Should you build an Instagram following before or after you start selling?
The answer is simple: before and after.
Ideally, you already have at least a couple hundred followers before you start selling. This way, you won’t be posting product photos to an empty account. Of course, you’ll have to start from scratch at some point – just try building a base before you go for the sales.
Now, how can you build a strong following on Instagram? Use these 13 tips today, so you can start growing your followers. A strong following is key to making money from Instagram.
1) Optimize your Instagram profile.
Make sure to choose a username that’s less than 30 characters. Ideally, the name is searchable through a keyword. It should also be consistent with the username you use on other social media platforms.
Your bio should include up to 150 characters. It’s a great idea to include a clickable link to your website. This is the only place where you can include a clickable link in your Instagram account, so it’s an important way to optimize your account.
2) Create and promote a dedicated hashtag.
If your account name is Jennie’s Candies, consider creating the #jenniescandies hashtag. Whenever you want to check conversations about your brand, you can just check the hashtag.
You can also promote this hashtag everywhere you go and on other platforms, both online and offline.
3) Get creative with hashtags related to your niche.
While Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post, it might backfire. It’s recommended to use 5 to 10 popular hashtags for your niche and related to your products.
4) Participate in conversations related to your niche.
Check out other accounts using the same hashtags. Follow them and get involved in the conversations. You’ll earn new followers this way.
5) Use compelling Instagram captions.
An Instagram caption is what you type underneath your Instagram posts to give your followers a little more juice and appeal. The best Instagram captions help your followers feel invited to join the conversation and like your posts.
6) Run and promote contests.
Run a contest with a photo that invites contestants and shows the prizes. Be sure to make a special hashtag for the contest too. Decide how the winners will be chosen and post the rules clearly.
For example, you can take special photos for the contest. And whenever someone posts a photo using the hashtag, they’re entered into the competition. Make sure that you comply with Instagram’s contest rules.
Be creative with the contest so contestants have an opportunity to earn some money from Instagram too, if possible. You can invite them to join an affiliate program that comes with a prize.
7) Create and promote Instagram Stories and Instagram Live Videos.
Instagram Stories have become a huge part of Instagram, and they continue to grow. You can use Instagram Stories like a pro to build your audience.
There are plenty of ways you can play around with the content, like adding geotags, selfie stickers, moving texts, add color overlays, texts, and face filters (just like Snapchat) to your Instagram Stories.
Be creative when delivering your message. Make it fun.
how to build a strong following on Instagram
8) Post regularly.
The key is being consistent and making sure your posts all maintain your own special style.. This way, your followers can recognize your posts and know they’re coming from your brand. You can also use third-party social media software applications like Hootsuite, SocialFlow, and Sprout Social to schedule your Instagram posts.
9) Collaborate with influencers and like-minded accounts.
Reach out to influencers and like-minded accounts for exchanges and paid posts. For example, if you have a huge following, you can do posting exchanges.
If you collaborate with Instagram influencers, you can choose to create an affiliate program that pays commission or pays per post depending on the size of the following.
10) Use the location feature.
Post videos and stories to your account, then use appropriate hashtags and geotags so that your posts can be easily found by people who are in and interested in the area.
11) Ask others to engage with your content.
If you ask, people might help you out. There’s nothing wrong with asking – just make sure that your content is actually valuable and engaging. This is the ultimate path to making money on Instagram, after all.
12) Use Instagram Ads to reach more people.
Running Instagram ads can help you to reach more people who otherwise wouldn’t have been looking for your posts. Instagram ads are a huge asset to any brands who want to make money on the platform, so check it out if you want to take your brand to the next level.
Promoting Your Business on Instagram
Regardless of your business model, you’ll need to promote it. Self-promoting requires more than just having thick skin. Above all, you’d need to be strategic and use proven tactics to actually earn money.
When you’re selling on Instagram, the purchases are mostly impulse-based. The key is creating a “wow” factor with the photos, videos, captions, and a seamless experience when customers are shopping for your products.
Use compelling photos and videos produced professionally and using favorite filters and tools.
Integrate your Instagram account with your ecommerce store to ensure a positive and consistent experience.
Collaborate with as many influencers as possible. Select influencers whose philosophy and followers align with yours.
Strategize well. Stay afloat and post content on a daily basis.
Design all your social media accounts, web pages, and blogs to reflect a uniform and consistent theme.
Learnings: Make Money on Instagram
Instagram is a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make money. By being creative with your account, you can earn money from Instagram like all the hot shots.
In summary, here are all the ways you can make money from Instagram:
Create sponsored posts for brands as an influencer
Become an affiliate and endorse different products
Be a virtual assistant to an influencer
Write captions for businesses
Sell poster photos and other virtual items
Sell your own physical goods
Sell dropshipped products
You can sell physical products by posting photos, live stories, and videos. You can also sell services, like influencer marketing. If you sell tangible products, consider using the dropshipping model – it’s convenient and cost-efficient.
How much money can people make on Instagram?
It depends on what you sell, and what business strategies and marketing tactics you use. If you’ve just started, you’ll probably only make a little. But as your Instagram following grows and you get better at marketing, you’re likely to see your numbers grow
How can I make the most money from Instagram?
Learn from successful Instagrammers. Combine what you’ve learned from them with your own strengths in marketing, photography, storytelling, and photo styling. Grow your following as much as possible, create contests, and be active by posting new photos once or twice per day. And of course, have a strong product and make sure all your customers are happy ones.
It may take a few weeks or months to start earning a sexyprofit from Instagram, so do some planning before you quit your 9-to-5 job. But if you’re ready to make the leap, there’s so much opportunity waiting for you. Get going now and keep an open mind so that you can always learn, grow, and smash your financial goals.