8 Ways to Grow Your Floral Business With Instagram
Whether you hate it or love it, there's no denying that social media has fundamentally transformed the business-consumer relationship. Instagram stands out as a top marketing tool, boasting over 2 billion active users and counting. This platform's incredible reach and engagement make it indispensable for brand marketing. With its influential presence and growing user based, Instagram continues to shape how businesses connect with their audiences, driving engagement and building relationships.
Looking at these statistics and at successful Instagram accounts, it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, but don't let that discourage you! The potential to gain new customers and expand your reach is well worth the effort! To help you navigate the world of Instagram marketing with confidence, here are 8 tips to ease your social media stress and elevate your Instagram game.
1. Create a business account
If you don't already have an Instagram account for your shop or studio, it's time to create one! Make sure you create a business account, not a personal account. A business account allows so you can track your followers and post engagements more effectively. When setting up your account, include your website or business' Facebook page along with contact info. This information will show at the top of your page and make it easier for any new follower to find out more about your business. Having a business account will also help you understand your audience and measure your business's performance.
2. Post meaningful content
We, as everyday consumers, are surrounded by sales gimmicks and ads. Instagram was created to be a genuine social media platform, so aim to keep it that way. Think of it as a digital portfolio of your work. Grab users' attention with images that are a good representation of your brand, will resonate with your audience, and provides value to your customer. People love to see behind-the-scenes looks, user-generated content, and educational posts.
3. Take quality photos
Image quality is a main ingredient in creating a successful Instagram account. These days your phone's camera is often capable of creating stunning photos. When taking your photos, keep your subject in focus (avoid blurry images!) and crop out unappealing backgrounds such as messy studio floors and empty flower buckets. Good lighting, proper composition, and a clean backdrop will make your photos stand out and attract more engagement.
If you're wanting more professional photos, work with photographers at the events you design for. Ask them for photos of your designs and if they'd mind you using them. Most are already photographing the flowers and will appreciate the shout-out when you share their work (remember to always tag them)!
4. Use templates to enhance your content
There are countless templates available to create great Instagram stories and posts. These templates make it easy to add imagery or video, boosting engagement with your content. Using templates helps maintain a consistent look and feel, making your brand easily recognizable. An added bonus is that pre-made templates save you time and ensure a polished final appearance.
5. Engage with other users
Engaging with your followers and peers will build a community around your brand and increase your visibility. Follow your followers, mentors, and other floral professionals. Like and comment on what they're sharing and send them direct messages when you admire their posts. Anytime you're posting a photo that was in-collaboration with other designers, photographers, event planners, etc, tag them! You can do so by using the tag option before posting or typing the '@' symbol followed by their username in the caption box. This will help bring more traffic to your page and ultimately more followers and likes.
6. Utilize hashtags (#)
Hashtags make your content searchable and helps to increase its visibility. Adding hashtags (also known as the pound sign) to your posts allows anyone searching that tag to see your post and click on your account. Use relevant hashtags that accurately reflect your photos and avoid using an overwhelming amount (less is more!). Aim for 4-11 relevant words or phrases to enhance user engagement and reach a broader audience.
7. Mix with Facebook
Facebook and Instagram work hand-in-hand, offering seamless integration for businesses. Linking your business Facebook page to Instagram allows you to reach a wider audience. When the two are linked, you can easily share your Instagram posts directly to your Facebook page, boosting visibility on both platforms. This integration also provides access to unified insights and business management, helping you streamline your marketing efforts.
8. Tell stories
Take advantage of all that Instagram features, including Stories! Instagram Stories is an excellent marketing tool that allows users to post more freely and informally, as they only stay active for 24 hours. Stories encourage your followers to check out what you're posting and help create a personal connection. Use this feature to share behind-the-scene shots, engage with your audience using the poll feature, and promote sales or seasonal opportunities your shop is offering. This dynamic content keeps your followers engaged and coming back for more.
Now that you have these basic tips, start experimenting with your content. Try different approaches to see what your followers engage with more. Remember, consistency is key. Regularly posting high-quality, engaging content will help build and maintain your audience.
Above all, have fun with your Instagram marketing! Authenticity shines through, and your passion for your brand will resonate with your audience.
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Don't forget to check out our amazing selection of flowers.