That’s right, I said it. SEO Rules and Instagram Drools.
💥
I talk all about this in my latest SEO podcast (it’s pretty GOOD 👍 )
Part 2:
Alright, the word on the street is true.
Confirmed. I got some beef with Instagram. We’re gonna talk about it right now. We’re going to spill that tea on this episode of Jen Ruhman SEO Podcast.
Seo. Starting NOW,
Can we talk about where your marketing dollars are best spent?
Is it on Instagram or purchasing monthly SEO?
You’re paying someone to run your Instagram account?
Now, when we’re talking about Instagram, I have a lot of clients that say, Jen, right now, I’m forking out about $500 a month.
Somebody’s managing my Instagram account. They’re just making some cute little images and posting them on my behalf. I don’t have to worry about my social media. They got a lockdown and I love it. And I say, hey, that is great.
You have social media in the works running for you. That’s just marketing dollars, not ads on Instagram. Here’s where there’s some issues. If they’re a new client, I ask them, are you getting lots of sales from Instagram? Is it worthwhile for you right now?
In other words, why are you calling me?
Their response is usually a big fat no. And I know why. I run SEO reports all the time for my clients and I can track conversions. Where do I see the majority of conversions come from?
I’m not being biased. I’m just looking at the data. The majority of all the conversions are always coming from organic SEO. Another real world fact, ladies. Did you know that Kylie Jenner one of the Queens of Instagram?
So be it. Whatever. 10% of her traffic comes from social media. Now, of that 10%, about 4% of that traffic is just from Instagram. And she’s a billionaire.
Allegedly, she has deep pockets to buy whatever she wants. And guess where most of her traffic is coming from? It’s coming from her website. Coming from? Excuse me, it’s coming from Google.
It’s organic.
So she’s a billionaire. Maybe someday you’ll be a billionaire. Who knows? But what does that tell you from just the perspective of having all that money. She’s a Queen of Instagram, and most of her traffic is not even coming from Instagram.
Does that help? Does that put your marketing dollars into more better perspective? Sorry, I’m a little tongue-tied. I don’t really like Kylie Jenner. Well, let’s face it, I am actually on Instagram.
Why the heck am I on instagram if I don’t like it?
I’ll tell you why. I’m trying to help you guys out. You business owners, entrepreneurs selling services or products. I’m there.
Hopefully, since you’re there, I don’t know why you’ll find me and I can convince you there while I’m in your head. The benefits of SEO, why you should get off of Instagram and join the party over on Google. Organic searches. That’s right. Having SEO on your website brings magic.
And I hear you. You got cute little dancing videos on your Instagram. You got some cute pictures, all the little cutesy Loopsy, images and pictures of your services, which is good, which is good. But you should take that content that you have on Instagram and place it into your website and enrich your SEO efforts. For example, it’s very easy for my business owners to create video content using their phone and Instagram.
It’s a Win Win situation. However, they can put those videos, those helpful videos and put them into their website. And I’m going to give you a great example. There’s a lot of beauty medical spas all over Instagram. Sure, they get lots of likes.
Here’s why SEO is better at conversions than instagram
But there’s actually more people locally searching for those services that want to find your business on Google Search instead of Instagram.
Check this out. When people are searching with buyer intent, meaning they are more willing to go find a local business to get a service done in Google than they are just discovering things in Instagram. Someone’s researching cool sculpting before and afters.
How it works, what’s the downtime, all that kind of stuff. They’re going into Google, searching for it, learning. And guess what? They’re also going to be searching for cool sculpting near them, cold sculpting in their city. That’s like some kind of nonsurgical fat removal eliminating process.
So when you’re at a research mode, you’re looking for a local service provider to do the service that you can drive to. That’s where Google search organic searches win. So people are going to type that into Google with buyer intent. Cool Sculpting, San Diego, Cool Sculpting, La Jolla, Mirami, whatever, wherever you are. And hopefully on your website.
You can add Instagram videos / images to your website pages for SEO benefits
If you’re doing SEO, you have a city landing page catering to those keywords. Now, you can put your little Instagram video code embedded into that post into that page to help enrich it. But the page should be more focused on text and answering any questions the client might have. And the page should have additional content like before and after pictures, as well as content that helps clear up any objections a potential client might have about you as a doctor, your history, what they can expect, the whole entire procedure. And your page should also be a hub to showcase your verified reviews.
This helps boost your conversions as well as provide an easy, accessible, easy to use contact form. And all your contact information should be right there, all nice and handy. Now, let’s compare that to getting an email or phone call from a potential client that’s ready to work with you. Ready to buy. Compared to some potential clients sending a DM to someone in charge of your Instagram account who’s going to get that information sooner?
The answer is most likely nine times out of ten, your inbox your email from your website. People want an immediate reply. That’s how you win customers a lot of times and stop them from shopping around when they go to a DM, you know how long that DM is probably going to sit there before your social media manager gets to you oh boy, that could be actually costing you, right? I hope that helps you understand the importance of SEO. Another thing to keep in mind is that your SEO is there for you.
