Instagram success - checklist Automatic translate

Self-checking your Instagram account is really nothing more than an audit to help you verify what you are doing well and what needs to be improved to get the most out of your profile.

If you have an Instagram business account and want to create a professional image and achieve specific business goals, it is worth checking these regularly. They will help you figure out if you are performing effectively, if you are implementing a strategy, and if the effort you make is actually delivering business results.

You will learn which actions are really necessary and which ones are better to refuse, because they only require time and energy and do not bring tangible results. For example, did you know that there are many ways to upload a photo to Instagram from a computer? (See instaplus.me for details ) You can also check if you maintain a consistent image, build trust with recipients, and present your proposal well. Thus, auditing an Instagram account can provide you with a wealth of information you need. Below we will show you how to do this to optimize your business. So get to work.

1. First, set the goals you want to achieve.

You need to know exactly what your Instagram account will be used for in order to be able to check the level of achievement of the set goals, the progress of development and the actions that have been taken in this direction. Is the goal to get as many followers as possible and increase engagement? Are you targeting a specific audience? Or maybe an increase in the sales of goods or services? Then you can check everything to see if and to what extent your efforts have yielded the expected results. And be able to make changes to your strategy on an ongoing basis.

2. Take a look at your audience.

This will allow you to better understand their needs. How old are they, where they live, how much they earn, what they do, how they spend their time, etc. Your Instagram account is supposed to communicate with them, and thanks to this knowledge it will be easier to control whether you choose the right content and your posts in line with the expectations of this target group. Are you constantly using the correct language and images? In this case, it is very helpful to have regular audits, because a common mistake we make is forgetting who we really want to cover. And then, while we publish the best content and the most beautiful photographs, our efforts will go down the drain because they don’t fit the recipients.

3. Check your Instagram profile description.

The first impression you make on your users depends on this. You have 150 characters - are you sure you used them correctly? Does your profile description fully reflect your brand? Describes who you are and what you do? Is it written in simple, clear and concise language? Are you using words and style that are specific to your brand? Is the message about you consistent across all platforms you use?

Be sure to check the link to your site. She works? Since Instagram only provides users with one clickable link, see if you are making the most of this opportunity. Many companies change this link regularly to promote the latest content or promotions. Influencers use it to redirect their subscribers to the site of the company they are hosting.

4…. and an avatar

A profile photo is the first thing that users pay attention to. Therefore, it is best to place your current logo there. Make sure the size you prefer (180 x 180 pixels) is the best format for use on the web and on mobile devices.

5. Evaluate how your profile matches your brand.

The main difference between a corporate Instagram account and a personal account is that it informs your audience about the nature of your brand. Therefore, it should help to consistently shape its image, build trust in the company and strengthen its recognition. So make sure your profile aligns with your brand’s strategy and other marketing channels. When conducting an audit, evaluate whether the images you publish have a chosen color palette and a certain style, whether the language used matches your conclusions, whether there are certain hashtags and a particular way of interacting with your audience. It is important that everything creates an individual corporate identity.

6. Test 9 posts

Put yourself in the role of the recipient. Check out the last 9 posts that users see for the first time when they visit your Instagram profile. Can you immediately see what you are doing and what your brand is offering? It is very important that observers understand what to expect. Also rate the profile for quality. Make sure the photos are of good resolution and aesthetics, and the posts are valuable. Finally, answer the question if it all fits with a particular style and brand image.

7. Study the publications carefully.

Now do a business analysis of the latest posts. They are aesthetically consistent, but… are they really related to your goals? Do they help in their implementation? Are they thoughtful or random? Check which posts are the most interesting. What connects them? How many comments do they have? If you find that one type of content has the most impact on your audience, that doesn’t mean you only need to start posting that content today. Remember, the purpose of auditing your Instagram account isn’t just to figure out what works and what doesn’t. The most important thing is to understand why it works, to identify the factors of interest. Only then will you improve your brand strategy.

8. Analyze the signatures.

Signatures are very important because they send recipients back to your content. They allow you to add context to shared content. They replace links that you cannot post here. Analyze top posts in terms of signatures and look for similarities. Do they have questions? Do they invite recipients to click a link on your profile? The more you understand, the easier it will be for you to improve your results.

9. Check the hashtags.

Hashtags are a great tool because they expand your reach and help you attract more users that interest you. They make it easier to naturally search for your content on the platform to make it easier for your audience to find you. You have up to 30 hashtags to use in each post. It is important to choose the right ones. Also remember not to use the same set of hashtags over and over and of course, exclude those that are banned by Instagram. So check if you are choosing the right hashtags and are they relevant to your brand and audience? Are they adapted to the topic of the posts? Do you change them correctly, in addition to the standard ones, add your own - original ones? Do you have hashtags for specific brands and do you use them all the time? Check your hashtags and see where and how they are displayed.Over time, you can encourage your audience to use them in their profiles.

10. Don’t duplicate products

Your account cannot be based solely on the fact that you want to sell your product on Instagram. Then you risk losing commitment and coverage. So look back over the posts and see if they are thematically diverse. Do product photos intertwine with other inspirational photos and valuable content? Are you using different video formats, boomerangs, carousels and instastores? All this sets you apart and creates your image.

11. Check how often you post

Instagram frequency is very important when you want to gain new followers and increase engagement. But you also can’t go the other way and start spamming your audience with regular posts. The optimal amount is 1-2 posts per day.

12. Eliminate false subscribers

Take a close look at who is watching you. There are quite a few fake, blank and inactive accounts on every Instagram account. Having fake followers, even if you didn’t buy them, negatively affects the perception of your brand. Take advantage of the free Instagram audit tool (Fake Follower and Audience Verifier). When you find fake followers, you can block them to unsubscribe from you. Then you will avoid possible trouble.

13. Rate your interaction with users.

Your followers should feel that you care about them and respect their opinions. So make sure you respond to comments within a reasonable time frame or have a sincere conversation with them. Try to do this regularly, but also check old posts for new comments. Check your inbox regularly and reply to all direct text messages so people don’t feel like you are ignoring them.

14. Appreciate your most dedicated fans.

Your Instagram community is made up of fans, but remember that there are also great fans to be treasured as they can be your best ambassadors. Check if you like and comment on posts with tags and hashtags with your brand? This is very important because it shows that people appreciate you enough to share it. Do you share your fan posts? This shows them that they are important to you. Also, consider how you can honor a group of your most dedicated followers. Maybe you can invite them to test new items or offer a special discount?

15. Identify your brand influencers.

Take a look at the accounts you follow. Are you following the right people on Instagram? Are you getting in touch with them correctly? Remember, they affect the popularity of your brand. Make a list of recognized influencers on Instagram that will suit you, preferably those who have already seen your profile and commented on your posts. This shows that they know your company and you can easily interact with them. So let’s incorporate this into your strategy.