Writers: Start Leveraging Instagram for Business Growth

Way back in 2010, one of my writing assistants recommended that I download an app that shared pictures. She thought it was cool and had the potential to start leveraging Instagram for business growth for our services. After about a month of looking at people’s food and travel photographs, I decided to delete the app because I considered it a waste of time. I’m sure we all have made decisions that we reflect on and shake our heads in disbelief.

I deleted my Instagram account long before it was cool to do so.

Instagram isn’t just a social platform; it’s a vibrant marketplace for entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach. As of 2023, Instagram’s user base is incredibly large and continues to grow, making it one of the most prominent social media platforms globally.

How to Leverage Instagram for Business Growth

Instagram had over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide as of the end of 2021. This figure has steadily increased since the site hit 1 billion users in June 2018. It’s estimated that by the end of 2023, Instagram will reach over 2.5 billion monthly active users (MAUs)​​. This high figure reflects the platform’s high level of engagement, with approximately 1.386 billion users logging in every day. This high level of engagement is also reflected in the average time spent on the platform, with American adults spending about 30.6 minutes daily on Instagram​​.

As a business owner, if you have a stunning visual product that you need it to share it with an audience, Instagram is your best friend!

The problem most business owners face when building a strong organic social media presence is consistency. It’s hard to constantly post and get excited to share updates on social media. Some days we just want a simple straightforward business plan right?

5 ways to Grow on Instagram

In this digital era, where visual content reigns supreme, harnessing the power of Instagram is no longer optional. But how do you turn this platform into a powerful tool for attracting prospects?

Writers and content producers often overlook IG as a powerhouse for promotion. That’s because they see it as an image and video clip-sharing site. It’s way more than that!

Using Instagram to drive traffic to a blog can be an effective strategy, especially considering its visual appeal and large user base. Here are five examples of how writers can use Instagram to increase blog traffic:

Teasers and Sneak Peeks

Writers can post captivating images or short video clips that offer a glimpse of their latest blog post. This could be a striking quote, an intriguing question, or a summary that piques interest.

The idea is to create curiosity that compels followers to visit the blog to read more. Ensure to include a call-to-action in the caption, directing followers to the link in the bio where they can access the full blog post.

Instagram Stories with Swipe-Up Links

For accounts with access to the swipe-up feature (usually accounts with over 10,000 followers), writers can use Instagram Stories to promote their blog posts.

By creating engaging Stories that highlight the value or key points of the blog post and then adding a swipe-up link directly to the blog, followers can easily access the content. This method is particularly effective as it provides a frictionless way for followers to transition from Instagram to the blog.

Use of Relevant Hashtags

Incorporating relevant and trending hashtags in Instagram posts can extend the reach beyond the existing follower base. Writers should research and use hashtags that are popular within their niche or related to the specific topic of the blog post. This can help attract users who are interested in those topics, potentially increasing blog traffic from new audiences.

Engaging with the Community

Engagement on Instagram is a great way to gain exposure. Writers need to interact with their readers by replying to comments, reading and commenting on content shared by their followers, and joining pertinent discussions.

This builds a community and fosters loyalty among followers, who are more likely to be interested in visiting and reading the writer’s blog.

Collaborations and Shoutouts

Collaborating with other Instagram users, especially those in the same niche, can be a great way to reach a wider audience. Writers can engage in mutual shoutouts, takeovers, or collaborative posts with influencers or other writers.

This exposes their content to the collaborator’s followers, some of whom might be interested in visiting the writer’s blog.

5 Crucial Questions From Content Marketers

Let’s dive into the top five questions entrepreneurs frequently ask about using Instagram to bring in prospects.

1. Maximizing Instagram’s Potential to Attract New Prospects

“How do I use Instagram effectively to draw in potential customers?”

Instagram’s visual-centric platform offers a unique way to showcase your brand’s personality and products. Utilize features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV to give a dynamic and engaging view of your offerings.

Authenticity is key; showcase the real stories behind your products or services. Use high-quality images and videos, and don’t forget to engage with your audience through comments and direct messages to build a community around your brand.

2. Crafting Content That Resonates

“What type of content should I post to engage my target audience?”

Create a mix of entertainment, education, and promotional material. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, tutorials, customer testimonials, and user-generated content to build trust and authenticity.

Tailor your content to reflect your brand’s voice and values, and remember, consistency is crucial for keeping your audience engaged and interested.

3. Growing Your Instagram Presence

“How can I increase my following and engagement on Instagram?”

Growing your Instagram presence is a blend of art and science. Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility, post at times when your audience is most active, and consistently engage with them by responding to comments and messages.

Collaborate with influencers who resonate with your brand to tap into new audiences. Always prioritize quality over quantity; your followers appreciate valuable, relevant content.

4. Mastering Instagram Ads for Lead Generation

“What are the effective strategies for using Instagram ads to generate leads?”

You can reach a highly specific audience with Instagram ads. The ads you create should feature eye-catching imagery and clear calls to action. Ad formats like story ads, carousel ads, and simple image ads should all be tried out to see which ones perform best with your target audience.

Track the performance of your ads closely, and adjust your strategy based on what leads to the highest conversion rates.

5. Measuring Your Instagram Marketing Success

“How do I measure the effectiveness of my Instagram marketing?”

Gaining new followers, increasing engagement (through likes, comments, and shares), and increasing conversions are all important metrics to monitor when evaluating the efficacy of your Instagram strategy. Use Instagram’s built-in analytics tools to gain insights into your audience’s behavior and preferences.

You could also think about using external programs to get a deeper look. Keep in mind that the ultimate aim is to cultivate a fanbase that is committed to your work.

It’s About Engagement, Not Followers

There are an awful lot of people on YouTube and other media sites touting the number of followers you can get from Instagram if only you would sign up for their course. Here’s the problem: What good is 400,000 followers if none of them engage with you or buy what you have to offer?

The key to conversion on Instagram is engagement. You’ll know when you’re actually gaining ground when more people are asking questions or leaving comments on your posts.

Instagram is more than just a platform for sharing food and travel pictures; it’s a dynamic space for businesses to grow and thrive. By understanding and leveraging its unique features, you can turn Instagram into a significant driver of business growth.

The key lies in staying authentic, being consistent, and continually adapting your strategy based on audience feedback and performance metrics. If you do want to share your favorite barbecue pics, I’m ok with that too.

What Do Most Writers Post?

When it comes to posting on Instagram, writers have a lot of options. There are many platforms to share your content with such as Medium, Newsbreak, Substack, or even your very own website.

• Writing Quotes – Inspire your audience with meaningful quotes from your work or other literary figures.
• Share the Writer’s Life – Give your followers a glimpse into your daily life as a writer, showing your writing space, routines, or research process.
• Ask Questions – Engage your audience by asking thought-provoking questions related to writing or literature.
• Share Actual Writing – Offer sneak peeks at your work, such as excerpts from your books or short stories.
• Giveaways – Host contests or giveaways to encourage interaction and grow your following.

Remember to maintain a consistent posting schedule, use relevant hashtags, and engage with your followers to build a strong and supportive writer community on Instagram.

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