Where will you turn to if your instagram gets hacked?
It’s going to stay evergreen the content that you create on your website is yours controlled by you. All your time you spend on Instagram creating all your real images and all that stuff. What happens if your Instagram gets hacked? What happens when that algorithm no longer favors you? Where do you turn?
Well, you’re probably going to call me. But if you do, I’m here helping you get ready for SEO. Thanks guys. Thanks for listening. Have a great rest of your day.
Bye.
Thanks for reading! BTW, If you didn’t catch my name, I’m Jen and I’m a SEO specialist in San Diego, CA running my own SEO company in San Diego.
Instagram can still be a valuable marketing channel for businesses — but the way I recommend using it has changed considerably since I first wrote this article.
Years ago, Instagram marketing advice focused heavily on:
Perfect-looking grids
Filters
Posting at a specific time
Using large groups of hashtags
Automatically sharing every post to other social networks
Trying to gain as many followers as possible
Today, I take a much more practical approach.
Your Instagram account should help potential customers quickly understand:
Who you are. What your business does. Who you help. What makes you different. What they should do next.
For a local business, it should also reinforce where you operate.
You do not need a perfectly coordinated grid.
You do not need to go viral.
And you definitely do not need millions of followers.
You need an account that reaches the right people, demonstrates what your business is actually like, and gives potential customers a reason to learn more.
Quick Answer: How Should a Business Market Itself on Instagram?
A strong Instagram strategy should include:
A clearly optimized profile
Consistent branding
Useful photos and videos
Reels
Carousels
Stories
Customer-focused educational content
Behind-the-scenes content
Real people
Local content when appropriate
Social proof
Clear calls to action
Links back to your website
Regular review of what content actually performs
The goal is not simply to gain followers.
The goal is to build visibility, recognition, trust, and eventually business.
Start With a Professional Instagram Profile
Before worrying about content, make sure the profile itself clearly represents the business.
A visitor should understand what you do within a few seconds.
Your profile should make it obvious:
Who you are
What service or product you offer
Who you help
Where you are located or serve
Where someone can learn more
What action you want them to take
Think of the profile like a miniature landing page.
Someone may discover you through a Reel or shared post without knowing anything about your company.
When they visit the profile, the next question becomes:
“Is this business relevant to me?”
Make the answer easy.
Choose a Username People Can Recognize
Whenever possible, use a username that closely reflects your business or brand.
I use:
@seo.expert.sd
for my own SEO-focused Instagram presence.
The exact business name is ideal when it is available, but sometimes a descriptive variation makes sense.
Avoid usernames that make it difficult for someone to identify the business.
Consistency across your website and other important profiles can also make the brand easier to recognize.
Optimize the Name Field
Do not forget the name field on the profile.
This is another place where you can make the account more descriptive.
For example, instead of simply:
Jen Ruhman
I may use wording that reinforces what I do, such as:
Jen Ruhman | San Diego SEO Expert
That immediately provides more context.
Do not stuff keywords into every available field.
Use natural language that helps people understand the account.
Write a Bio That Explains What You Actually Do
A lot of business bios are too vague.
Something like:
Helping you achieve your dreams ✨
might sound nice.
But what does the company sell?
A strong bio should quickly explain the business.
I like thinking about the bio in four parts:
Who you help
What you do
A benefit or differentiator
A clear next step
For my own business, I want someone to understand that I am an SEO expert in San Diego and that I help businesses improve their visibility in Google, local search, and evolving AI search.
For a personal brand or owner-led business, a professional photo can sometimes be more memorable.
The most important thing is that the image remains easy to recognize at a small size.
Avoid tiny text, complicated graphics, or images that become impossible to understand in the Instagram interface.
And once people begin recognizing your profile image, do not change it constantly without a reason.
Brand recognition has value.
Give People Somewhere Useful to Go
Instagram should not become the entire digital presence of your business.
Your website is still an asset you control.
Use the links available on your Instagram profile strategically.
Depending on the business, you may send people to:
Your homepage
A service page
A booking page
Your contact page
A current offer
A consultation page
A useful resource
A specific Instagram landing page
I usually prefer sending someone to a page that closely matches what I am asking them to do.
If the call to action says:
Get a free SEO analysis
then I want the link to take the visitor somewhere they can actually request that analysis.
Remove unnecessary friction.
What Should a Business Post on Instagram?
This is where many businesses get stuck.
They assume every post needs to advertise a product or service.
That becomes repetitive quickly.
Instead, think about the questions, experiences, people, results, and stories surrounding the business.
Useful content categories might include:
Educational Content
Answer questions customers ask regularly.
Explain misconceptions.
Share tips.
Break down complicated subjects.
For my business, that might mean discussing:
SEO mistakes
Google Business Profile tips
Website problems
Local SEO
AI search
Search rankings
Common SEO myths
The same principle works in almost every industry.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Show people what happens inside the business.
