800 million. That’s how many photos are uploaded to Instagram on an average day. It’s no wonder they have over 40 billion images amongst the profiles of over 400 million users. And to think, it’s all in the palm of your hand. For lovers of everything visual, Instagram is a fabulous platform for inspiration. For small business owners, it’s an incredible opportunity to reach potential customers through advertising.
Because it’s so visually driven, advertising on Instagram is different from many other platforms. With that said, even though it’s unique, you shouldn’t approach Instagram as an entirely separate entity. Each and every post needs to be thought of as part of a bigger picture – and your overall branding message must apply. The experience should flow naturally with your other advertising efforts, not compete with them.
Make them simple, concise, and attractive. When Instagram first released the paid advertising platform on their app (thanks to its acquisition by Facebook), many people were turned off by the sight of unwarranted content in their feeds. The brands who have seen the most success with ads on Instagram are those who have paid close attention to the quality of the content. Though small businesses may not have the same budget as a fortune 500 company, it’s still important to take time to make sure your content is high-quality and doesn’t appear spammy.
Creativity and consistency are key, and you should think of your ads and profile as telling a story. Instagram advertising isn’t a “set it and forget it” type of deal. Your ads should be consistently refreshed and you should post other content regularly. If someone sees an ad and clicks to your profile, you don’t want them to be greeted by an empty screen! If you plan to advertise on Instagram, you need to be willing to devote the time to maintain a great profile. (If you’d like a few tips on that, check out our two part blog series on becoming an Instagram guru here and here.)
Instagram ads are a great way for Milwaukee small business owners to reach new customers, and a wonderful way to expand your brand’s exposure. If you’d like help getting started, our marketing experts are here for you. Get in touch today for a free consultation!