Social media has become extremely popular over the past few decades, which has made it an effective and inexpensive way for small businesses to market. It’s so effective that large corporations have gotten in on the action, too. Instagram has become the premier social media platform in recent years, and it could help take your company to the next level.
There’s a big difference between social media marketing and being a regular individual on a social network. You must be mindful of everything, from the type of content you post to various legal issues. There’s too much to learn about Instagram marketing to cover in one article, but we’ve put together a list of mistakes to avoid while building your social network. These mistakes could sink your brand’s ship before it even sets sail.
1. Poor-Quality Photos and Videos
Instagram became a premier social media platform because it allows users to tell stories through engaging visuals. If you post poor-quality photos, you’re defeating the purpose of using Instagram for promoting your brand.
You want to make lasting impressions on your target audience with all of your photographs, which is why it’s a good idea to rent a customizable creative space for professional photoshoots. With due diligence, you can find affordable photography studio rentals with high ceilings, seamless backdrops, and thoughtful interior design.
2. Not Engaging With Followers
It’s a social norm and good business practice to return salutations when someone greets you, and it’s no different on social media. It’s important to engage with your followers and even repost your customers’ content. Sharing user-generated content (UGC) is a great way to promote brand loyalty. So, what is user generated content? It’s any content related to your business that a consumer originally posted, and it’s one of the best ways to grow your brand awareness.
3. No Content Strategy
When you’re social networking for your brand, you must have a content strategy. It’s important to use analytics to define your target audience and learn the type of content that resonates with them. It’s also a good idea to outsource some of your content marketing if you don’t have any experience creating your own content.
4. No Branding
If you think branding and marketing are the same things, your company’s branding is probably lacking. It’s only branding if it’s consistent. Your branding consists of elements of your marketing that shouldn’t frequently change, such as your logo, color scheme, and other things that help identify your company.
5. Not Using Proper Social Media Etiquette
It’s essential for business owners and influencers to use proper social media etiquette. Not everyone will like your content, and some will even be rude about it. You’re not in control of the trolls, but how you react (or don’t react) could have a significant impact on your brand.
There’s no question about the power of Instagram to help grow your small business, but you must take full advantage of this revolutionary marketing opportunity. Instagram is a social media platform for telling stories through pics and videos, so poor-quality photos and videos are costly mistakes. Not engaging with your target audience is another great way to shoot yourself in the foot—social networking is a two-way street. Don’t neglect the importance of consistent branding and a solid content strategy. And, most importantly, don’t post insensitive content or argue with trolls.
A strategic social media content campaign can do wonders for your brand awareness and credibility. However, those who fail to follow the rules of the road soon realize Instagram’s power to make influencers is a double-edged sword. Don’t let what could potentially be the best thing for your small business become its biggest mistake. And by all means, avoid the five things listed in this article. Building your social network is a process, and trusting that process is your best chance of success.
