If You’re Not Making Money on Instagram, You’re Doing It Wrong
Guest post by: Melissa Camilleri, Founder of Compliment, Inc. and the 21-Day Insta-course
If you haven’t been living under a rock the past couple years, you’ll know that Instagram should be a key component to your online marketing strategy – especially in an industry as visual as the jewelry business!
Engaging on Instagram is one of the easiest ways to build trust with potential customers.
You probably already know that, which is why you likely already have a presence on Instagram. But, if you’re anything like I was when I first started using the platform, your growth has been slow, your reach not quite multiplying in the way you see it happening for other businesses, and your existing followers are other jewelry designers who don’t buy from you! It’s frustrating to be in this space. In fact, I know it well.
It took me one FULL year to grow my following on Instagram to 1000. I was determined and focused. I knew I had a good idea and a clear brand message. I thought, WHY NOT ME, TOO?
So, I observed and took action.
I put in place some key strategies that took my Instagram (@shopcompliment) from 1000 to 17,000 the following year. These days, I’m adding an average of 1500 new followers per month and get close to 70% of my website traffic and conversions from Instagram. I’m selling five-figures month after month, and my Instagram strategy is a large part of that.
I have no special photography or tech training under my belt. Just sheer will + an iPhone.
Here are four things you can start doing today to give you the foundation to start actually making money through your efforts on Instagram:
1. Show up consistently.
If you have an Instagram account, it is essential that you are posting at least once a day to be a part of the conversation. Posting consistently will keep you top of mind in your customer’s heads. Did you know that studies show that a potential customer has to interact with a brand a minimum of 7 times before ever taking action? The more you post day after day, the quicker this will happen. I do suggest posting no more than 3 times per day, with your posts at least 3-4 hours apart. Anything more frequent will just clog your followers’ feeds and get annoying.
2. Get social.
Interact with the people who comment on your photos. @Mention them back. Ask them questions. Share your gratitude. And don’t be afraid to leave comments on other people’s pictures, too! Be generous with your likes. Follow back people who are constantly interacting with you. It’s called a social network for a reason! Let people get to know you, and seek ways to get to know your followers.
3. Post with your DREAM client in mind.
What does she like about your brand? What is on her mind at the time of the day you’re posting? What does she talk about with her friends? Where is she when she buys from you? What are her dreams? What are her problems and how does your unique line solve them? When you write the captions of your photos, keep her in mind. Write directly to her. You’ll find that your engagement will grow authentically with people who are excited about what you’re putting out into the world.
4. Understand that your numbers are less important than engagement.
Don’t get me wrong, the number of followers you have is definitely important. Followers give your brand credibility. And because people do what they see other people do, the more followers you have, the more followers you will get. But, what good is a bunch of followers who don’t ever buy your stuff? (I’ll give you a hint: NO GOOD AT ALL.) Numbers aren’t everything. Engagement is what matters most.
By putting these strategies in place, you are building trust and turning the followers you do have into raving fans and future customers.
Click to Tweet: If You’re Not Making Money on Instagram, You’re Doing It Wrong via @flourish_thrive https://bit.ly/1If7bKk
Now we want to hear from you: How are you using Instagram to build your sales? Which engagement strategy is your favorite?
Melissa Camilleri is the Founder + Creative Director of Compliment– a gift brand she launched in 2011 while she was a full-time high school English and AVID teacher. She credits Instagram for helping her grow her business from a production line on her dining room table, to the socially-responsible corporation it is now. At the urging of her business-owner friends who wanted to replicate her marketing success, Melissa dusted off her teaching hat and created the 21-Day Insta-course to help others market their products, services, and brick and mortar shops. Tens of thousands have attended her virtual courses, participated in her workshops, and studied under her guidance. She believes we rise by lifting others. She lives and loves in Northern California.
Say hello to Melissa on Instagram @shopcompliment.
Want more ways to leverage Instagram for your jewelry business?
If you haven’t heard, Melissa Camilleri of @shopcompliment has re-opened enrollment for the last time in 2015 for her 21-Insta-Course.
The course is delivered daily, straight to your inbox, and gives you actionable tasks each day to grow your following of authentic, engaged customers. Go Here to check it out.
(Plus it’s super affordable.)
