When used correctly, Instagram can be a very useful marketing tool for your business. When it’s not, however, it can turn people off your brand. Here are five mistakes you should avoid when managing a business Instagram account:
The spontaneous nature of Instagram means that it’s so easy to post impulsively in a matter of minutes, no, seconds. However, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan your Instagram posts. It’s a good idea to map out the route you’re going to take each month by determining your objectives, identity target markets and selecting your content focus. Make each post count.
While Instagram is an image-based platform, it’s also important to realise that captions are just as important. A succinct and witty caption goes a long way, while a rambling one that’s riddled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes is likely to evoke more than a few eye rolls.
Post material on a regular basis. If you disappear for weeks on end, you’ll be testing the patience and loyalty of your followers. They may unfollow you eventually or worse, look to your competitors.
Sure, it’s best to be safe than sorry on Instagram – after all, it’s important to maintain a professional appearance. In saying that, it doesn’t mean you can’t afford to express your brand’s style and uniqueness. Be funny, be quirky, be vivacious! People love following accounts with beautiful pictures, but they also like accounts with personality and pizzazz. As long as you’re not controversial, offensive or tasteless (i.e. posting gratuitous selfies in skimpy gym gear on a business account), then everything is fine.
Would you like to know how to do Instagram right? Our managing director Thanh Do will be doing a presentation on this very topic each day from October 23-25th at this year’s Cake Bake and Sweets Show in Melbourne. For more information, click here.