How to Use Instagram to Grow Your Small Business in 2022 and Beyond

Instagram, which is predicted to have 1.2 billion users by 2023, provides small business owners with a significant opportunity to expand their marketing efforts, as marketers all over the world are aware. According to the Social Media Examiner’s social media marketing report for 2021, “78 percent of marketers are using Instagram.” Marketers perceive Instagram to be the second most significant social media site after Facebook, with 64% aiming to increase their use in the following year.

Instead of a large number of active users, Instagram’s potential is dependent on user behavior: Instagrammers like interacting with advertisements. According to the website, 90% of Instagram users follow a brand. According to studies commissioned by Facebook in 2019, 54% of individuals have bought a product or service after seeing it on Instagram.

Instagram is ideal for small company owners that lack the time or resources to invest in costly marketing initiatives. Unpaid social media marketing may help you expand your consumer base without the need for a dedicated marketing staff or a large budget; all you need is a free account and a smartphone camera to get started. Skweezer is a website that can assist you in growing your Instagram following.

Is It Feasible for Your Small Business to Make a Name for Itself on Instagram?

Whether you own a small bookstore, an e-commerce store, a landscaping company, an auto repair shop, or a yoga class, Instagram can help you grow your business. You can be successful if your clients are on Instagram.

If you only have time for one or two social media networks, be sure Instagram is well-liked by your target demographic. There are a few options for finding out.

1. Consult Your Customers

The simplest way to find out if your clients are on Instagram is to ask them.

If you already have an email list, send a simple poll to your customers about their social media habits. Inquire about their favorite mode of contact and how they prefer to keep up to date on companies.

Two free options for polling your audience are SurveyMonkey and Typeform. Typeform’s social media survey template may potentially be useful. Make it your own by including questions that will help you learn more about your clientele.

2. Make a Comparison Between Your Target Demographic and Those That Follow You on Instagram

On different social media sites, different groups of people are more active than others. Compare the demographics (age, gender, income, geographic area, and so on) and psychographics (psychological characteristics such as interests, personality, and values) of your target audience to the social media platforms you’re investigating.

For example, on Instagram, the most active age group is 18-29 years old, but on Pinterest, the most active age group is 50-64 years old.

3. Examine Your Competitors

Clients that shop at your competitors’ stores may become new customers for you. So, if businesses similar to yours are succeeding on Instagram, your consumers are most likely succeeding as well. All that’s left for you to do now is start blogging!

If none of your rivals use Instagram, it’s probable that it’s not the right platform for you. Create an account if a significant number of clients have indicated interest in following your company on Instagram. You may be the first company in your field to fully grasp Instagram’s potential. Whether you’re brand new to Instagram and preparing to publish your first post or a seasoned pro trying to expand your audience, setting clear goals is essential.

Small Business Instagram Objectives

Instagram allows you to share a broad variety of media. Setting goals may assist you in defining your Instagram marketing plan and focusing your efforts, making deciding what to post a lot easier! Here are a few common small business objectives:

  • Boost your sales.
  • To increase the number of people who see them, increase the number of people who see them.
  • It is critical to cultivate brand loyalty.
  • Increase brand recognition to increase the number of visits to your website.
  • Create business alliances (with influencers or complementary brands)

Select one or two Instagram goals to focus on and create content for.

Create Content Pillars or Topics That Are Relevant to Your Target Audience

After you’ve determined your objectives, selecting themes to drive your material might be beneficial. Your brand will be more consistent, and your audience will be more eager to connect with you since they will know what to anticipate from you. Behind-the-scenes footage, for example, may be used as a content pillar (or theme).

To help you started, here are some examples of Instagram content pillars:

  • User-generated content (UGC) behind the scenes
  • Polls/Giveaways
  • Demonstrations of products are held on a regular basis.
  • In education, there is a strong emphasis on culture (e.g., tips or tutorials) (showing your company’s human side)
  • Testimonies from clients
  • Introductions of new products
  • Productivity
  • Exergames
  • Motivation
  • Body positivity and mental health
  • Environmentalism