How To Grow On Instagram and Expand Your Influence

When Instagram first popped onto the scene back in 2010, it was just like any other social platform: filled with selfies, pet pics, and photos of food.

Fast-forward to 2018 and Instagram’s has evolved from a simple photo sharing app to a full-on marketing channel that is dominating in the social space. Instagram has become a primary platform for developing and growing one’s business and personal brand. 

Almost 90% of marketers say their social media marketing efforts have increased exposure for their business, and 75% say they’ve increased traffic. Instagram, specifically, can play a prominent role when it comes to growing your target audience.

In the last year alone, Instagram has released dozens of new tools for businesses, including advanced analytics, shoppable Instagram posts, new ways to drive traffic from Instagram Stories, Highlights, and more.

So, if your looking for ways to increase your impact on Instagram, We’ve got you covered! 

During this #MillennialTalk, we spoke with Amanda Bucci (@amandabuccifit) about “How To Grow On Instagram and Expand Your Influence!” 

Check out the recap of our chat Q&A with Amanda Bucci as well as some of the interaction that flowed during the #MillennialTalk.

@ChelseaKrost: Social Media can help radically put a brand on the map if the company has a true understanding of their audience, knows how to use Instagram effectively, and creates consistent quality and compelling content!

@amandabuccifit: Instagram is the fastest growing, MOST ENGAGED app. Connection to your ideal client is stronger than ever.There’s essentially 4-5 different platforms in one. Feed posts, Live Stream, Stories, DM, and more. Utilizing all of them makes it incredibly dynamic. It encourages authenticity, creativity, and connection. We need more of that.

@thetalillama: Instagram has two channels built into one (feed posts + stories) so you can cater to different segments of your audience pretty easily. Some watch stories more than they engage on posts and vice versa. 

@tschill86: It’s become the most popular platform, but the functionality is separating themselves with Stories, Live video and live chat with multiple friends. It’s becoming a great way to discover content and engage with people in your industry. 

@ChelseaKrost: Check it out… What businesses and brands should be on Instagram.

@amandabuccifit: All personal brands whom YOU are your business. Fitness coaches, doctors, service providers, chiropractors, business coaches, influencers, musicians – almost everybody. Everybody aside from those whose leads come from corporate business or audiences who are “offline” (but will likely eventually be online in 5-15 yrs).

@tschill86: Some markets can be more effective but any business that wants to establish a brand online and engage with potential customers. Even B2B can find ways to market their businesses and show the world who they are and what they do. 

@ChelseaKrost: Define who and where your target audience is on social media. Don’t just post to post – create a content strategy, build a content library, and post consistently. Provide value. 

@amandabuccifit: Research what your audience is already engaging with, and put your magic dust on it. Think: Images are for eyeballs, captions are for connection, DMs are for relationship building. Think: Humans connect to humans. Take and post pictures of something who you’d go up to at a party when you’re posing for photos.

@thetalillama: Can’t stress this enough: stalk the trends in your space and get to know your audience through frequent questions and surveys. (this is why I use polls every day for a “question of the day” series on stories) oh, and test everything. 

@CardozaGab:

• Listen (to audience, competitors, ect)
• Get creative
• Be consistent

Remember, captivating content leads to conversation. Capitalize on it… learn, add value, generate leads.

@ChelseaKrost: Use Instagram Highlights to help give you insight into what your audience likes most!

@amandabuccifit: Use topics your clients care about and are interested in. Think of them like YouTube channel playlists. Separate out what you do into sections – but be intentional, thinking of your end customer.

@CardozaGab: Get creative with IG Highlights:

• Polls
• Interviews
• Behind-the-scenes
• Contests
• Testimonials
• Share tips
• Collaborations
• UGC

Share your authentic voice + your USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

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To see more of this #MillennialTalk Q&A, click HERE!