Brands are incorporating Instagram into their marketing strategies at a growing rate. And it’s projected that by 2020 75 %of U.S. marketers will be utilizing the world’s most popular social network. So if you’re dealership isn’t already on Instagram, now’s the time to get on board by setting up your Instagram business account, and start instantly reaching and engaging with your target audience daily.
1. Define Your Goals and Audience
Figure out exactly what your objective is, whether you want to create more leads, make more sales, increase your dealership’s brand, or all three. Then decide who you want to reach by defining your audience, keeping in mind that most active users are between 18 and 29, and more urban residents are likely to use the app.
2. Optimize your profile
You have just 150 characters to make a first impression with your bio on Instagram. But no need to fret as there are other fields in the profile page, where you can include your name, username, your website URL, business category, contact information, and there’s also a call-to-action button. And remember, your Instagram profile photo should be your logo.
3. Create visually good content and catchy captions
Since Instagram is a visual medium your posts have to look good, so only upload sharp, well-lit, and well-composed photographs. And remember they have to tell a story and entice your audience, so make them compelling. You can personalize your brand with behind-the-scenes posts of your dealership, offer instructional posts, and use video, so get creative. And don’t forget to add a catchy caption.
4. Use hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to increase visibility and it’s recommended to use between five and nine hashtags per post. Choose hashtags that are relevant and specific to your niche.
5. Engage and interact
In addition to posting engaging and interacting with your audience is essential on Instagram, so it’s a good idea to always respond to the user’s comments.
6. Instagram Stories
Businesses are getting great results from Instagram Stories. This is an opportunity to tell a story, get interactive by using features like polls and questions, use a call to action, and create personal connections and build follower loyalty.
7. Use Instagram Shopping
A business profile gives you access to Instagram Shopping, a feature that allows you to sell directly from Instagram posts and Stories.
8. Post at the right time
The best time to post on Instagram depends on your industry –so do some research for times specific to car dealerships. For example, in retail, the suggested time is on Tuesday and Thursday at 12p.m.
9. Expand audience with Instagram Ads
You can run an Instagram ad and reach thousands of potential customers. You can advertise in Stories or in the Instagram feed. You can target your ads based on location, demographics, interests, and behaviors.
10. Refine your strategy by using analytics
Want to know how well you’re marketing efforts are performing and see if there’s room for improvement? You can see what you’ve been doing by studying all the information available in Instagram Insights. Here you can review data about your audience and the content you’ve been sharing, including demographics and when your viewers are on Instagram most.
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