Instagram has got it going on! It is the fastest growing social network out there. As a matter of fact, Statista reported Instagram reached one billion active users this past June. So if you’re not using Instagram to promote your business, you are seriously missing out.

What I love about Instagram is that you can use it to promote any type of business: blogging businesses, online businesses, ecommerce, even brick and mortar businesses are using the social platform.

But not to worry dear reader it’s not too late to get on board.  I’m going to show you 5 ways to maximize Instagram for your business so you can hit the ground running.

1. Targeted Hashtags

Now you can reach your target audience by following niche-specific hashtags. Targeted hashtags also gives you the ability to expand your brand’s message by promoting your branded tags.

2. Instagram Stories

Instagram continue to improve their Stories feature. You can archive and highlight your stories and the content is kept indefinitely and displayed in your profile.

3. Use Cool Images and Post Consistently

The secret to get an Instagram post to get a lot of likes and comments is a cool image. I like to use Canva (affiliate) to create my images. They have cool templates and images. And when you upgrade you can upload your own fonts and set your brand’s colors as a default.

Speaking of your brand’s colors, you also want to use your brand’s color palette on your images like this post from my Instagram page. This particular post got 51 likes and several comments too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you’re having a great Saturday, mamas. Remember to do something for yourself today! #momlife #mommytime #momsdayout #timeoutformom #motherhood #beingamom #momprobs #alldayeveryday #motivationalquote #instaquotes #quotesformoms #studiomommy #mompreneurs #sahms #wahms #bossmoms #workingmoms

A post shared by April from Studio Mommy (@studiomommy) on Sep 8, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT

Posting consistently on your feed is also important. Sure you want to use Instagram Stories and Instagram Live – which I’ll go over in a bit, but you should continue to post on your feed.

Use tools like Tailwind (affiliate) or Hootsuite to determine the best posting times to guarantee your audience sees your content.

4. Use Direct Messaging

More than 375 million people used Instagram DMs. That is more than half of their entire user base!

Once you’ve connected with your audience, use direct messages to take it to the next level. When you use this tool you’re making a personal, direct connection with your audience and that can turn into a potential lead for you!

5. Use Instagram Live

Live streaming is just one more way to get your business out there and connect with your audience in real time.

Instagram Live is still evolving but with added features like ‘live guests’ that enables you to go live with someone else, I can only imagine what they’re going to come out with next!

If you need some help read How To Use Instagram Live by Social Media Examiner.

Recommended For You: How To Boost Traffic To Your Blog

5 Ways To Maximize Instagram For Your Business – The Infographic

Social Media Today created this cool infographic that breaks down the five ways to maximize Instagram for your business.

You can also find more infographics at Visualistan.

Wrapping It Up

So that’s how you use Instagram for your business. Remember:

1. Use targeted hashtags
2. Add Instagram Stories to your social media marketing plan
3. Create cool images and post consistently
4. Use direct messages to connect directly with your audience
5. And use Instagram Live

I hope you found these tips helpful. If you’ve got anything to add to this list, please share it in the comments below.

Don’t forget to share this blog post on social media so that others who have not started using Instagram for their business can also get on board.

Here’s to your success on Instagram!