What is Instagram?
Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages with other users. It is a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and people around the world. You can also use it to discover new accounts and share your life with others.
How can artists use IG to grow their business?
Artists can use Instagram to grow their business creating a strong online presence and building a community around their work in several ways.
First, they can use the platform to create engaging content to promote their work. This can be done by regularly posting high-quality images of their work, engaging with followers through comments and direct messages, and using hashtags and Instagram stories to reach a wider audience. This could include showcasing their techniques, sharing behind-the-scenes images, providing tutorials, or giving insights into their creative processes.
They can use hashtags (see Hashtags – What are they? and Instagram and #Hashtags for more information) to reach a larger audience and engage with potential customers. They can also use Instagram’s “Stories” feature to show off their artwork, showcase collaborations, and offer discounts.
Collaborating with other artists, influencers, and brands on Instagram can also help to expand an artist’s reach and audience. Additionally, artists can use Instagram’s shopping feature to link directly to their online shop and make it easy for customers to purchase their work.
Finally, artists can use Instagram to create relationships with other creatives (future collaborations!), influencers, and fans by responding to comments, sharing user-generated content, and running contests and giveaways. With a bit of creativity and perseverance, Instagram can be a great tool to help artists grow their business.
A few best practices for using Instagram:
Here are a few best practices for using Instagram:
- Use high-quality images and videos: Make sure your content looks professional and is of high quality. This will make it more likely to be shared and attract more followers. Newer phones have great cameras, and for social media posting work just great for taking pictures and videos.
- Use hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to make your posts more discoverable to users who are searching for content related to those hashtags. Again, see Hashtags – What are they? and Instagram and #Hashtags for more information (if you didn’t already).
- Engage with other users: Respond to comments and messages, and actively engage with other users by liking and commenting on their posts. If another user, other creator, influencer, or brand peaks your interests follow them back and post comments on their posts and stories.
- Post consistently: Consistently post high-quality content to keep your followers engaged and attract new ones. Schedule your posts as not to overwhelm your followers, but also post often enough to keep their interests peaked.
- Use Instagram Stories and IGTV: These features allow you to share more personal, behind-the-scenes content and increase engagement with your followers. This leads to #9 below – “Be Authentic”,
- Collaboration with influencers: Collaborating with influencers in your niche can help you reach a larger audience and increase your credibility. Reach out to other influencers through IG messages, or through posted contact information and start a dialog with them. Learn if they are a good fit for your niche and if you are a good fit for their niche. Once determined that you each are a good fit, then start discussing collaborations.
- Utilize Instagram’s features: Instagram is constantly updating with new features, such as Instagram Reels, IGTV, and IG Shopping. Utilizing these features can help you stand out from competitors and increase engagement.
- Be Authentic: Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your posts. Your followers will appreciate the authenticity.
