Are You on Instagram?

Jill Kurtz, Owner, Kurtz Digital StrategyHere are some ideas for how to get more of your efforts there.First, a look at why it is worthwhile to use Instagram as part of your marketing and communications.Instagram has more than 300 million active users. Most users say they are on the platform at least once a day.Since changes are that the people you want to connect with use Instagram, here are some tips to get their attention:Customize Your ProfileCustomize your Instagram profile to tell your potential followers who you are and give them a reason to follow you. Complete all the relevant portions of the profile, making your information as consistent as possible with your other online profiles. Choose a profile picture that’s on brand with your social networks like your company logo.Say Something ImportantUpdate your bio with informative information about your brand. Use your keywords and interconnect with your other online profiles. Your bio needs to tell people who you are and what you do. Make sure to include a call to action, brand keywords, hashtags, and website links.Have an Editorial CalendarAs with all social channels, you need to post consistently. Create an editorial calendar to help you post with the desired frequency and to make sure you use the right messages. Track topics, filters (more on that below), hashtags, and calls to action to make sure you are presenting the right mix of content.Get Notifications and RespondEnable notifications so you can see when people share or comment on your photos. This will allow you engage with them more quickly.Show followers that you care about what they have to say. Invite comments as part of your posts. Respond to all comments, both positive and negative. Thank people for comments and for tagging their friends.Use FiltersInstagram offers many filters and users expect you to make use of them in fun and interesting ways. Using filters can lead to move views and engagement: filtered photos are 21% more likely to be viewed and 45% more likely to be commented than unfiltered ones.Don’t Ignore the Value of CaptionsAlthough Instagram is visual platform, photo captions play a huge role in helping you get more followers. Each image should have text that reinforces your message and your keywords and hashtags. Use photo captions to ask a question and invite comments.Grow Your AudienceAsk people who follow you on other social channels and other means to follow you on Instagram. Sometimes the most straightforward approach is the best way to gain a following.Also use Instagram’s suggested users setting. This helps you to find users to follow who have appropriate interests. Follow these users and many will return the favor and follow you back .[author]About the Author: Jill Kurtz founded Kurtz Digital Strategy to help clients see the communication potential of the newest trends and technologies. She is an expert at website strategy and redesign, social media planning, and developing exceptional content.[/author]