{"id":7406,"date":"2017-09-10T23:27:19","date_gmt":"2017-09-10T22:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blueeyedsun.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7406"},"modified":"2017-11-16T11:42:53","modified_gmt":"2017-11-16T11:42:53","slug":"10-ways-retailers-can-get-started-on-instagram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blueeyedsun.co.uk\/blog\/10-ways-retailers-can-get-started-on-instagram\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways Retailers can get started on Instagram"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Get<\/p>\n

With the rising popularity of Instagram, which now has 700 million active users, here are ten tips to get started with the social media platform for your retail business:<\/p>\n

1. Post Daily\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Post regularly on Instagram. Don\u2019t post too often though or you can get penalised by Instagram\u2019s algorithm. Once a day is generally best. You can post multiple images in the same post. As with all social media, consistency matters most over time.<\/p>\n

2. Image matters<\/b><\/p>\n

Your Instagram images have to look good. Make sure they are in focus. Don\u2019t post blurry images. Use the filters in the app to help jazz them up a little. Try to keep a consistent visual look and feel to your account. Retailers should try and replicate the special visual experience of their shops. Publishers\u2019s accounts should mirror their unique brand story.<\/p>\n

3. Engage<\/b><\/p>\n

Follow others and engage with them by liking and commenting on their posts in order to grow your following. You can double tap images to like them. Chip away at this regularly to grow at a steady rate. The Instagram algorithm takes past page engagement into account when prioritising content for other users. So keep engaging.<\/p>\n

4. Bio<\/b><\/p>\n

Make sure you write a good bio using key words that matter to you, your suppliers and your customers. Make it fun and enticing. Hyperlink to your most important website as this is the only link you\u2019ll post on Instagram that\u2019s actually clickable. Mine directs my Instagram followers to www.youtube.com\/thegreetingcardproject<\/p>\n

5. Don\u2019t Sell<\/b><\/p>\n

Actively selling on social media is a real turn off for followers. Decide on your brand story and share it through strong images. People want a visual sense of your business and what it is so that they can choose to engage. That\u2019s not to say you can\u2019t share your wares. Think show, not sell. Test calls-to-action that your followers will enjoy.<\/p>\n

6. Business or Personal?<\/b><\/p>\n

All social media is personal really. Having said that, it helps to set up your brand with a business account on Instagram. You get a load of metrics and can project a more professional image. It\u2019s useful to have a personal account too as it broadens your reach outside of business. This also hedges against changes in the algorithms for business accounts to favour advertisers.<\/p>\n

7. Tag others<\/b><\/p>\n

You have the option to tag other users. This alerts them to your photos and can increase engagement. For example, I tag all of the publishers and retailers that feature in my latest video when I post an image from The Greeting Card Project. People will get annoyed and unfollow you if you do this to them all the time. You can also use the @ symbol to mention people and notify them when you post.<\/p>\n

8. Use #Hashtags<\/b><\/p>\n

Instagram posts with at least one hashtag have 12.6% more engagement than those without. Although you can add up to 30 hashtags per post, only use ones that are relevant to the mage you post. I usually hashtag publishers, retailers, card recipients and the cities where I\u2019ve shot my YouTube videos when I post on Instagram e.g. #Harrogate<\/p>\n

9. Instagram Direct<\/b><\/p>\n

Keep an eye on your direct messages on Instagram as some people like to contact you privately. I get this from new customers and people who have questions. Check in daily so that you can respond quickly or turn your Instagram alerts on in your phone.<\/p>\n

10. Comments<\/b><\/p>\n

I find with most social media accounts that responding quickly to comments keeps the posts higher up other peoples\u2019 feeds. I\u2019ll often like the comments straight away and then reply with a message at busier times so that the posts are boosted and sty up longer.<\/p>\n

How to use video for your retail business<\/a><\/p>\n

How retailers can start selling online<\/a><\/p>\n

10 Things to do before using social media for business<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the rising popularity of Instagram, which now has 700 million active users, here are ten tips to get started with the social media platform for your retail business: 1. Post Daily\u00a0 Post regularly on Instagram. Don\u2019t post too often though or you can get penalised by Instagram\u2019s algorithm. Once a day is generally best. 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