Instagram is relatively new when compared with the more traditional social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. However, Instagram has grown rapidly since its launch in 2010, especially after Facebook purchased the image-sharing app back in 2012. Social media and affiliate marketing can be a difficult combination to work when your sole goal is to drive traffic straight to your website. Whilst this is important, creating a social community and increasing the brand awareness of your website cannot be overlooked. Instagram is fantastic for community building due to its visual nature. Here are four ways to crack Instagram marketing.
1. Post Often
If you want to make your mark in the world of Instagram you need to be actively posting content, this means, at least every other day. It’s the best way to grow your audience, by getting your content in front of people as often as possible. What you shouldn’t do is neglect quality, in favour of quantity.
2. Hashtag Your Heart Out
Instagram is the one place where it’s acceptable to add multiple hashtags to each post without them appearing too ‘spammy’. Unlike Twitter, you have a limited number of characters to describe each post, use this to your advantage. Start reaching more people with popular hashtags. A simple search on Instagram will show you exactly how many posts have used each hashtag. For example, #discount has been posted over 1.5 million times, #food has been used over 190 million times!
3. Filter is Your Friend
The filter feature really set Instagram apart in the early days, giving users the ability to easily enhance their photos, by adding a collection of filters. Often they can transform a dull photo into something with life, use them to create something visually attractive. You don’t need a photography degree to shine through on Instagram, but you do need an element of creativity.
4. Inspire Your Fans
Inspirational content of any nature is followed fiercely on this app! Showcase inspiring images or messages that fit with your brand and watch your follower count increase day by day! For some niches this is easier than others, fitness, beauty and fashion are all relatively easy to inspire with content. If you’re operating in a slightly different area, such as deals, discounts or freebies think about sharing inspiring testimonial photos, or high-quality products that can be claimed for a fraction of the retail price.