Customers often enjoy seeing:
How something is made
How a service is performed
What preparation looks like
Your workspace
A project in progress
Your team
Your process
This type of content can make a business feel more real.
Customer Experience
Show what it is actually like to work with you.
That might include:
Testimonials
Reviews
Before-and-after examples
Case studies
Customer photos
Results
Stories about successful projects
Always make sure you have appropriate permission before sharing customer information or imagery.
Personality
If you are part of the brand, show up.
One of the biggest advantages smaller businesses have over large corporations is personality.
Customers may work directly with the owner.
Let people see who that person is.
That is especially useful for professional services where trust matters.
Use Reels to Show, Explain, and Demonstrate
Short-form vertical video remains an important format within Instagram, and Meta continues to actively develop Reels as a major advertising and engagement surface.
But you do not need elaborate video production.
For businesses, simple Reels can work extremely well.
Ideas include:
Answer one customer question
Show a before-and-after
Demonstrate a service
Explain one mistake
Show your process
Give a quick tip
Take viewers behind the scenes
Walk through a project
Explain something people misunderstand
Share a short customer success story
Think:
one Reel = one useful idea
Do not try to explain your entire industry in 30 seconds.
Use Carousels When the Topic Needs More Explanation
Not every idea needs to become a video.
Carousels work well when you want to teach something visually in a sequence.
Your website, Google presence, Instagram, and broader digital footprint should tell a consistent story about where your business operates.
Use Location Tags When They Are Relevant
If you are posting from your business, an event, a local landmark, or another meaningful location, adding the appropriate location can provide useful context.
Do not randomly attach locations simply because you hope they will produce more reach.
Use them when they genuinely describe the content.
For local businesses, this is another simple way of making geographic context clearer.
Collaborate With Other Local Businesses
Instagram can be especially useful for building relationships locally.
Look for complementary businesses rather than only competitors.
For example:
A wedding photographer might collaborate with a venue.
A hairstylist might collaborate with a makeup artist.
A personal trainer might collaborate with a healthy restaurant.
A vacation rental company might collaborate with local attractions.
A San Diego SEO consultant might collaborate with web designers, photographers, business organizations, or other professionals serving local companies.
These relationships can introduce both businesses to relevant audiences.
And they can create real-world relationships that extend well beyond Instagram.
Work With Creators Carefully
Influencer and creator partnerships can work well when the audience makes sense.
Do not choose someone only because they have a large follower count.
Look at:
Audience relevance
Location
Engagement
Content quality
Brand alignment
Authenticity
Whether their audience resembles your customers
A smaller local creator with the right audience may be far more valuable to a neighborhood business than someone with a massive but unrelated following.
Meta also continues to support creator/business partnerships across Instagram, including partnership and branded content tools.
Encourage Customer-Generated Content
Some of the best content about your business may come from customers.
If appropriate for your industry, encourage people to:
Tag the business
Share their experience
Post photos
Mention your account
Share results
Show the product in use
You can then request permission to reshare strong customer content.
This provides something businesses often struggle to create themselves:
authentic social proof.
Do Not Obsess Over a Perfect Grid
This is one of the biggest changes from my older Instagram advice.
Years ago, I spent much more time thinking about checkerboard layouts, columns, filters, and perfectly coordinated profile grids.
Brand consistency still matters.
But I would not sacrifice useful content just to maintain a complicated visual pattern.
Instead, aim for:
Recognizable branding
Good photos
Readable graphics
Consistent typography
A coherent palette
Professional presentation
Your profile should look like the same business.
It does not need to look like every post was designed six months in advance.
Hashtags Are a Supporting Tool, Not the Strategy
I also would not build an entire Instagram strategy around hashtags.
Use relevant hashtags when they genuinely describe the post, audience, industry, or location.
But do not assume adding a giant block of generic hashtags will compensate for weak content.
Your captions do not need to sound like advertisements.
Write naturally.
A good caption may:
Explain what is happening
Tell a story
Answer a question
Give useful advice
Share your perspective
Explain why something matters
Invite someone to respond
Give a clear next step
Avoid stuffing captions with keywords purely for search visibility.
Clarity is more important.
Give Every Post a Purpose
Before publishing, ask:
Why am I posting this?
Possible goals include:
Educate
Build trust
Demonstrate expertise
Generate engagement
Show personality
Drive website traffic
Promote a service
Share social proof
Build local awareness
Encourage inquiries
Not every post needs to sell.
But the overall account should support the business.
Instagram Should Support Your Website — Not Replace It
This is an important point.
Social platforms change.
Algorithms change.
Features change.
Your website is still the digital property your business controls.
Use Instagram to introduce people to the company and then create opportunities for them to move deeper into your ecosystem.
That might mean:
Instagram → blog article
Instagram → service page
Instagram → consultation
Instagram → free analysis
Instagram → email list
For my own business, Instagram supports the broader visibility I’m building as an SEO expert in San Diego.
