How to Drive Conversions Using Instagram

As far as social media marketing goes, Instagram has emerged as one of the most powerful networks thanks to its ability to convey powerful messages through striking images. Pictures manage to instantly create an emotionally charged reaction, and indeed a lasting impression, that words simply cannot.

If you need proof of the influence Instagram has amassed, here are some very interesting statistics:

• more than 1 billion people using Instagram monthly, with more than 3 million from the UAE alone
• users ‘like’ 4.2 billion posts per day
• there are over 25 million Instagram business profiles
• 80% of users follow at least one business
• 75% of users act after viewing a post

With these numbers in mind, if you have not done so already, this is your call to action to develop a successful Instagram strategy in order to get this platform driving sales for your business.

However, this is where things get slightly trickier. A big mistake brands often make is to concentrate on stockpiling followers. We know however, that amassing followers doesn’t necessarily lead to an increase in actual sales. So, how do you actually drive conversions using your Instagram posts? Let’s find out.

Design Attention-Grabbing Images

The presentation of your images has a direct effect on conversion rates. They do say ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ so you must make sure that your pictures tell a great ‘visual’ story. They must be attention grabbing and interesting enough for the viewer to pause and take a good look so that it leaves a lasting impression. This means finding an interesting angle that truly encapsulates the message you are attempting to deliver. It also helps to ensure the lighting is just right. So much feeling and sense of drama can be created purely with good lighting. In essence, your imagery has to match the excitement of the story you are trying to express.

Convey More with Captions

For the sake of clarity, it is often important to add a caption to the image. By providing some context you can quickly and easily make the image more accessible to your audience. With a caption, you have the ability to covey a specific message directly aligned with the audience and the product simultaneously.

Make Your Posts ‘Shoppable’

If you sell products online you want to make it as simple as possible for your followers to make purchases. This means making the transition from image to cart simple, fast, and seamless. Shoppable media allows you to tag products in your posts which, when clicked, transports the user to a separate landing page to complete their transaction.

Even more exciting, however, is that Instagram recently launched their Instagram Shoppable Posts. This allows you to tag purchasable products directly from Instagram posts, meaning customers can complete their buying journey—from discovery to checkout— in an organic, intuitive way without even leaving the Instagram app. So, provided that you are a managed partner operating out of the United Arab Emirates, have an Instagram business account, and your products comply with Instagram’s merchant agreement and commerce policies, you’re pretty much good to go.

Use Instagram Live

This tool can be great for boosting sales. Instagram Live allows you stream in real time directly from the Instagram app. Live streaming helps to draw the audience in and is a fantastic way to connect with followers. Because Instagram live streams are only available in the moment (they disappear once complete) they boost interaction with your audience, enabling a real-time back-and-forth which helps to build trusting relationships. Instagram Live is great for announcing a new product launch, demonstrating a product’s use or publicising a promotion.

Include CTAs (Calls to Action)

Often customers need to be steered into taking the next step—guide them into making a purchase by providing an engaging call to action. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, short and to-the-point is best. Brief phrases—such as: ‘Learn More,’ ‘Love it? Click here to get yours’ or simply, ‘Buy Now’—are generally most effective. Being authoritative with a sense of urgency, yet sensitive to your target audience gives you an opportunity to drive sales more effectively.

Show Off

Perhaps you have the means to partner with celebrities or incredibly popular social media influencers such as Huda Kattan. Having such endorsements can be a fantastic way to increase visibility and promote your products. However, what is likely to be more accessible to you is user-generated content. Using your own satisfied customers’ posts to promote your product or service is extremely simple on Instagram. When potential customers can actually see other people using a product it affords authenticity, which helps them to connect directly with your brand and be more willing to buy from you.

Is it time to rethink your Instagram strategy? Follow these tips, outshine the competition, and get the results you’re looking for. Create opportunities by moving away from collecting likes and into the realm of making sales. Then you can bask in the glory of seeing users and followers transform into loyal and frequent customers.