Developing an Instagram Strategy: Tips from an IG Marketing Specialist

We hear all of the spicy tips and tricks for making our Instagram this dream space where we will sell a bajillion (NASA just registered that number…okay, not really) of our products or book out in no time.⁠

⁠But here’s the thing, the bombardment of tips and tricks is super complicated OR made up.⁠

Do you want to hear the key to developing a better Instagram? It’s not hidden in tips & tricks it’s…GETTING A BETTER STRATEGY!

Open your notes app because Madyson Clark Creative is giving you the freaking HOLY GRAIL.
Once we let you into this secret, there is no going back!⁠

SEVEN STEPS FOR DEVELOPING AN INSTAGRAM STRATEGY

ONE | Define Your Instagram Goal⁠

It’s no secret that Instagram is one big money-making platform with lots of opportunities for businesses to capitalize on. The best way to make big money is by making big money moves! I’m not talking about giant investments but defining business goals as your first step in developing an Instagram strategy.

You want to start by setting achievable goals for your account that align with your business. Defining your Instagram goals help you focus on what you want to accomplish and measure your success along the way. It’s essential to recognize that Instagram goals look different for everyone and not one business is going to look alike.

EXAMPLES: increase brand awareness, generate leads, increase inquiries/sales, increase engagement, establish authority, build a community, etc.

TWO | Understand Your Target Audience⁠ on Instagram

Okay… but if you aren’t talking to a target audience, then who tf are you talking to?!⁠

You want to make sure the messages are meant for the ears they are landing on!⁠

⁠If you have no idea how to find who that is, don’t worry! You are definitely not alone! In fact, I help most of my clients find their target audience when we start working together!⁠

For understanding your target audience, consider: identifying their value and beliefs; building out their hobbies and interests; addressing their concerns and frustrations; addressing their need for your services; pinning down how they consume content; and their demographics. Once you know your audience inside and out, you’ll be able to make content that really speaks to them!

TIP: you can use insights to check out who’s already following you and get info on their habits, demographics, and more.

THREE | Research Your Competitors⁠

This is your moment to pull out your best Sherlock Holmes skills that make you question, “why didn’t I join the CIA?” and start researching your competitors! 

Researching your competitors on Instagram is a smart move for any business looking to grow and succeed. You can tailor your content and strategy to stand out and stay ahead of the competition. When you research your competitors, you can reach out to similar business owners to work together, grow your following, and even expand your reach! 

Doing so lets you gain insights into your target audience, find inspiration, and discover new opportunities! 

FOUR | Create Quality Content⁠ for Instagram

With over a billion active users on Instagram, you’re swimming in a sea of content. To get noticed on Instagram, it’s important to create quality content!

Quality content attracts followers. It’s that simple. But the reason you’re here is “how”?

To create quality content on Instagram, you want to think about what reflects your brand’s values, mission, and personality in an interesting, and engaging way. Include a call to action (CTA) strategically in your content as well to attract clicks and convert followers into customers! Be creative and think outside of the box.

Take the time to create high-quality content for Instagram that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand’s values instead of just posting to post. 

FIVE | Post + Engage Consistently⁠ on Instagram

Did you want to hear the facts? Well, here it is, one of the most important and effective keys to growing your Instagram following is to post and engage consistently. 

Posting on Instagram is not about posting to post, it’s about posting with intention! AND engagement is just as important as posting. Responding to comments and DM’s shows that you appreciate your followers and are interested in their opinions. It’s how you start building your community.

In developing your Instagram strategy, post and engage regularly! Over time, your following and engagement will grow to start hitting your goals.

REMEMBER: Keep your content fresh and relevant. 

SIX | Understand Your Instagram Analytics⁠

It’s important to get a grip on your Instagrams analytics because they can help you figure out what’s poppin’ and what’s not. 

Two metrics that you may want to pay close attention to are: engagement rate and reach, and impressions.

Engagement rate: if you notice that your engagement rate is dropping, you may want to experiment with different types of content or posting at different times of the day. 

Reach: if you see that your reach is lower than you would like, you may want to explore strategies to increase your visibility–like using relevant hashtags for your niche.

There are many other metrics that you can’t track depending on your specific business goals and objectives. I do, however, recommend staying away from vanity metrics–likes and followers. Although going viral sounds great it doesn’t really do much for your sales if you aren’t speaking to your target audience. It does tell you what is working and what is not! 

To put it simply, knowing your Instagram numbers is key for developing a strategy. Keep a close eye on them and use the info to make Instagram work for you! 

SEVEN | Modify Your Instagram Strategy⁠

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve with developing our Instagram strategy. Yes, you’ve built a well-thought-out Instagram strategy, but you should be regularly adjusted to keep up with the latest trends and behavior.

What worked six months ago may not work today! 

Modifying your Instagram strategy keeps your content fresh and engaging. When you check your insights, you can identify what content is resonating with your audience and what is not to tweak your Instagram strategy. By consistently fine-tuning your strategy, you can be confident that your content will stand out and capture the attention of potential new followers, while also keeping your existing audience captivated and engaged.

DEVELOPING AN INSTAGRAM STRATEGY WHILE ADVENTUROUSLY MARKETING

The bombardment of tips and tricks guaranteeing you’ll be selling a bajillion dollars in a month just isn’t FACTS. The key to developing a better Instagram is getting a better strategy, not tips and tricks.

Now that you know the secret–there is NO GOING BACK! So, go make money moves, bestie!

Interested in working with Madyson Clark Creative, an online marketing agency?

Looking for more tips for marketing your creative business?

Reaching Your Target Audience: How to Create Memorable Content for Your Creative Business

Prepping Your Marketing Strategies: Why Your Off Season is Your Best Season 

Utilizing Multiple Business Platforms: Change YOUR Trajectory