Are you currently using Instagram to promote your products or services? Are you happy with the results you’ve achieved so far? If the answer is no, then you might want to reevaluate your marketing strategy and start exploring more clever ways to boost your e-commerce sales. With more than 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram surely is one of the best tools and platforms to increase your online sales, and all that’s left for you to do is to play your cards right. To help you do that, here are a few valuable tips on how to boost your e-commerce sales using Instagram.
1. Take advantage of influencer marketing
Social media influencers are all around the corner. All you have to do is choose the perfect fit for your business (based on your niche or industry). Doing so will expand your audience reach, starting with the influencer’s own pool of followers. It is also essential that you build a connection with someone reputable to increase your business’ credibility.
Interestingly, 49% of the consumers rely on influencer recommendations, of which 40% actually make the purchase through social media platforms, Instagram included.
2. Build your social proof
Nowadays, potential buyers tend to be more critical, most notably in purchasing products online. As a matter of fact, 97% of consumers read or watch other user reviews first, of which 85% look for the negative reviews before actually proceeding with the purchase. The bottom line is that you have to gradually build your social proof by having real user reviews of your products or services, preferably positive ones.
For example, you can ask a few of your satisfied customers to leave good reviews of your product/service to gain more attention and integrity. In exchange, give them a special discount for future purchases. Once the words get out, it will only take a matter of time until your products gain popularity across all your target consumers, which will lead to more sales and better business reputation (another way to reduce customer disputes and improve brand reputation is by using mediation services such as Purchase Guard).
3. Subscribe in paid ads or sponsored posts
Posting sponsored or promoted posts is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to promote your products or services on Instagram, and eventually boost your e-commerce sales. Depending on your target audience reach and resources, you can choose between promoted posts and sponsored posts. The former is best recommended for businesses and brands that have a more general target consumer, while the latter allows cross-platform and, at the same time, utilizes even old posts for your promotion.
4. Use aesthetically appealing photos
What’s good about Instagram is that it allows you to post high definition photos without the risk of destroying the quality. So, to be able to quickly and efficiently catch your potential consumers’ attention, you need to take advantage of this feature. Posting visually appealing photos will not only increase your engagement rate, but it will also enhance your brand value.
5. Use hashtags
Adding relevant hashtags to your post increases your chances of being acknowledged by a broad audience, and more importantly, your potential consumers. You can use generalized hashtags for a larger market reach or be creative by generating your own branded hashtags. Nonetheless, make sure not to overdo it; otherwise, it will greatly affect your credibility.
