1) Establish your target audience

Before creating an Instagram and posting content you will need to define who your target audience is. Determine who your current consumers are. What are their demographics, ages, likes, dislikes, time zones? Try to figure out as much about your current audience as you can. Then research your competitors so you can discover the full target audience for your company.

2) Set SMART goals

Another important tip is to set up SMART goals for your Instagram. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.

3) Optimize your profile

Make sure you have a clear and eye-catching profile picture, Username, Bio, and proper call to action on your profile. Try using emojis or symbols to shorten your bio but still convey the message you need to. Use proper spacing or line breaks to make bio and content easy to read/understand. Make sure the profile picture is cropped properly and is of good quality. Utilize Instagram Business profile setting such as contact information(phone, email, etc.), call to action buttons, and categories.  These can all help consumers find your profile and make purchases.

4) Share good content

Share engaging content that is of good quality. Make sure your profile’s esthetic matches and is eye-pleasing as a whole. Look at the whole picture by using apps to pre-plan your posts and plan out your profile’s appearance. Share content that is engaging and has a call to action. Use hashtags that are relevant!

5) Post Regularly

Make sure to post on a consistent schedule. Posting at least once a day is preferred, though many say that up to 3 times a day will give the best results. Use apps or analytics software to plan when the best times every day are to post.

6) Use Instagram stories

Use Instagram stories to your benefit. Post deals, contests, posts, videos, and music. Instagram stories is a great way to keep consumers engaged and making purchases.

7) Utilize paid ads

Though on Instagram you can get a large amount of consumer engagement without paid ads, this is still something to utilize.  Make your ads engaging and use a proper call to action. Video ads work best on Instagram.