- We've come to love using Instagram
as an avenue for expression.
People use it to share personal and real time experiences.
Brands use it to tell their own stories
and connect with their customers.
Do you also use it to sell your products and services?
Aside from sites like Amazon, and your own website,
Instagram is becoming another great channel for you
to get that sale.
The visual nature of Instagram has provided
brands an ideal platform to promote
new products, and get customers in the door.
If you want to learn more about growing your
following on Instagram, that could potentially
become your customers, download my free guide
in the description below.
Now, we're gonna talk about how you
can start posting and raking in
those valuable sales with Instagram.
Step one, decide on your goals
and craft your strategy.
To get you started, you first need to identify
what are your goals for using Instagram?
Is your intention really to sell products?
Or are you just there to promote them
and redirect users to your website?
Or do you just want to use your posts
as a way for people to come to your physical store?
Ask yourself these questions and figure out
what you intend to do with the platform.
Once you figure this out, it will be much easier
for you to decide what content to post,
and how to create it.
It will also guide you in making sure
that your accounts are consistent and on track.
Then, define your metrics.
How do you measure your performance?
While general goals will still help increase sales
or generate revenue, you'll need some specific
targets and metrics.
Some sample targets are,
sales.
Keep track of your old raw sales for each platform.
Leads.
You can make use of analytics tools
like Google Analytics, Bitly, or Sprout Social
to check how your account manages to redirect users
to your website.
This is also called a referral rate.
Conversions and landing pages.
This shows how many users clicked on a landing page
you shared, or you linked through your Instagram account.
If you want to learn more about other social media
metrics that you can use for understanding
your performance, check out my free and complete guide
Members Tell A Story: Social Media Metrics Made Easy.
This easily breaks down the numbers and tells you
how to interpret and calculate them yourself.
After you identify the metrics
plan out your goals and define a timetable.
For example, if you wanted Instagram to contribute
at least 10% of your total revenues after six months,
outline your plan on how you intend to do that.
Then commit to it.
Step two, start setting up your profile.
Make sure you have a profile dedicated for sales.
Have a profile picture that reflects your brand.
Include clear information on what
your product is about in your bio.
Don't forget to include relevant links
depending on what you intend to achieve.
Before you start posting make sure you have
identified a distinct look and feel.
The right products placement and positioning
can either make or break a sale.
So make sure you're always consistent, and on brand.
You can use Instagram's Features, or apps like
VSCO to make your images consistent.
Step three, start posting.
Use creative photos to grab your user's attention.
Instagram is a highly visual platform.
Make best use of design and color.
Give your product description that extra shine
and don't forget to link a relevant website
to make their shopping easier.
Use relevant hashtags in your posts.
By using effective hashtags,
consumers who search on Instagram
can identify your products on hand.
In Instagram Stories, create bite sized content
of what you want to sell.
Think of unboxing videos, or product in use features.
You can also use the new Instagram feature on carousels.
If you have a line of products
creatively feature on carousels
so users can easily scroll through your images.
Make powerful impact with the use of videos, and stories.
There are numerous uses and creative ways
to feature and sell your product.
If you want to understand and figure out
if you're creating the right content,
check out my free PDF The Ultimate Content
Share Worthiness Checklist.
This one-stop guide is a great reference material
in creating great content.
And now I have three other quick tips for you.
Number one, offer discounts to users
who promote you on their own Instagram accounts.
Engage these users and show them your appreciation.
Number two, make use of geo tags.
Especially if you're a brick and mortar store.
And number three, leverage the call to action buttons
when you use Instagram ads.
These are the most effective and proven ways
to sell on Instagram.
Are you selling on Instagram?
Share your tips and tricks in the comment section below.
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