Social media is obviously super important for businesses, and that's a trend that isn't going away anytime soon. But attracting followers can be tough! Sometimes social media can feel like you're throwing a party and the only people that show up are your mom and a couple of neighbors.
Wouldn't it be better to feel like the hostess with the mostess?
For this year's Planathon, I invited my friend Jasmine Star to give a little lesson in using Instagram to brand.
Here's the thing about Jasmine – she just so happens to be a branding genius extraordinaire. I mean, just check out her Instagram – it's smokin', right?
And just look at how many likes, follows, and comments she has!
I bet that you wouldn't mind grabbing that sort of attention for your business's account.
Jasmine started her Instagram account in 2010. Like most of us, she spent the first while with only a tiny handful of followers. She felt stuck and wasn't sure what to do to pump up her followers list. Maybe you're in the same boat right now. Maybe you're looking for that magical tip to transform your account from a quiet wallflower to the life of the party.
Well, let me tell you – Jasmine has got just what you need!
Normally, she teaches a full course on Instagram for Business but for Planathon 2017 she was willing to share with the lucky participants one powerful tip that can help businesses hop onto the road to becoming Instagram stars in just five minutes! Want to guess how quickly I logged into my own Instagram account after finishing her lesson?
So what simple change can you make to attract new followers?
It's easy: Play Up Your Profile.
If someone comes to your profile and can't figure out exactly what it is that you do, you probably won't keep their attention. A lot of profiles use vague descriptions, like “I like all things pink. Beach lover. Mama” – that doesn't really tell you very much about the person, does it?
Be more specific. I mean, if you're going to call yourself an “experience-maker,” it's probably a good idea to let people know what type of experience you're making! Be more specific about the value that you're offering people – will you help them get fit? Do you offer an effective product to help with productivity? Are you an amazing caterer specializing in a specific cuisine?
Give your location. If someone is looking for a particular service, chances are they are going to want to find someone local. And if you don't list your location on your profile, how will they know that you are exactly what they are looking for?
Provide relevant and interesting links. If you're going to link to something in your profile, make sure it's both interesting and relevant to the audience you hope to reach.
List your perks and what followers should expect. What value will people get if they follow your account? What are you offering and what makes it good?
Include contact information. Let's say that the rest of your profile is totally bangin' and followers are eager to learn more about you – you have to make sure to give them a way to reach you and your business!
I bet you're pretty tempted to go re-vamp your profile right now – and I don't blame you! In the meantime, share your Instagram handle in our free Facebook Group (over 15,000 entrepreneurs in the community!) and one action item you’re going to implement to improve your Instagram game!
