Instagram has become so much more than just a photo sharing site over the last couple of years and can be a really effective way to market your online store. Instagram now has over 600 million active users with over 60% of them logging in daily. [1] Engagement with brands on Instagram is 10 times higher than Facebook and 84 times higher than Twitter, which explains why it’s expected that over 70% of brands will be on Instagram by the end of 2017. [2]

Here are 7 tips for maximising Instagram to market your ecommerce store:

    • Step 1) Perfect your profile

Make sure your bio contains keywords so that you appear in searches and use a recognisable profile photo. Also remember to include a link to your website in your bio. This is the only place where Instagram allows a hyperlink so make the most of it and try changing it up when you run special offers or seasonal campaigns.

    • Step 2) Use hashtags

Using hashtags is the easiest way to build a community on Instagram so make sure you use them in all your posts, especially when you’re starting out and don’t have many followers. It’s good practice to make a list of core hashtags that you use each time and then add in other trending hashtags; a quick Google can reveal what these are as they tend to vary day to day. For example, #MondayMotivation or #WellnessWednesday – some of them will be relevant and some of them won’t so only use the ones that work well for your brand.

    • Step 3) Find and follow

Search for your ideal customers and follow them or like and comment on their posts. This gives your brand exposure and helps to build out your network. You can do this by searching for keywords, location tags, hashtags or by looking at followers of competitors or related brands.

    • Step 4) See what your followers like

You can see what posts your followers are liking by clicking on the heart icon and then selecting ‘following’ at the top. This shows what posts your followers are liking elsewhere and will help you to create and share relevant content style going forward.

    • Step 5) Use the story feature

The story feature allows you to post a constant stream of photos and images that last for 24 hours before being deleted. It’s a great way to showcase the personality of your brand, such as a day in the life of or behind the scenes content.

    • Step 6) Think outside the box

Know your audience and what kind of content will engage them. Instagram is an aspirational site so motivational quotes and visually stunning content tends to works best. If your product isn’t that aesthetically pleasing, find an angle that works for you. FedEx are a great example of a not so exciting product with a killer Instagram account boasting over 60,000 followers.

  • Step 7) Follow the Instagram blog

Follow the Instagram blog to stay up to date with all the latest statistics, product updates and best in class examples. Instagram pick out the best profiles to share on the blog so it’s a great way to take inspiration from the best of the best while finding out about the latest product releases and innovations.

How to Master Instagram for Online Sales in 7 Easy Steps

  1. Perfect your profile
  2. Use hashtags
  3. Find and follow
  4. See what your followers like
  5. Use the story feature
  6. Think outside the box
  7. Follow the Instagram blog

 

Why not check out our brand new Instagram profile specifically for online sellers? And, join us on March 28th at our Online Sellers Cellar, a meetup in Manchester to help you grow your business internationally. 

[1] 600 Million and Counting 
[2] 37 Instagram Statistics for 2016