Ohhh INSTAGRAM. The amazing yet often confusing platform if you are trying to grow your business these days.

 

The opportunity to literally reach millions of people, yet it seems like an impossible task to actually do that.

 

But here’s the thing, YOU building your business and making money is NOT just based on how many likes you get or how many followers you have. I’ve seen people with over ten thousand followers making zero dollars.

 

I’ve used Instagram to monetize my business since 2014, both as a Brand + Website Designer and Network Marketer. 50% of my Website Design clients come from Instagram and 100% of my Network Marketing team have come from Instagram, so I am a 100% believer in the power of this platform.

 

So we are going to talk about what monetizing and growing on Instagram IS about and the steps you need to take to grow your business and attract clients/team members/sales, etc. on Instagram.

 

Step 1: Niche

What do you want to be known for? ONE THING. Now, here’s where I might mess with your head a little bit okay? You don’t have to only DO one thing, but be known for ONE THING. For example, on my Instagram @acountrygirl.co I am known for Branding + Website Design specifically – BUUUUT…. I also am in Network Marketing because I love Wellness + Beauty, I help my clients with Social Media Strategy (mainly Instagram cause it’s my jam!), Copywriting, Freebies, Email Marketing, and a multitude of other things. If I put ALL that on my Instagram bio you’d be super confused right and you wouldn’t really know exactly what you were following me for.

So I stick to Brand + Website Design on my pain posts with a bit of my Lifestyle Blog mixed in, mostly in my Instagram stories and IGTV.

Build your influence and expertise in that ONE area and then slowly add the other pieces in – the BEST place to do that is in your Instagram stories and show little behind the scene pieces, etc.

Step 2: Brand

We are going a bit beyond just a logo and all that stuff right now. Think about your values, the regular things in your life as themes for your Instagram. Things you want to stand for. How you want to make people feel. Who you want to attract. You are going to want to get a notebook and pen for this!

 

If you’re going to use quotes or text on posts, use www.canva.com to create a consistent look with consistent colours. Don’t just grab any old graphic someone else has made unless it matches how you want your Instagram to look.

 

If it’s easier for you, plan out your Instagram with theme days – Tip Tuesday/Wellness Wednesday/Family Friday, etc so you know what you’re going to be posting every day. Or just make a list of topics you want to post about (3-5 max!) and just rotate them through. Example:

 

Family Nutrition Business Hair Skincare What’s the message you want people to get from your Instagram? Here are some examples of different feeds to inspire you and give you an idea of what to create for your own Instagram page! I would suggest creating a draft in an app like Planoly or Unum to see how it looks first!

Step 3: Provide Value

What can you teach people about? How can you be a RESOURCE for people instead of a sales pitch? Instagram is ALLLLL about building that like, know and trust factor. Think about things others on Instagram have done that have prompted you to buy from them, follow the affiliate link on their website, get the same outfit as them, and just made you want to follow them in general!

 

It does NOT have to be complicated and you DO NOT have to be an expert at any of this! I am no hairstylist or make-up artist but I still share with people my quick Mompreneur’s Make-up routine or How I Curl My Hair with a Straightener.

When you do videos such as those, you can tie in various products, whether you’re part of that company or can give people a discount. Or if you’re a fitness coach, put up quick Follow-Along-With-Me Workout Videos! Go Live and get people to workout with you once a week! Life coaches may provide videos with tips on Mindset and journaling and give actionable tips for that week, etc. The options are seriously endless!!

 

Step 4: Connection + Relationships

Don’t forget, social media is meant to be SOCIAL! So get out there and make some genuine comments on people’s posts, respond to their Instagram stories (P.S. This will help Instagram see you as an active user if you are messaging with people in your DM’s.), and build connections. Start a small engagement pod with people in related industries if you’re struggling at first to build engagement and get seen by more people.

 

Make genuine friendships too as when you can tag other people in your posts or stories, it helps build up the fact that you’re a legit human being first of all and builds your credibility.

 

As my friend, Jacqueline Yvette always says, don’t forget to be HUMAN. You are dealing with HUMANS! See what I did there? 😉

Step 5: Monetize

Now, let’s be honest, if you’re on Instagram and you’re a business or want to become a business, you’ve got to be making some $$$$ right? Want to start bringing home the bacon? Make bank? Haha what other plays on making money can I come up with?!

Write down the ways you are going to monetize your Instagram. What is your goal? To get people signed up for your coaching program, purchase affiliate products, join your team, provide a service, etc?

Be super clear on this and now I want you to do an Instagram audit! If you’re like oh no I have zero idea at all what I’m doing with Instagram, just shoot me an email at jess@acountrygirl.co and I will give you a complete Instagram audit for $25CAD.

Is what you’re posting now getting you towards that goal? Or are you just being super inspirational and not actually helpful? Is your bio attracting or repelling people? Are you searchable? Are your hashtags helping or hurting your engagement? Are your photos relevant? Do people know what they are coming to you for?

Would YOU buy from you? Would YOU follow you?

 

I hope this post was helpful!

Share your Instagram in the comments below with what you do- you never know who might find you and need what you have to offer!