My website remains the central place where people can learn about my services, read detailed resources, review case studies, and contact me.
That relationship matters.
Instagram and SEO Can Support Each Other
Instagram itself is not a replacement for your SEO strategy.
Someone searching Google for a service in San Diego may never see your latest Reel.
And someone who discovers your Reel may later search your brand on Google.
Modern customer journeys move across platforms.
A person might:
See you on Instagram.
Search your name.
Read your Google reviews.
Visit your website.
Read one of your articles.
Return three weeks later.
Then contact you.
That is why I look at digital marketing as an ecosystem.
Social media can build awareness and familiarity.
Your website can provide depth.
Your Google Business Profile can reinforce your local presence.
SEO can help people discover you when they are actively searching for a solution.
For businesses that depend on local customers, a strong San Diego SEO company strategy and an active social presence can complement each other very well.
Repurpose Your Website Content
You do not need to invent every Instagram idea from scratch.
Look at the content you already own.
One useful blog article can become:
A Reel
A carousel
Three short tips
A Story
A quote graphic
A FAQ post
A short video
A LinkedIn post
An email
This is one reason I still believe strategic blogging can be valuable.
You are creating a deeper resource first.
Then you can turn that resource into shorter content for other channels.
Plan Content in Simple Categories
You do not need an enormous social media calendar.
Choose a few categories and rotate them.
For example:
Monday: education Wednesday: behind the scenes Friday: customer result or proof Weekend: personality/local content
The exact days are not important.
The categories simply make content planning easier.
You can adjust your mix based on what your audience responds to.
Measure What Actually Works
Do not judge your Instagram strategy only by follower count.
Look at the actions that matter to your business.
That may include:
Profile visits
Website clicks
Shares
Saves
Comments
Direct messages
Reach
Video views
Leads
Bookings
Sales
Branded searches
Customer inquiries mentioning Instagram
A post with fewer likes may generate more business than a post with lots of superficial engagement.
Pay attention to patterns.
Which topics get saved?
Which videos generate profile visits?
Which posts lead to DMs?
Which content gets shared?
Which posts attract the type of customer you actually want?
Then do more of what works.
A Simple Instagram Strategy for Local Businesses
If you are starting from scratch, I would keep it simple.
Step 1: Optimize the Profile
Clearly explain what you do, who you help, and where you operate.
Step 2: Choose Three to Five Content Categories
Examples:
Education.
Customer results.
Behind the scenes.
Services.
Local/community.
Personality.
Step 3: Create Useful Content Consistently
Do not obsess over a perfect schedule.
Choose something you can realistically maintain.
Step 4: Mix Formats
Use a combination of:
Reels.
Carousels.
Photos.
Stories.
Step 5: Show the People Behind the Business
Faces make businesses easier to connect with.
Step 6: Include Local Context
Show where you operate when location matters.
Step 7: Engage Like a Real Person
Respond to comments.
Answer legitimate messages.
Interact with customers and relevant local accounts.
Step 8: Give People a Next Step
Visit the website.
Book.
Call.
Send a message.
Request a quote.
Read a guide.
Step 9: Measure Results
Look beyond likes.
Identify which content is contributing to real business outcomes.
Common Instagram Marketing Mistakes
I would avoid:
Posting only advertisements
Buying followers
Following random accounts simply hoping for follow-backs
Copying competitors word for word
Using irrelevant hashtags
Ignoring comments and messages
Obsessing over follower count
Posting without any clear strategy
Creating content that has nothing to do with your audience
Neglecting your website because you are focused entirely on Instagram
Meta’s community rules also prohibit artificial collection of likes, followers, or shares and other spam-like engagement tactics, which is another reason to avoid shortcuts aimed purely at inflating numbers.
Build a real audience instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram for Business
Is Instagram still worth using for businesses?
It can be, particularly when your customers use Instagram and your business has useful visual, educational, local, or personality-driven content to share. The key is matching the platform to your audience and business goals.
Does every business need Instagram?
No. A business should prioritize the channels its customers actually use. Some companies may receive more value from Google, LinkedIn, YouTube, email, or another platform.
How often should a business post on Instagram?
There is no universal posting frequency. Choose a schedule you can realistically maintain while continuing to produce useful content. Quality and relevance matter more than posting simply to hit a quota.
Should businesses post Reels?
Reels can be a useful way to demonstrate services, answer questions, show personality, and reach people through short-form video. Businesses do not need elaborate production; simple, useful videos can be effective.
Should I use hashtags on Instagram?
Relevant hashtags can provide context, but they should support the content rather than become the entire strategy. Use hashtags that genuinely relate to the post, industry, audience, or location.
Should a local business use location tags?
When the location is genuinely relevant to the content, yes. Location information can provide useful context for local customers.
Should I hire influencers for my local business?
Potentially, but focus on audience relevance rather than follower count. A smaller creator with a strong local following may be more valuable than a large creator whose audience has little connection to your business.
Can Instagram help SEO?
