There is no other place online that you can get someone's attention as quickly as you can than on Instagram™. But with one billion monthly active users, it can feel almost impossible to connect with your ideal customers. That’s why in this blog I’m sharing my four best strategies to grow a new Instagram™ business account.
In this blog post:
- @ Mention the Person You're Talking to in the Comment Thread
- Tag your Ideal Follower in a Post ONLY if it Makes Sense and Applies to Them
- Start a Convo in the Instagram™ DM
- Talk to Your Current Followers
#1 How to Grow a New Instagram™ Business Account: @ Mention the Person You're Talking to in the Comment Thread
First, if you want to grow a new Instagram™ business account you should @ mention the person you’re talking to in the comment thread. Depending on the post content, sometimes a simple emoji will do. But if you’re responding to someone it’s always better to @ mention their account. Then they’ll get a notification that you’ve tagged their account.
Even as a newbie, notifications are one of those things that people can’t resist. Found in the top right corner of the platform, people can see how many unread Instagram™ notifications they have waiting in the Direct Messenger (DM).
Most of us cannot stand to leave those messages unread, your ideal followers probably feel the same way. Give them a reason to check their notifications and engage with your Instagram™ account.
#2 How to Grow a New Instagram™ Business Account: Tag your Ideal Follower in a Post ONLY if it Makes Sense and Applies to Them
Now, before you start @ mentioning a bunch of accounts let’s clear one thing up. The last thing you want is to spam people with @ mentions. For example, I only tag community members so they don’t miss content that’s relevant to them. It’s a great way to build on conversations you’re already having.
If you’re confused about the difference between @ mentions and tags, check out this YouTube video. It’s really helpful to understand the difference so you can engage with your followers more effectively.
#3 How to Grow a New Instagram™ Business Account: Start a Convo in the Instagram™ DM
Next, let’s talk about the importance of the Instagram™ DM. By now you’ve probably caught on to how important the DM is for an effective Instagram™ strategy. While a lot of people rely on posting and dashing, that strategy could ultimately cost you the chance at meaningful customer relationships. Plus, with the option to set up Instagram™ DM Quick Replies, there’s no excuse for it taking too much of your time.
Ultimately, a lot of people are becoming more comfortable with sending messages to businesses and brands. If you're trying to grow a new Instagram™ business account, it’s an easy way for you to remind people that there’s a real person behind your brand.
When people feel like they’re having a conversation with a person, not a brand, they’re more likely to reach out to you with questions or inquire about how they buy your products or services.
#4 How to Grow a New Instagram™ Business Account: Talk to Your Current Followers
Finally, my final strategy to grow your new business ™ account is to talk to your current followers. For example, I send my followers an Instagram™ post or Story that I think is relevant to them via the Instagram™ DM.
Like my former client, Jody Pavey, who owns a knitting business. Whenever I see something knitting-related, I send her a DM with something as simple as “This made me think of you.” It only takes a moment but these DMs remind my current and former clients that I want to keep our connection strong.
Instagram™ is not meant to be a one-way conversation. Plus, while an email might get lost in someone’s inbox, an Instagram™ DM will grab their attention. But you’re probably thinking: “Sue, what happens after I send someone an Instagram™ DM?”
Oftentimes, I’ll follow up with a question like, “What is your biggest challenge on Instagram™ right now?” or “Is there anything I can help you with your business right now?”
Once I get the conversation going, then I’ll offer them one of my free resources. Instead of leading with the offer, I wait until I’m sure that my free resource will actually help them address the issue they’re having with their business.
Pro Tip: Think of these DMs as a conversation starter that can lead to opportunities.
I know it can feel daunting to put yourself out there if you have a new Instagram™ business account. Trust me, when I first started out my teenage daughters made fun of me and rolled their eyes. But once you find your voice on the platform and lead with confidence, your followers will take notice.
Here are a few other videos that will help you get started with your new Instagram™ business account:
- A Beginners Guide To Instagram to Get Comfortable On Instagram this
- Easily Understand the Updated Instagram Interface
- Instagram Hashtag Strategy to Find Your Ideal Client
- How to Use Location Geotags on Instagram to Get More Followers from Your Posts and Stories
Discover More Strategies to Get More Followers and Buyers on Instagram™
If you’re new to Instagram, you probably have a ton of questions. From starting conversations to driving traffic to your website. That’s why I created this FREE Instagram™ Strategy Guide. This free download will make sure you start your Instagram™ account out on the right foot.
