Social media platforms are seeing record-breaking usage, and that’s especially true when it comes to brands. This year, there are more than 3.5 billion social media users worldwide, according to experts. Instagram is one of the most popular platforms out there, with one billion monthly users. And get this: at least 200 million Instagram users visit at least one business per day. That means that Instagram has a ton of potential when it comes to businesses, and entrepreneurs need to know how to use the platform flawlessly. The problem is, many businesses and entrepreneurs are struggling when it comes to the potential of Instagram, and they don’t know where to turn. Nimrod Santo, a direct-response marketer and online entrepreneur, is a digital advertising expert. Now, he’s sharing his pro tips and key strategies for how to use Instagram ads.
Nimrod, why is Instagram so important to businesses?
If it’s not already, it definitely should be. Instagram is the perfect platform for businesses, thanks to the optical nature of the platform. It’s meant for attractive images, meaning it should be easy for you to bring in your clients by showcasing your work. It also has a massive reach, and some recent changes allow you to do things like measure metrics and make sure the right people are seeing your ads. Plus, at this point, utilizing Instagram ads is not a new field. There is a well-worn path you can follow to get there.
What are some first steps businesses and entrepreneurs should take?
You want to make sure your brand is web-friendly in general. Because look, if customers find you on Instagram, where are they going from there? To your website. So, you want your website to be flawless and efficient. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and in fact, I think simple is better. So, a smooth website is really step one. Then you can start building out your social media channels. All too often I end up on a social media channel for a brand that looks promising, but then their website is a flunk. As a customer that’s when I’ll lose faith in a brand.
When does Instagram come into play?
You can build up your Instagram simultaneously, so you have a nice, full feed. In fact, you definitely want to make sure your feed is in excellent shape before you start sending out targeted ads. You want to come up with consistent branding, and make sure your voice is authentic, before you even think about touching ads.
Then what?
Once your personal website and your feed are ready to go, then you can jump into the world of Instagram ads. I really recommend doing your market research. The key is to know who you’re speaking to, and make sure they’re seeing your ads. If you’re targeting the wrong people, there’s almost no point in using Instagram ads at all. So, when you’re sending out your ads, you’re sending them to your exact audience.
Any extra advice?
Really hammer out what you want your brand’s voice to sound like. With Instagram ads, there’s a lot of room for creativity. You can be really personable and interact with your audience in an authentic way. Take advantage of that. You don’t need to sound robotic and sterile.
If you are looking for valuable digital marketing insights, check out Nimrod Santo’s website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.