Instagram does not replace traditional SEO, but it can support your broader digital presence by increasing brand awareness, generating branded searches, sending visitors to your website, providing content people may share, and strengthening overall visibility.
Should Instagram replace my website?
No. Instagram is a third-party platform. Your website should remain an important business asset where you control your content, services, conversion paths, and long-term search strategy.
Final Thoughts: Use Instagram to Make Your Business More Human
Instagram does not need to be complicated.
You do not need a perfect grid.
You do not need to chase every trend.
You do not need to become an influencer.
You need to show people:
What you do. Who you help. What it is like to work with you. Why your business is different. What they should do next.
Use Instagram to make your business visible and human.
Then make sure the rest of your digital presence supports that story.
As a San Diego SEO expert, I look at Instagram as one piece of a much larger customer journey that may also include Google Search, Google Maps, reviews, websites, AI-powered search, referrals, and other channels.
The strongest businesses do not depend on one platform.
They build a digital presence that works together.
If your website and search visibility are not supporting the attention you’re generating through social media, I can help identify where the biggest opportunities are.
Looking to get inspired with creative ways to use instagram for business? Be honest, take a look at your instagram photos right now and tell me if they’re interesting and grab your attention. If it was a total snooze fest (boring) let’s pump up the jam and get it going on with these top 10 creative ways to use Instagram for business.
Instagram Posts IDEAS List | 60 Content Ideas
OK, I made a list:
Introduce yourself
Show where you work
Share a DIY
Show yor product in action
Show client testimonials
A highlight of your day
A pitfall of your day
Working behind the scenes
National ____ Day – creatively share your version
Co workers in action
Your work process
Benefits of your business
Your cleint’s pain points
Your commute to work
Quotes
Selfie
Morning routine
Breaktime
Packaging your products
Shipping your products
Manufacturing your products
Launching a new product or service
Milestone celebration
Share your goals
Company get together
Outfit of the day
Uniform
What’s in your bag
Say something silly
Share a case study
What are you snacking on?
Company pet spotlight
Your mission statement
Causes you support
Answer FAQs
Follow a funny video / music trend
Go in depth about a product
Who inspires you?
Throwback thursday!
Statistics
How to hire you
Join my email list
Recent purchase
Speaking at an event
Time with family
Nature
How you like to relax
Getting ready for the day
Your favorite place
Fun facts about you
Blooper
Contest
Tag a friend
Promo codes
Share photos you’re tagged in
User generated content
News
Whats in your desk?
What other Instagram post ideas do you have?
If your instagram account needs more pizazz, followers, and likes, take it to the next level with these 10 creative ways your business can use Instagram
1. Pick a color theme and stick to it!
You can have the “wow” factor when someone visits your account easily by using a color theme!
We want to see your current projects! People are always fascinated how other people live across the globe or what your daily workspace looks like. Here’s a photo of my desk. Just snap a photo what your desk looks like. What snacks are on there? Is there any interesting art hanging on the walls? Birthday cards? Are you messy creative genius or a neat freak? It reminds me of the weird fascination people have looking in your refrigerator. Remember the show, MTV cribs? People that care about your brand will love to see your workflow and where it happens.
3. Show how your products are made:
After all, there is a popular TV show all about it. Show us the different steps of the manufacturing process! Get super creative and post a daily photo showing the next step of the process and keep me coming back for more! Everything from production to delivery. This creative instagram photo idea works for every business. You’re a bakery? Sweet! Show us a video of the giant dough mixer and of course making donut holes, yum. You’re a jewelry designer? Show us the beads and tools you use, perhaps a video of finishing a pair of earrings. You’re a photographer? Show us your favorite lens. Are you a realtor? Show us your favorite kitchen.RELATED POST Benefits of using instagram for Business
4. Creatively show off your products:
If you sell multicolor products, arrange it in a fun creative way. How about arranging them by the colors of the rainbow? Make interesting photos and apply beautiful filters to them. You can always find fabric and textures to place your products on. I like to place products on the grass, wooden table or wooden floor, place onto of a leather jacket, polished stone, granite countertop, on the sand at the beach, in front of a local landmark, you get the idea. Anything is better than just using a boring white background. Also notice if you’re selling a luxury item, place it next to other valuable things such as designer purses or stage it in a formal living room.
5. Consumers using your products – let others do the work for you!
Your customers have probably used your hashtag or tagged you in a photo using your product. What better incentive, than featuring them in your instagram feed. Use their photo and tag them back. Win win for everyone.
Use photos of different age ranges using your product. Ask your audience to hashtag a photo of themselves using your product in a unique way. This will also advertise all the amazing uses of your product. Pick the most creative user generated content to share on your instagram. This way, you can pick the best photos.
Only post exclusive previews of products on instagram. Invite users from twitter and Facebook to follow your instagram just for product releases. For example, maybe only your twitter account gives away promo codes, and your Facebook has more editorial photos.RELATED POST Top 10 Snapchat Facts Marketers Need to Know
7. Take instagram users with you:
Are you going to a tradeshow? Walking to the coffee shop? Share a fun moment of your day! A concert? Celebrity sighting? Perhaps the Pope? Take video, now share and tell!
