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This Is How Smart Marketers Use Instagram for Business (and you can too)

Posted 15 July, 2015
Using Instagram for business - graphic #ViralChat on Instagram for business (graphic)

 

Instagram is on fire!

It has over 300 million active users! 

300 million!

That's why we asked the one and only #instaexpert, Sue B. Zimmerman, to come and share her advice on how businesses can leverage Instagram for fun and profit!

Given the klout packed by Instagram, how can YOU get some of the juice? That's what we wanted to know.

Are you ready?

Here's the scoop from our #ViralChat with Sue B...

>> Shout-out to Sue B.<<

This Is How Smart Marketers Use Instagram for Business (and you can too)

Q1: Why do you think #Instagram is so popular these days? 

#Instagram is a place to humanize your brand and build trust. http://bit.ly/AskSueB @suebzimmerman

Instagram is popular because it's so visual. We want to "see it to believe it" when it comes to a lot of brands, restaurants. ‏@MsNycole

Instagram is so real time -- you have the ability to share what's happening NOW. Other side -- people like to live vicariously. @LUCYrk78

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Q2: What defines a #instasuccessful brand or business on Instagram? 

Accounts that entertain, educate, engage and connect to you emotionally. @suebzimmerman

An insta-successful brand is consistent. Instead of promoting, they SHOW you the value of their product/services.  @askaaronlee

#Instasuccess is when your brand communicates with the audience through visuals (which are more personalised). @shilpiiz

>> Click to Tweet <<

Q3: What are some ways businesses can get followers on Instagram?

Authentically grow #Instagram followers via a strong hashtags strategy & collaborating w/ brands who align with your values. @suebzimmerman

Brands Can Grow Their Accounts By Building Advocates & Non Self Serving Content That Adds Value. Grow Through. @JackKosakowski1

Teach your staff & followers to tag you in their shared IG photos. @Rachel_Really

#ViralChat Sue B. Zimmerman

Q4: Do you have a theme for your Instagram? How/what would you describe it?

I have many themes bc I have 6 accts but my reoccurring theme is my high energy fun w/ a nautical vibe. @suebzimmerman 

The theme every IG account should have. Sharing useful, fun, entertaining, and relevant content that users can enjoy! @Marty_Marketing

My theme is to serve as a heavy daily dose of inspiration to my very young, entrepreneurial audience. Quotes, lifestyle, etc @gonztweets

>> Click to Tweet <<

Q5: What kind of content is effective for businesses to share on Instagram?

Businesses need to humanize their brand: show behind the scenes, celebrate employees, give a sneak peak. @suebzimmerman

Content that tells the brand story is what people want to see. Storytelling is where it's at! @mirirod

The content that shows your brand has a personality and connects to the regular person. Keep them involved they're your brand. @AnnaMariaSocial

Q6: How often should businesses post content on Instagram and why?  

Post 2-3 x a day on my personal account @suebzimmerman & 1 day a day on @theinstagramexpert build trust and stay top of mind@suebzimmerman

Often but not often enough to be spamming. One to two times a day I would say is good. @iamgemadiaz

If you have great content post often. @kilby76

Instagram posting ideas for business

Summary: This Is How Smart Marketers Use Instagram for Business (and you can too)

During our chat with Sue B. Zimmerman, #ViralChat sparked about 1661 tweets, 3.6 million reach and 84 million impressions. 

Here are just a few of the takeaways:

  • Post at least once daily on your Instagram account
  • Build trust with your customers and clients via Instagram
  • Humanize your brand via Instagram... let personality shine
  • Show people how to use your product (rather than try to sell them on the product)
  • Develop a well-considered Instagram theme for your account

What do you think? Share your own tips in the comments below.

Let's rock Instagram! Come on!

Don't forget to Pin and SHARE the Infographic...

                   
Download the Viral Chat Infographic!
   
       

 

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