In the constantly evolving world of social media, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest changes and trends, especially on a powerhouse platform such as Instagram. 

When it first launched it was nothing more than a simple picture-taking platform, yet over time this application transformed into so much more. Instagram isn’t just an app for sharing photos anymore; brands now use Instagram to promote their products, advertise services and stay up to date with their audience. Turning into a full-service marketing channel, Instagram enables businesses around the globe to reach millions of potential customers at a single time. 

Instagram’s new features are making it easier than ever for businesses to be successful on social media. With just one tap, you can take advantage of advanced analytics that will give your company real-time data about how many people are viewing your profile. Businesses can now also create shoppable Instagram posts and drive traffic with Instagram stories. 

If you want to get ahead, it’s important that your social media marketing strategy is aligned with the interests of those who will be viewing and engaging with your posts. With more than 500 million active users and social media use constantly rising, Instagram is the platform for your business to reach its target market. Below are a few ways you can optimize your marketing efforts. 

Focus on Building Connections

It is more important than ever for businesses and creators alike to understand what type of content their audience prefers. If your content resonates with the kinds of things that interest your audience, you can expect increased engagement. The more comments, likes and tags between profiles signal to Instagram, the more it says your account is within your “friends and family” category. As a result, the algorithm will push your content more within these audiences and boost your reach. 

Businesses can now stay top of mind and capture more customer engagement. Be sure to post content that engages users and ask your followers to like, comment and tag you whenever possible.

Use Relevant Keywords 

Keywords are an important part of your search optimization within Instagram. They determine how well your profile will appear in searches and how people can find you. Keywords are essential to helping you connect with users who want more from your content. They not only give an account a specific focus but also help followers find and engage in what’s being shared. When you’re deciding what keywords to include in your Instagram bio, consider the value that you provide and search terms from your target audience. 

The right keywords will make it easier for visitors to understand what kind of services or products you provide. Think of how an SEO agency would optimize your website; now, focus on the same aspects by targeting specific keywords. Identifying your target market’s keywords and search terms will help you reach more potential clients, boost web traffic and increase your chance of conversions. 

Include All Your Details 

The Instagram contact button gives you the opportunity to easily connect with your customers by allowing them an easy way of getting in touch. Using the contact feature, you can include your contact information at the very top of your profile. This includes directions to your physical location, a phone number and an email address. The feature is essential for any business looking to connect with more clients. 

Including links on your profile is a great way to drive targeted traffic to your online store. While Instagram may be one of the best social platforms to market your business, they only allow one clickable link on your profile, which is within the bio. The new Linkin.bio shoppable Instagram feed is an excellent way for business owners to get around restrictions on their profile pages so that they can link to as many websites or social media posts from a single link within the bio. 

Use Hashtags 

Hashtags are the best way to ensure your content gets found when people search. Use them strategically, and always remember that hashtags should reflect what users are searching for. 

Here are a few benefits of using hashtags on your posts: 

• Gain more followers by using popular hashtag
• Connect with other users who share your interests
• Increase engagement on your posts
• Find who’s talking about your brand and join the conversation
• Generate unique hashtags for your brand

Here are a few ways you should be using hashtags: 

• Use location-based keywords
• Use only up to 10 hashtags per post
• Use brand-relevant hashtags
• Use commonly used hashtags 

Research Competitors 

​​The first step in any successful marketing campaign should be research. Use the power of your competition to inform and inspire you. Keep an eye on what your competitors are doing and study their habits to develop your own strategy. 

How does your current marketing strategy compare to those of your competitors on Instagram? It is possible that if no other company is publishing a particular type of content, it might actually be your opportunity to stand apart and increase your reach simply due to being unique. There are plenty of ways for you to boost customer engagement and reach, but it all begins with understanding what successful competitors in your industry are doing. 

Final Thoughts 

As we move into the third quarter of 2022, it’s important to ensure that your Instagram marketing strategy is up to date and optimized for the months ahead. With the ever-changing news algorithm of social media platforms, what worked for you this year might not work next time around. The best way to stay on top of trends is by being mindful of what posts are popular. By using these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to reaching more customers and generating higher profits through this powerful social media platform.