Instagram Success Guide for your online business
One of the most powerful marketing tools that you should have if you have an Etsy Store is Instagram. It is the fastest growing social network and the most powerful visual app on smart phones with over 300 million active users!
Usually Instagram is accessed from a smart phone. It is possible to use it from a computer as well, though you will need to download specified programs. I personally find it easier to use it from my smart phone as I find it quick and flexible.
There are 3 main things to keep in mind when creating an Instagram account.
1) Publish only high quality images
Pretty straight forward.... you need eye-catching photos to stand out on Instagram. We are so lucky in Malta to have the sunshine almost every day of the year, use it! (but dont take photos in direct sunlight.) Use an interesting background, somewhere in nature or a plain white canvas. Make use of props if you think it fits well, a pen, a ball of string, a pair of scissors, your cat... be creative! You may also utilize Instagram filters to enhance the atmosphere of your photo.
2) Use hashtags carefully and wisely
Hashtags are essential because they are what makes your photos appear in searches. It is easy to come up with the most common hashtags (#jewellery #necklace #gemstones), but it will take some research work on your part to come up with more specific ones (example: #luxuryjewellery #casualjewellery #weddingjewellery). Then there are hashtags dedicated to etsy lovers (example: #etsyhunter, #etyfinds, #etsylove). These will require some more research work, and you will need to nail the ones that fit into your niche. The well use of hashtags will help you gain more followers as you will be 'targeting your main audience'. Usually 11 hashtags is enough.
3) Be consistent with your message
Your branding is how you communicate with your follower. Your Instagram account needs to tell a story. So do not only post pictures of what you sell, but also some behind-the-scenes, for example your work space, something 'in process', mention your heroes, your inspirations, your favourite quote, your occasional holiday or helper. Do ask permission if you are using a photo of your customers and perhaps they would like a tag!
Here are some to-the-point Instagram helpful tips:
* Post 3 to 4 times per week.
* Make sure your Etsy website is listed clearly in your profile.
* Your profile description is limited; be specific and concise.
* Write interesting and engaging captions. Encourage readers to take action (to buy).
* Comment back on each comment, even just to say thank you or put a smiley face, and don't forget to tag the person writing the comment.
* Answer direct messages in a timely fashion.
* If you are running a promotion or a discount, make sure you include it in writing in a corner of your photo, as well as in the description.
* Find and follow users in your same niche, especially those with a large following; like and comment on their posts (some people will eventually check you out).
* Share on Facebook what you post on Instagram.
* Include your Instagram name on all your stationery and social media, and encourage customers to follow you.
Hope you find this post helpful and encouraging. Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments section.
By the way, if you wish to follow me, my Insta is:
Usually Instagram is accessed from a smart phone. It is possible to use it from a computer as well, though you will need to download specified programs. I personally find it easier to use it from my smart phone as I find it quick and flexible.
There are 3 main things to keep in mind when creating an Instagram account.
1) Publish only high quality images
Pretty straight forward.... you need eye-catching photos to stand out on Instagram. We are so lucky in Malta to have the sunshine almost every day of the year, use it! (but dont take photos in direct sunlight.) Use an interesting background, somewhere in nature or a plain white canvas. Make use of props if you think it fits well, a pen, a ball of string, a pair of scissors, your cat... be creative! You may also utilize Instagram filters to enhance the atmosphere of your photo.
2) Use hashtags carefully and wisely
Hashtags are essential because they are what makes your photos appear in searches. It is easy to come up with the most common hashtags (#jewellery #necklace #gemstones), but it will take some research work on your part to come up with more specific ones (example: #luxuryjewellery #casualjewellery #weddingjewellery). Then there are hashtags dedicated to etsy lovers (example: #etsyhunter, #etyfinds, #etsylove). These will require some more research work, and you will need to nail the ones that fit into your niche. The well use of hashtags will help you gain more followers as you will be 'targeting your main audience'. Usually 11 hashtags is enough.
3) Be consistent with your message
Your branding is how you communicate with your follower. Your Instagram account needs to tell a story. So do not only post pictures of what you sell, but also some behind-the-scenes, for example your work space, something 'in process', mention your heroes, your inspirations, your favourite quote, your occasional holiday or helper. Do ask permission if you are using a photo of your customers and perhaps they would like a tag!
Here are some to-the-point Instagram helpful tips:
* Post 3 to 4 times per week.
* Make sure your Etsy website is listed clearly in your profile.
* Your profile description is limited; be specific and concise.
* Write interesting and engaging captions. Encourage readers to take action (to buy).
* Comment back on each comment, even just to say thank you or put a smiley face, and don't forget to tag the person writing the comment.
* Answer direct messages in a timely fashion.
* If you are running a promotion or a discount, make sure you include it in writing in a corner of your photo, as well as in the description.
* Find and follow users in your same niche, especially those with a large following; like and comment on their posts (some people will eventually check you out).
* Share on Facebook what you post on Instagram.
* Include your Instagram name on all your stationery and social media, and encourage customers to follow you.
Hope you find this post helpful and encouraging. Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments section.
By the way, if you wish to follow me, my Insta is:
https://www.instagram.com/bohemiamalta
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