Related: 5 tips how to get local instagram followers
8. I spy with my little eye:
Play a game, ask your instagram users to find something in your photo.
9. What’s trending?
Is there a hashtag that’s trending, like “the ice bucket challenge?” Use your company’s branding to put your own personal touch on it. If you’re a marketer, you know how important trends are for launching successful advertising campaingns. There’s also 10 amazing facts social media marketers need to know about instagram.
10. Go behind the scenes:
Unlock the mysteries of your business. What’s behind those huge doors? Show us what it looks like getting a large shipment of your product. Let’s see some unboxing of your product. Interview your employees what they’re up to. Show us the fun photo shoot you’re doing. What’s your office decor theme? Show us what it looks like behind the scenes of a press conference, at a star studded event, your company holiday party. Did a customer bring a cute pet with them into your business, show us. Better yet, model the pet with your product.
BONUS
11. Random weirdness:
Have fun! Did you stumble upon some interesting architecture? Amazing piece of art at a flea market? Show us, instagram is all about being visually engaged. When we’re amazed on instagram, we notice your username / brand.RELATED POST How to Get Your Business Started on Instagram
Final thoughts
There’s so many benefits of using instagram for business and having the most creative and visually appealing photo stream gives your business a competitive edge. Whether you’re just getting your business started on instagram or you want some new ideas to grow your local business, I recommend you take thirty minutes and try taking some creative photos right now and save them for future use on instagram. People are going to love your new creative photos and most likely be intrigued to learn more about you. That’s why it’s very important to make sure you have your profile optimized for instagram. I talk about optimizing your instagram profile in this article for setting up a small local business on instagram.
Instagram facts that marketers needs to know. Instagram is a free app and powerful visual media platform every marketer should be using. After reading these amazing 10 instagram facts, be sure to read the top benefits of instagram for business. Here’s the latest instagram stats for September 2015. If you’re a marketer please read more: Top 10 Instagram Facts Marketers Need to Know.
Top 10 Instagram Facts Marketers Need to Know
Intagram Stats Septemeber 2015
Instagram photos that have filters applied are 21% more likely to be viewed + warmer tones get more comments. Source: dailyMail.co.uk
Instagram currently has 2.5 Billion daily likes. Source: instagram/press
Benefits of using instagram for Business: Here’s 8 amazing benefits of using instagram for business that you need to take advantage of today.
With over 153 million users on instagram (source MindJumpers), just about any business can benefit using instagram in a multitude of ways.
It’s never too late to start an instagram account for your business. Better yet, If you’re a business marketer, let your client know the benefits of using instagram for business they’re missing out on.
No matter what industry, instagram is a perfect platform to increase revenue for your business. No joking, from fashion, fitness supplements, dog breeders, etc. I’ve seen each category gain from dozens to thousands of likes on instagram but most importantly traffic to your online business or blog. Even if you’re a small local business owner, there’s advantages of using instagram just for local business.
I have experienced all of these instagram benefits for my own business and my clients, that’s why I had to write this article for you – small business owners especially. Get ahead of your competitors, download the instagram app and start gaining these benefits of using instagram for business today.
Amazing Benefits of using instagram for Business
1. Gain Trust for your Business
Gaining trust is one of the many benefits of using instagram for business. Businesses that are “up to date” understand the importance of appearing relevent and ahead of their competition. Social media has leveled the playing field for businesses across the globe. The United States ranks #1 with 40% of the total share of instagram users.
Instagram offers a quick and straightforward way to provide real-time updates and offer a behind-the-scenes look at your business and services. It’s as simple as capturing a photo or a short video, applying a filter, and incorporating relevant, searchable hashtags.
What’s even better is that you can engage in direct conversations through your Instagram account, leave comments, tag individuals in your photos, and even establish or tag a location, all while harnessing the power of hashtags. This accessibility and engagement are invaluable.
This approach fosters trust, which is a significant advantage. Trust is a powerful asset because as people become more acquainted with your business and can easily interact and ask questions, they are more likely to make a purchase. Instagram is a valuable tool for building rapport and enhancing your business’s credibility.
Social media has finally become a requirement for businesses and many simply cannot afford not to leverage the traffic among many benefits because of it.
You might be thinking “instagram users are not my target market.”
True – instagram does have a younger audience, however – you could possibly gain more younger customers.
Case Study: One of my clients has an eyelash extension beauty salon. She said her customer base was women in their late 30’s – 50’s. She began using instagram and utilizing hashtags for her city and services, also showing amazing before and after photos. People took notice, started following her, and started booking her services. Her customer base now has a broader age range.
