Trading Tip of the Week
As your business transitions to cater to the online market, an Instagram account is an important tool to take advantage of to showcase your jewelry. With over one billion users, it is one of the largest social media platforms in the world. To start creating an Instagram business account, you will need a camera and computer or mobile device.
Instagram is a visual platform that enables users to interact with each other’s images and videos. 90% of users follow at least one business, making Instagram an ideal platform for showcasing consumer goods which are visually appealing or fashionable. It just so happens that jewelry is arguably the most visually appealing fashion product available.
Instagram is the place to be for jewelers and others in the industry. There are many perks to having a business Instagram account, rather than a personal one. These include access to paid advertising, page analytics, and the ability to link to your website and add store information.
You may already have a store Instagram that was created as a personal account. If you do and want access to these features, you will need to upgrade your page to a business account. To do so, first click to your account, select the menu at the top right, select settings, select account, and highlighted in blue will be the option to switch to a professional account. Follow the prompts afterward.
How to Create an Account
First, download the Instagram app or open Instagram.com on your web browser. This can be found in the Google Play or Apple App stores.
From the Instagram app or website, you will be prompted to log in or create an account.
You will be prompted to create a username. It is important that you match completely or as closely as possible to the short name used for your Google business and Facebook pages. This username can be changed if necessary in the future. For more information on Google and Facebook, read our previous Trading Tips of the Week.
Finally, you will be prompted to complete four steps to finish setting up your account: complete your profile, share photos and videos, learn from others, and invite friends.
Make Your Page Unique
When completing your profile while creating a business Instagram account, you will need a profile photo, name, short biography, and website. For your profile photo, we recommend using your logo as this is a small photo but easily recognizable. Your username should already be completed but can be changed here if need be. Link to your website to drive customers from Instagram to your online store. In your bio, we recommend a short explanation of what you sell and your store hours.
Make Effective Posts
To share photos and videos to your profile, select the plus sign at the center of the menu at the bottom of the screen. Begin uploading photos from your photo gallery on your phone. If you are using a computer, you can find a how-to here. Post photos about your business. These posts can be individual items or even your storefront to drive people to your business. Add captions about the photo and up to 30 hashtags to gain engagement from those who do not follow your page.
Hashtags are words and phrases preceded by the pound sign, like #jewelry. Instagram users can follow certain hashtags, and posts that include the hashtags will be included in their newsfeed. Your newsfeed can be viewed by clicking the home icon on the left of the menu at the bottom of your account. On your newsfeed, you will see posts from pages and hashtags that you follow.
Build Connections
The “learn from others” step for completing your profile will prompt you to follow other pages. Follow profiles of people you know and other local businesses. When a user receives notification that you have followed their page they will be prompted to follow you back.
Following others is a quick way to build a following. Avoid following bot accounts, these are fake accounts created for the sole purpose of messaging and spamming others. A quick way to spot a spam account is to look for the number of followers and a history of posting. If they have little or no followers or posts, they are likely a bot account.
Have Fun
Creating a Business Instagram account gives your business a chance to humanize your brand, and create a virtual community of followers. Use successful accounts as inspiration for posts, captions, and hashtags. Use Instagram responsibly, and follow their Community Guidelines, but have fun with it. Post colorful, engaging photos and captions, and grab customers’ and future customers’ attention!
We look forward to seeing you on Instagram! You can find our profile here. For more ideas and tips on how to grow your business call or text us at 440-442-7280, or call toll free 888 800-BLUE. To be the first to know about our Trading Tip of the Week and Bluestone’s news, subscribe to our newsletter.
