Instagram isn\u2019t an impossible platform to gain traction in\u2013 although it can certainly feel that way without the right tactics. If you follow and commit to these steps in 2021, you will experience growth in your reach and engagement.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s get into it!<\/p>\n
This term is mentioned by social media gurus about as frequently as it rains on the streets of London, but it just isn\u2019t true.<\/p>\n
Yes, there is an algorithm. Its job is to provide users with content they will enjoy so they stay longer on the platform and watch more ads.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not out to get business accounts or show your post to only 10% of followers unless you pay to boost it.<\/p>\n
Saying that, although we can\u2019t beat the algorithm into submission with a stick \u2013\u00a0we can use the algorithm in our favour. We have to be focused and tuned in to what our audience is seeking. That means recording weekly stats and analysing what had your followers commenting, liking sharing. Monitoring which posts increased your brand\u2019s reach. Analyse your competitors \u2013 observe when their account is experiencing a spike in growth and find out why.<\/p>\n
The better your content engages your audience, the more the algorithm will push it out.<\/p>\n
Before even discussing how to create quality content for your brand \u2013 here\u2019s a trick that so many businesses miss. They don\u2019t do the engagement work.<\/p>\n
Time each week needs to be committed to reaching out \u2013 it\u2019s rare for posts to go viral and a business to gain thousands of followers overnight. However, although the rate of growth is slower this way, it\u2019s much more steady and reliable. Take the time to comment, like and share content from those with a potential interest in your brand. Be genuine and try to make comments at least five words in length.<\/p>\n
Here is what other articles won\u2019t share; they want content marketing to appear very glamorous and feed-focused.<\/p>\n
However, the behind the scenes graft, such as engagement, that will make your posted content far better received. You\u2019ve done the work, built and maintained the community, and these people are far more likely to interact with your content.<\/p>\n
Instagram rushed out its additional video features \u2013 reel, guides, and IGTV\u2013 to keep followers who are migrating to TikTok. With each update, functionality improves, and marketers are getting more of an insight into how people are using these features. We\u2019ll look at the four main video formats with tips on how to make an impact:<\/p>\n
Use the tools available in the Reels uploading process:<\/p>\n
That being said, creating a reel is simple \u2013\u00a0it\u2019s making an engaging <\/em>one that\u2019s the trick. The key is to find content that\u2019s sparking conversion on social. Create a unique slant adds value and entertainment. Also, showcase the exciting parts of your business, offer sneak peeks of secret projects.<\/p>\n While a reel is set in portrait mode (1920px x 1080 px), feed video\u2019s have the square dimnesions (1080px x 1080px) that\u2019s classic to Instagram. Keep this in mind before shooting, as you might find it impossible to fit your video neatly into the frame.<\/p>\n Stories are becoming more and more essential to a business. Some key elements to weave into your strategy:<\/p>\n IGTV<\/p>\n IGTV has the lowest engagement and views compared to the above features, and it\u2019s no wonder why. Social media users are consistently looking for short, snappy, shareable content. HOWEVER, there is one exception: Lives, ESPECIALLY Lives with guests. These are great for exposure as both your audience and the guest\u2019s followers can tune in and watch\u2013 you can also save this to your IGTV.<\/p>\n Not just what competitors are positing, but also how often and what times. Inspect their captions, how they reply to comments, who\u2019s liking and engaging with their posts.<\/p>\n This doesn\u2019t mean to copy-cat everything your competitors are doing \u2013\u00a0that way, your brand will always be one step behind and also would detract from your own brand identity. Instead, be a critic \u2013 what\u2019s working well for them and what isn\u2019t. That helps to take the guesswork out of what will perform for your<\/em> business on the platform.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s your chance to encourage participation, and communicate a compelling CTA (call to action) is the path to engagement,<\/p>\n Get your comments section busy by exploring a topic that matters to your audience. Value their input\u2013 respond to comments with thought rather than just planting in a few love hearts.<\/p>\n Make user-generated content a pillar of your content marketing.<\/p>\n Why?<\/p>\n UGC has a 4.5% higher conversion rate on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Create exciting campaigns and giveaways to get your followers involved. Request that they tag your account and maybe use a specific hashtag to gain reach for your brand. Be sure to reshare this content! You have a strong testimonial at your disposal here.<\/p>\n With so many brands vying for Instagrammers time, the fact they made the time to create content for your brand shows that they trust and align with your business<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to create video content that is expertly crafted and tells a strong story \u2013 you can contact us at Videoworks here. <\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Instagram isn\u2019t an impossible platform to gain traction in\u2013 although it can certainly feel that way without the right tactics. If you follow and commit to these steps in 2021,…<\/p>\n<\/a>Feed Video<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Stories<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Research your competitors\u2019 strategies<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Captions<\/h2>\n
<\/a>User-generated Content<\/h2>\n