2. SEO – Gain Traffic to your Website or Local Business
Gaining traffic to your website is a top priority and is a huge advantage of using instagram for business. Take advantage of this simply by making sure you have your website in your profile or posts! Your instagram account can possibly surpass your search driven traffic if you have your website’s link in your bio. Also, SEO tip: Having a link from your instagram account will give you a good high quality back link.
When you tease people with your amazing instagram content, they tend to want to learn more about you and your business so they check out your website. This could be your Etsy store page, website store page, youtube channel, affiliate marketing store page, blog, etc.
Case study: The possibilities! Imagine having an Etsy store and one of your hand crafted original pair of earrings have gone viral on instagram. People start taking screen shots of your earrings and sharing them. Because you placed a watermark on your image, people are visiting your Etsy store directly and making purchases.
Pro tip: Put a direct link to your product in your instagram profile. Mention in your photo’s description that the link is in your bio. Place some researched has tags, for example: #earrings #fashion #jewelry. Throw a relating emoji in there and you’re golden.
Local Business: If you have a local business, I’ll show you how to gain foot traffic to your business.
It’s official, Intagram has 10 times more user engagement than Facebook and Twitter! Why is that? It’s all about the images, the user is quickly scrolling, it’s QUICKER! Fast paced, purely driven by mobile users “on-the-go.” Instead of reading posts, the images do all the instant talking for you! The only text is the interactions, making engagement easier and faster. It’s the butter to your bread! Enjoy all the tasty “likes” and comments to your images.
And reply to your users! Be humble and courteous they have an interest in your photos. (Shh! Don’t forget, you can also have your instagram content simultaneously posted to your twitter, Tumblr, Flickr, foursquare, Email, and facebook accounts too!) Higher user engagement is one of the best benefits of using instagram for your business. Your users are more likely to click on your website link.
Professional looking photos of your products / services are a visually appealing benefit of using instagram for business. Filters can magically make photos appear more interesting and pretty. Instagram features some wonderful filters that can correct and balance the lighting of your photo and add a creative look and feel to your photo. Fun. Fun. Fun! Let your creativity come out and play! You can really have fun playing with these boxed filters.
Making money or increasing your company’s revenue is one of the many amazing benefits of using instagram for business. Usually a favorite benefit of instagram. In addition to getting more traffic to your website, showcasing your products and services on instagram is a great platform to run your marketing, leading to profits!
Bottom line – the more followers you have, the better chance you have making sales. The downfall – the more followers and people you follow means the more time consuming to maintain instagram friendships. Usually the more interaction you have with a customer, the more likely they are to purchase from you.
My own personal instagram shopping obsession: When I see my favorite beauty gurus posting updates of their makeup looks, I will check their photo description of which products they used. As you can see the example below, Amrezy lists the brands of makeup she used by sharing their instagram accounts. From there, I click on the “@” links and visit their website on their bio description.
benefits of using instagram for business -Follow @Amrezy
7. Free Models/Advertising
Free advertising is one of the great benefits of using instagram for Business. Instagram is a goldmine for seeing your product in action and getting brand exposure! You can easily do this by having a contest on instagram asking fans to re-post a photo and hash tag it! (People That hash tag can get popular really fast and go viral.
Many brands will also send popular instagram users products for free in return for mentioning them in their description. This often gives the brands a large amount of exposure, and an increase in sales.
8. Learn what your customers want and like
Knowing your customers wants and needs is one of the most valuable benefits of using instagram for your business. You can gain useful insight what your target market likes and dislikes. For example, if you’re a clothing store. you may notice a certain style getting more likes than others.
Case Study: A client was designing packaging for their skin care product. They used instagram to see which bottle design would receive the most likes. When one bottle design received an overwhelming amount of likes, they decided to use that preferred bottle design.
9. Having fun
Instagram is seriously fun. Even if you don’t feel like posting an update, you can scroll through the latest updates and usually laugh or learn what your competitors are doing. You can get inspired and learn what fits best for your business.
Thank you for reading 9 Benefits of using instagram for Business.
How to get local followers on instagram for your business.
Check out my top 5 tips to easily grow your local followers on Instagram.
If you have a small business, you need local Instagram followers. It’s truly how you can get local instagram users to notice your business and get them started into your sales funnel or marketing goals.
Today I’m sharing a few powerful ways how you can attract, interact, and gain local instagram followers.
This method is not focused on taking better instagram photos… Pshhh. This tutorial shows you how to take action!
It’s quick and easy!
It gets better,
You can get local followers for free on instagram.
That’s right. You’re tapping into over 100 million instagram users… there’s defiantly instagram users that are nearby your local business.
It’s time to gain the benefits of instagram for your local business and get local users’ attention to notice your brand!
If you’re like most small businesses you probably can’t afford to hire a social media expert.
That’s OK. If you have ten minutes to spare per day for instagram, I’ll show you how you can get local instagram followers that will help boost your sales.
Having local instagram followers is beneficial for any small business
It helps you gain trust with your customers or potential customers
Spreads word of mouth
Gets foot traffic to your business
Creates a sense of community and branding
If you have a small business that relies on foot traffic, you need local marketing.
