Let’s begin with something you are ALL wanting to hear: the numbers do NOT matter.
But… They kinda, sorta, maybe do.
Here’s the issue with a blanket statement like “The numbers do not matter.” This statement can cause us to be complacent and much less driven to fully utilize Instagram as the incredible FREE marketing tool that it is. On the flip side, it can also cause a lot less stress and annoyance over small fluctuations in the engagement you receive on said plataform.
One thing I tell every coaching client I work with: If you aren’t monetizing your social media accounts directly tied to your business(es), why spend time on them at all? No, before you ask – I don’t mean: If you aren’t making money through affiliate links and sponsored posts on your Instagram then you shouldn’t even waste your time posting. What I do mean: If you see ZERO conversion of followers to customers/clients from a social media app/site like Instagram, reevaluate your strategy, try a new approach, and get that authentic engagement up. If you aren’t willing to put in the work it takes to convert your audience from passive listeners to active customers/clients then there honestly is no point in publishing the half-assed posts and Instastories you’re making.
Are you fired up?!
If you said “hell to the yassss” then I’m extra excited for you to keep reading!
Back to the topic of numbers – whether they matter or not. The engagement you receive on a platform like Instagram is in direct correlation with how much effort you put into it on your end. You know what you’re supposed to do, you know that it isn’t posting sporadically once every 13 days. You know it isn’t posting a cat video that has ZERO to do with your business Yeah, cat videos are fun and super entertaining but unless you’re an organic cat food company, why would it make sense to post a video of a cat chasing a laser pointer?!
5 Super Obvious Tips:
-CONSISTENCY
No, you don’t have to post at 3:17pm every single day but you DO need to post around the same time to keep your ranking within the IG algorithm. If you post M/W/F between 12-3pm, cool – stick with it for at least a month so you’ve ingrained in your brain that it’s part of your schedule!
-AUTHENTICITY
10/10 would NOT recommend promoting a company whose products you’ve never even tried just because they offered to send you a free product. If you want to say “fuck” because it’s your fave word, fucking say it! If you want your audience to KNOW/LIKE/TRUST you, give them the real you!
-SPEAK TO YOUR IDEAL CLIENT
If you are an author for children and your books are about cute elephants and zebras being besties, you’re probably not going to find your ideal client using #wedding tags or by telling people you hate children… Pretend your ideal client is standing in front of you and you’re giving them your best elevator pitch about why your books are SO amazing, innovative and perfect for their tiny humans – then translate that into your copy for IG!
-ENGAGE WITH OTHERS
If you want people to comment, like, share your posts – don’t be selfish – give them *genuine* encouragement on their posts/product endorsements!
-CREATE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
It’s called SOCIAL media for a reason, you’re here to make money and sell your product/services, yes, BUT you can (should) also focus on creating meaningful relationships with your potential customers/clients, other bidness owners, and someone that can totally be “your people”! Being a small business owner is hella isolating, be friendly, meet for lady dates (coffee, lunch, shopping, mani/pedis, etc) and LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!
Let me challenge you: I want you to post twice per day for the next 14 days AND post at least 5 instastories per day each of those 14 days.
You’re thinking: “Ahhh shit.. what did I get myself into?!” You want to know what you’re accomplishing by doing this? You are telling IG that you’re relevant, that you know what the fuck you’re doing (more or less) and that your audience actually WANTS to see what you’ve got going on! Trust me, just do it. Seriously, what harm can this possibly do?!
Let’s do the damn thing!
Well DANG. I love your tips and your challenge!! I honestly can’t comment to two posts per day because my goal has been one post from posting nothing at all. But I definitely want to start posting Instagram stories more! What kind of things do you recommend sharing on stories? I work at a restaurant and then I come home and I’m exhausted (pregnancy). So it’s tough to post sometimes on my stories when I’m not out and about.