Instagram is an invaluable platform for small businesses to engage with their audience. It’s free and offers numerous features that make it ideal for companies of all sizes to expand their follower base.

Here are some Instagram tips for small businesses to help you expand your account and attract more customers: Utilize hashtags, be consistent, be creative, and be relevant.

1. Use hashtags

Add hashtags to your posts for added visibility and increased social media engagement. However, there are a few things you should consider before beginning to experiment with them.

Instagram allows you to include up to 30 hashtags in your captions, but be mindful not to stuff them in too tightly or it may appear cluttered and spammy.

Additionally, hashtags in feeds will be cut off after 80 characters; therefore, make sure you add them at the end of your caption or transfer them into a comment.

Utilizing the appropriate hashtags is key for increasing your social media reach and attracting new customers. It’s also essential to consider which type of hashtags you utilize – viral, trending or niche.

2. Be consistent

Consistency is one of the most essential aspects of small business Instagram marketing. While smaller businesses may not have the time or resources to post as frequently as larger brands, it’s essential for maintaining your social media presence and attracting new followers. Aim for at least once per day – or more if possible!

Consistency also means making sure your content is tailored to your target audience and using relevant hashtags on a regular basis. Generally, opt for hashtags you know your followers will be searching for; the ideal ones will demonstrate how valuable and relatable your brand is to them in a positive light.

3. Be creative

Instagram is an attractive photo-sharing app with plenty of features for small businesses to utilize. It’s the ideal platform to show off new products or give customers a peek into your business operations.

Building a community and engaging with followers is also an excellent way to leverage Stories. Ask for feedback from your viewers or start a discussion using polls and questions to encourage participation.

Pet brand Wild One uses their bio as a chance to advertise upcoming sales or special offers in an upbeat manner. They keep the tone light and playful throughout.

4. Be relevant

Instagram is an excellent platform for showcasing the hottest trends in your industry, but it also gives you a chance to connect with your followers more personally.

One of the most successful strategies for accomplishing this is by engaging your audience on their terms, using interactive features like polls and questions. Doing so allows you to craft more pertinent content and reach potential customers at precisely the right time.

One of the most useful features available to small businesses on Instagram is geotagging. This enables people to add a location to your posts and Stories so that people can easily locate you when searching for something nearby.

5. Be timely

Instagram success often depends on brands who understand their audience. That means understanding what content resonates with them, how to build trust and encourage them to make a purchase.

Luckily, you don’t need to be an expert to do this. Simply spend some time exploring your competitors’ accounts, watching how they post and examining their marketing strategy.

Create a tailored social media strategy to propel your small business forward. Plus, learn what to avoid and which Instagram marketing tactics work best for your own account.