How do you brand yourself on Instagram? It takes more than just a pretty feed. Building a strong brand on social media will help you attract more followers for your account, make a great first impression, and keep you top-of-mind. From establishing your story to identifying your content pillars, we’re covering it all – let’s get started.

 

 

Establish yourself as an authority

First, let’s talk about establishing yourself as an authority on Instagram. We see it all the time. A newish business or brand starts posting beautiful photos on Instagram, but they don’t take the extra step to establish themselves as an authority in their niche.

But before someone is willing to buy products from you, they need to know why you’re the go-to authority in your business niche. For smaller Instagram accounts, especially when you’re trying to build your Instagram followers, you have to think about the value in someone following you.

If you’re talking to everyone on Instagram, you’re talking to no one. Think about the specific customer you’re trying to reach. Once you have that Instagram follower in mind, you’ll be able to create Instagram content that will attract that specific customer.

 

Build a bridge

Next, let’s talk about building a bridge. Once you’ve established yourself as an authority on Instagram, it’s time to take the next step in building a relationship with your niche followers.

Focus on how you can create content that builds a bridge between what you are showing in a post and what’s in it for your customer. Especially as you’re building your account, you want to ensure all of your Instagram content communicates the value you bring to your customers.

No matter what you’re sharing, whether it’s a photo of your product or a video of your dog, you have to “build a bridge” and provide context to your followers.

 

Engagement is just as important as what you post

Now, let’s focus on engagement. So many people spend time scrolling on Instagram, but almost no time engaging with their followers. But here’s the thing: If you want to grow quickly on Instagram, you have to consistently engage with your followers.

 

 

Engagement isn’t just something the SBZ Team talks about, it’s something we do every single day on our Instagram business accounts.

Whether it’s answering questions on your post, pinning comments, or sending direct messages to your loyal customers, it’s important to remind people that there’s a real person behind your Instagram avatar.

 

Have real conversations on Instagram

Next up, it’s time to put the “social” back in “social media.” Despite Instagram being a place to connect, so many business owners and entrepreneurs spend almost no time having conversations with their Instagram followers or other business accounts.

But this is a complete missed opportunity. If someone has taken the time to follow your account or leave a comment, they want to hear from you. Even something as simple as “Thanks for being a part of my community” can make a big difference in making your Instagram followers feel appreciated.

 

Use geolocation to connect with people locally

Finally, let’s talk about leveraging your geolocation. Sometimes businesses get so in the weeds of building a strong hashtag strategy and creating beautiful content, they completely miss the potential of leveraging their location.

But oftentimes your best customers are just around the corner. By sharing your geolocation you can be sure that your local customers never miss your content. Not only will it drive local traffic to your business, but it will make it easier for other local businesses to find you for networking opportunities.