Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by Instagram? Stuck worrying about what to post next and how to keep the momentum going?
Trust me, you’re not alone.
But by following this one simple mindset shift, you’ll change how you think about Instagram and fall in love with your grid all over again.
Ready for the magic?
Imagine, for a moment, you own a high-street boutique clothes shop. How would you treat your customers?
Well, first you’d welcome them when they walked through your door. You’d smile and say hi, or you might ask them if they needed any help. Either way, your goal would be to create an environment they feel comfortable in.
And what about your regulars? You’d have a chat, right? Ask them how they are and what they’re been up to. You’d grow to understand their tastes so that you could show them new stock or share a special offer with them.
Well, Instagram is really no different. Whether you’re selling products or services, your goal is to get to know your followers and build their trust and respect so that they feel confident enough to buy from you.
Let’s see how that would look on IG…
Welcome new visitors
When someone new takes the time to follow you or comment on a post, reward them for that action. Reply to their comment or head to their profile and like and comment on their most recent post. You don’t have to rush in with a follow.
Focus on the followers you have
Instead of worrying about the followers you haven’t got, focus on giving a more personal experience to the ones you have.
For your followers, this will feel like the difference between an attentive assistant in a chilled-out boutique and battling for attention in a packed Primark. They’ll feel special.
Find out about them
Chat to your clients in the same way you would if they walked into a physical shop. Use your posts to ask questions and find out who they are and what they like.
Ask for their feedback on new designs or services. Make them feel valued and part of your brand.
Let them browse
Followers won’t know what you sell if you don’t tell them, so don’t shy away from this. In amongst all the helpful tips and tricks posts, you need to actually promote your products and services.
On Instagram there are SO many ways to do this; there’s your grid of course, but also stories, reels, guides and lives.
Ask what they need
Not sure what to post? Don’t be afraid to ask your followers what they’d like to see more of.
You can also get a steer on this by looking at your analytics to see which kind of content is working best. Let me know if you’d like help with this.
Recommend other businesses
Let’s head back to your imaginary shop. Imagine someone comes in and asks for something you don’t sell. What would you do? You’d suggest somewhere else on the high street they could try.
Why not do the same on Instagram? Supporting other like-minded businesses is a great way to build trust and a community, and – with any luck – someone might recommend you to their followers too.
Offer advice
You know your followers better than anyone, so tailor your advice to them. Share tips and tricks that will help them out and make them feel good about themselves.
Think of that uber-stylish store assistant who holds up a dress you’d never normally consider and says ‘This would look good on you.’ And she’s right!
Offer samples
It’s unlikely (but not totally unheard of) that people will buy big-ticket items or services from you straight off the bat. Give them a smaller ticket item, or freebie, so that they can test the water and grow to trust you.
This could be a free download, a blog, a webinar invite or a paid workshop.
Closed on Sundays
There’s no denying that managing your IG account can be a time-consuming business so don’t be afraid to take time off. Setting boundaries – like taking Sundays off – is important for keeping a healthy balance.
Still feeling stuck? Let me help. Book an Instagram power hour. I’ll answer all your Insta questions and teach you how to get the best out of the app without it taking over your life!