Instagram, alongside BeReal, are social media platforms with a highly visual focus. This makes Instagram marketing the perfect go-to for businesses who want to show off themselves, their products and their achievements.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of mastering Instagram marketing, from setting up your profile to crafting killer content and driving results.

The Beginners Step-by-Step Guide to Instagram Marketing

Step 1: Optimise Your Profile

Your Instagram profile acts as a digital storefront, which means first impressions count. Here’s some simple optimisation tips for nailing those first impressions every time:

• Profile Picture: Use your brand logo or a professional headshot.

• Username and Bio: Keep them clear, concise, and reflective of your brand’s identity.

• Link in Bio: Use this wisely – link to your website (or a linktree), latest blog post, or a special offer.

Step 2: Content is STILL King

Creating captivating content is key to Instagram success. Here’s how to get started:

• Visual Consistency: Instagram is THE visual platform, use that to your advantage. Maintain a cohesive look with consistent brand colours and themes. This way when a user comes across your posts or reels they’ll know instinctively that they’re yours.

• Quality Imagery: Using high-resolution imagery for any graphics, or photography. However, when it comes to videos, feel free to mix it up, utilising both high-quality production, with interspersed vertical ‘lofi’ videos. These videos will feel more personal for your audience.

• Engage with Storytelling: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, tell brand stories, and make it personal. Audiences don’t want to feel like they’re being sold to by a faceless entity, so make sure to take the time to give them a glimpse behind the curtain.

• Hashtags: Take the time to research which hashtags are more relevant to your brand. Using relevant hashtags will increase discoverability, while spamming non-applicable hashtags into your posts will put audiences off.

Step 3: Posting Schedule

As with all social media algorithms, Instagram’s is unforgiving in its content churn. And for you, this means consistency is vital to keep you regularly appearing in your audiences feeds.

• Frequency: Post regularly, but the key here is to appease the algorithm while not overloading your audience. We recommend once or twice a day. But don’t fret if you miss a day here and there.

• Ideal Times: Determine when your target audience is most active and post accordingly. Factors to consider – age group, job type and location.

• Scheduling Tools: Use apps like Buffer or Hootsuite to plan your posts in advance. So even if you’re off sick or on holiday, you won’t have to suffer the wrath of the algorithm.

Step 4: Audience Engagement

Interact with your audience to foster connections. Here’s some quick tips to get you started:

• Respond to Comments: Reply promptly to comments on your posts. And try to ask questions or give useful info, no more one emoji replies!

• Engage in Conversations: Like and comment on other people’s content. In doing so you’ll bring fresh eyes to your own.

• Use Polls and Questions: Encourage interaction through Stories.

Step 5: Instagram Stories & Reels

First, lets quickly cover the differences – Stories are more private content, shown to followers and friends. So you’ll be looking to craft content engaging for your already loyal follower base. Reels are public videos, they’re shown to a wider audience so you’ll want to make the content attractive, to turn non-followers into new followers.

• Behind-the-Scenes: This makes for great reel content! Show the human side of your brand, the staff, office pets, if you’re the founder tell the story of your business. Alternatively if you create a physical product, show bts of how it’s crafted.

• Polls and Questions: These are good for getting feedback, however using topical polls on subjects your audience are interested in is a quick, useful way for engaging with your audience in a more personal fashion. Both are important for brand loyalty as they make your audience feel valued!

• Swipe Up Links: These are invaluable tools, they’re available for accounts with over 10,000 followers, and perfect for driving traffic to your website.

Step 6: Analytics and Insights

This is your quick reminder to measure your efforts:

Instagram Insights: Use the built-in analytics to track your performance.

Third-Party Tools: Consider using external analytics tools for more in-depth analysis. There are lots on the market. Each comes with its own pros, cons, and cost so shop about accordingly.

Let’s craft your Instagram Marketing roadmap!

Now you have your starting point to Instagram marketing success, it’s time to take action.

Instagram Marketing isn’t simply about pretty pictures; it’s a strategic approach to building your brand, connecting with your audience, and driving meaningful results.

Our team at Swindon Web Works can guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s craft a custom Instagram marketing strategy that drives results.