Ready to get started?
Here’s five tips how to get local followers on Instagram
NEW AWESOME Bonus tip: Follow the business’ next door’s instagram followers!
For example. The BBQ restaurant’s instagram I manage. There is a mechanic shop next door with lots of LOCAL customers following their instagram account. We simply gave the mechanic shop a coupon to share with their customers for 10% off their entire meal. (these customers usually wait around while their car gets fixed)
Let’s give them an incentive to get them into our restaurant! Guess what happened? They posted the coupon on their instagram account. Now all their followers see the deal. And I swoop in and follow all the people that liked the post AND I followed all the mechanic shop’s followers. We now have an extra 100 followers. Skimming through the users, they are all based in San Diego. Awesome!
People love using their local hashtags such as their city or exact location in their instagram posts.
Check out an example, I typed in “#SanDiego” (my city btw I’m using my laptop)
How to Get Local Followers on Instagram
See all the local potential?! Over 13 million posts.
Check out the most recent Instagram posts for this hashtag and interact.
Like their photo AND leave a comment.
2. Interact with the most recent local posts
Keep your comments professional and start a conversation, perhaps ask a question. You can even just leave an emoji.
Why should you interact with the most recent Instagram posts?
I recommend that you interact with the most recent photos because these users are most likely still using instagram or have their phone in their hand. They’re awaiting to see how many likes they will receive or how many comments their photo will earn. (millennials… right?)
You have a better chance interacting with them, making an impression.
You want to interact on photos that have no likes or comments, be the first!
For example:
How to Attract local instagram followers
Let’s click on this photo:
How to Attract local instagram followers
Now let’s follow, like, and leave a comment. Notice other hashtags we can use too? #SanDiegoCA
3. Leave questions as comments
Now, you might want to leave a more creative comment than “congrats” Notice the address above the man’s head? Point that out, say 4750? You’re practically my neighbor. We’re an IT company in San Diego. Congrats BTW! :)”
The best types of comments to leave on Instagram are questions!
You want to “stir the pot” “create buzz”.
Your goal in this process is to get the Instagram user to click on your Instagram username to see who you are.
Time for a fun example….
Let’s peek into an Instagram user’s mind:
The local instagram user’s mind might work like this:
Local Instagram user: “Hey….. who’s liking and leaving me comments on my account?”
(sees five new likes and one new comment from you)
They will most likely click on your username to check out your profile and photos before commenting back.
The point is that you succeeded “getting into their head”
They now know there’s an IT company in San Diego nearby that follows them. (you’re an IT company in this example)
Local Instagram user: “I just looked at their profile, they seem ok… I’ll write back.”
Local Instagram user: “I’m gonna return the favor and like some of their photos now because they liked a bunch of mine…”
Fast forward months from now
4. Interact with your Instagram news feed
Now that you’re following a good amount of instagram users in your area, be sure to like their photos!
It’s important to continueto like their photos and comment. Eventually the local instagram users you follow will follow you back and interact with you.
It does take time and you need to be persistent. However, don’t act desperate or be pushy.
5. Leverage the Geo-locate feature:
Let’s leverage the geo-locate feature in this Instagram post. The user here allowed Instagram to use his location and include it below his instagram username as circled in red. (example pictured below)
If this is a nearby business and it has your target market of customers, in this case it’s a car dealership. They attract people with money in the market to purchase a new car. 🙂
This place is already receiving foot traffic and they’re your neighbor.
Click on their location
Look for users that recently took photos here
Follow them! (in this example it’s mostly the car dealership that populates the “most recent”) However, you’ll find some customer posts.
6. Follow your local competition’s followers!
This is HUGE! This is quick and shameless tip. If there’s a local business that’s a competitor, check out their inastagram account.
Study what they’re posting, see what’s working for them. It doesn’t hurt to follow their ideas, you can perhaps think of even better ideas, brainstorm with your employees.
If your competitors have followers, they might be more likely to follow you back since they already like the same type of business.
Bonus: How to get local business to follow you on Instagram
Depending on your product or business, you may want to only attract local business owners or local businesses on Instagram.
Sometimes, that’s more of a bigger client and can be a bigger sale.
For example, it you’re an IT company, you most likely want small businesses nearby to follow you and hire you for your local IT services. You’ll want to simply search for targeted keywords. Use the city you’re located and add “businessowner” for example, #SanDiegoBusinessOwner.
Bingo, do a quick search in Instagram for “#SanDiegoBusinessOwner” and 62 posts show:
How to get local business to follow you on Instagram
You should follow and interact with the most recent posts. Leave comments and get a conversation started. Connect! Network!
You can also do a google search for any specific businesses nearby.
For example, if you wanted to connect with only dentists in San Diego, do a google search “dentists San Diego” Click on their links and website to find their instagram account.
Thanks for reading “How to Get Local Followers on Instagram.”
Do you have any tips how to get local followers on instagram?
