difference in making your Instagram™ followers feel appreciated.
#1 Establish Yourself as an Authority
First, let’s talk about establishing yourself as an authority on Instagram™. We see it all the time. A newish business or brand starts posting beautiful photos on Instagram™, but they don’t take the extra step to establish themselves as an authority in their niche. But before someone is willing to buy products from you, they need to know why you’re the go-to authority in your business niche. For smaller Instagram™ accounts, especially when you’re trying to build your Instagram™ followers, you have to think about the value in someone following you. Remember: If you’re talking to everyone on Instagram™, you’re talking to no one. Think about the specific customer you’re trying to reach. Once you have that Instagram™ follower in mind, you’ll be able to create Instagram™ content that will attract that specific customer.#2 Build a Bridge
Next, let’s talk about building a bridge. Once you’ve established yourself as an authority on Instagram™, it’s time to take the next step in building a relationship with your niche followers. Focus on how you can create content that builds a bridge between what you are showing in a post and what’s in it for your customer. Especially as you’re building your account, you want to ensure all of your Instagram™ content communicates the value you bring to your customers. For example, let’s take a look at @TheHouseOfHandbury. As a small business specializing in vintage goods, Laura was struggling to sell her vintage pieces on Instagram™.
After assessing her account, the SBZ Team realized two things:
- First, Laura wasn’t providing any context about the vintage products she was selling. She also wasn’t being clear about how people could purchase her vintage finds.
- Second, Laura wasn’t comfortable showing herself in photos or on video.
#3 Engagement is Just as Important as What You Post
Now, let’s focus on engagement. So many people spend time scrolling on Instagram™, but almost no time engaging with their followers. But here’s the thing: If you want to grow quickly on Instagram™, you have to consistently engage with your followers. Engagement isn’t just something the SBZ Team talks about, it’s something we do every single day on our Instagram™ business accounts. Whether it’s answering questions on your post, pinning comments, or sending Direct Messages to your loyal customers, it’s important to remind people that there’s a real person behind your Instagram™ avatar.#4 Have Real Conversations on Instagram™
Next up, it’s time to put the “social” back in “social media.” Despite Instagram™ being a place to connect, so many business owners and entrepreneurs spend almost no time having conversations with their Instagram™ followers or other business accounts. But this is a complete missed opportunity. If someone has taken the time to follow your account or leave a comment, they want to hear from you. Let’s take a look at Riva’s Instagram™. As a functional medicine doctor, Riva’s Instagram™ is focused on helping people live their healthiest, happiest lives. She uses engagement on Instagram™ to build fruitful relationships with her followers and to grow her business.
In fact, after being discovered on the explore page, Riva struck up an Instagram™ Direct Message conversation that turned into an invite to speak on a podcast. But even when she’s not building business relationships, Riva always takes the time to send Instagram™ Direct Messages to her followers.
Even something as simple as “Thanks for being a part of my community” can make a big difference in making your Instagram™ followers feel appreciated.
