I want to start this off by stating, this is in no way meant to come off insulting towards anyone who doesn’t understand social media. This Instagram guide is just intended to help an older generation adapt and utilize a powerful tool for their business that is being overlooked or written off because it seems like a daunting task. That is where I come in.
My business is video production. I help people understand and see the importance of video on their website, youtube page, facebook page & Instagram. My strength is not filming a video that I think is good. It is shooting a video that makes a business look good and faithful to their values and what they offer.
Everyone is different and unique in a particular way. In the age of the internet, it is essential to help older businesses adapt to the quickly changing landscape of the business world. I can not do what I am good at it and help companies with their video if they do not understand how to utilize these powerful social media tools.
WHY IS MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON INSTAGRAM SO IMPORTANT?
Instagram is the second most downloaded app in the Apple store. The only app to have more downloads is youtube (Why is why video is most important.) But next to that. Instagram.
37% of American adults use Instagram daily.
Age demographic breakdown:
- 18–29: 67%
- 30–49: 47%
- 50–64: 23%
- 65+: 8%
Why are these numbers significant? Depending on your target demographic, you are leaving a lot of FREE marketing on the table that costs you 0 in advertising.
73% of the younger audience says that Instagram is the best way for brands to reach them. If your marketing to generation Z Instagram is the platform for you.
NOW THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHY, LET’S TALK THE HOW.
How to create your Instagram account.
- Download from the Apple or Google Play Store on your mobile device or tablet. It is worth noting you may create your account on Instagram’s website on a desktop but will not be able to post from here.
- Once downloaded, open the app, and you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. Create an account utilizing an email connected to your business to keep it organized.
- Once created, you will need to edit your profile by clicking the button “Edit Profile.” Once you are here, add a profile picture. I recommend an image that represents your business, such as a logo or a professional image of your business.
- In the name section, put the name of your business. Creating your username should be the name of your business, as well.
- On the website section, put a link to your website so that potential customers can see everything you have to offer!
- Now in your bio this is the oppurtunity in a sentence to tell people what your business is about. Mine, for example, as a video production company, I describe the services that I offer: Video production company that specializes in helping businesses showcase why they are amazing through social media marketing and creative content.
NOW WE ARE SET UP AND READY TO GRAM!
Personally, where I see businesses fail with social media is not understanding the importance of being part of the community. I have learned so much about business and culture from the older population because I believe good business is built on knowing who people are and building relationships — not just trying to sell to them consistently.
Instagram is not only for posting that you have a sale going on and pushing products on people. I like to call it Freemium, which is giving away free premium content to build customer loyalty and trust.
Think of it like courtship. You don’t go on first dates to show a spreadsheet of your income, hobbies, size of your home, & what car you drive. No, you get to know the person and make connections and see who they are. Build trust and be helpful. Contribute to the Instagram community with your wealth of experience and knowledge in your profession.
Do you own a candle store? Create posts educating on what scents compliment particular seasons in the year. Is it the holidays? Create a post showing what candles you have that work great for creating that cozy holiday cheer this Christmas dinner!
Do I need to give another example? NO! But I will! Have a dog grooming business?! Educate people on the importance of grooming their dog to avoid skin issues and ticks! The importance of a healthy diet in your pooch! When you educate people for free and do it from a place of only wanting to help them, it creates what the kids call “brand trust.” Brand trust is just a fancy social media marketing way of saying people will see value & authenticity in what you offer.
OKAY, SO WHAT DO I POST?
What you should post is the everyday life of your business. Show us what you are making or doing that is incredible! Are you a hamster trainer? Show us an adorable picture of your hamster waking up or performing a trick! Get people invested in the cuteness! Do you sell essential oils? Show us one picture every morning of different oils and what its benefits are for a particular scent. Get creative! The juices will start flowing!
WHAT ARE HASHTAGS? ISN’T THAT THE POUND SIGN?!
Hashtags are your friend! For understanding hashtags and how to use them please check out this post I did diving into the world of hashtags and how they are key in your Instagram game! THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INSTAGRAM HASHTAGS
WHEN DO I POST?
Create a posting schedule. It does not have to be crazy!
I recommend three days a week to start at the same time!
Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 10:00 AM adjust when you post based on your engagement and when your target demographic is awake and active on social media. Are you marketing towards night shift workers? Well maybe posting at 9 AM won’t be a good idea because they are sleeping.
HOW DO I USE INSTAGRAM STORIES?
These are temporary posts and before you get overwhelmed with all your new things I have an easy to follow Instagram story guide that will help you understand Instagram stories! UNDERSTANDING INSTAGRAM STORIES
I hope this helped tip you in the direction of the basics of Instagram and how you can utilize it. Any questions you may have, please feel free to reach out and ask personally!
