Instagram is the most engaging app on the planet, more than Facebook and Twitter, with over 700 million monthly active users. It provides you with access to your target audience in no time, and at barely any expense. It's also the perfect tool for smaller businesses to be able to compete with bigger enterprises, because it offers everyone the same opportunity to succeed.

�Whether or not your business is already on the app, these tips should help you crack the Instagram code and build a loyal following!

Maintain a memorable image
Instagram is all about visual content. It needs to be attention grabbing and aesthetically pleasing. Post photos and videos that show your company's culture and mission, providing your audience with solutions rather than forcefully-pushed adverts.

Consistency in your Instagram filters is also worth considering. By maintaining a visual theme that perfectly presents what your brand is all about, more people will be intrigued to click 'follow' and to keep coming back for more content. That way, they know what to expect, and will double-click it with a passion.

 

Offer exclusive content
If you want to be effective on Instagram, you need to keep your followers interested. Post teasers in anticipation of any launch or future project.Take your audience behind the scenes, with exclusive content that will make them feel valued.

It's important to make your followers feel like they are a special part of your brand, by providing them with exclusive information before anyone else.Offering hints of insider information will definitely help you build a stronger and more loyal following.

 

Use the right hashtags
Hashtags are Instagram's main search feature. Including hashtags in your posts can rapidly increase your visibility, because you can reach people who are completely unaware of your business. Keep an eye on popular hashtags. Using them in your posts can get you onto the Trending Tags section on the app.

Although hashtags expand your reach, don't use them randomly. Pick a sensible mix of trending hashtags, and others that are more specific to your company or what you're promoting. Instagram lets you include a maximum of 30 hashtags on a single post, but you don't need to get carried away.

Bonus tip: Websta is a highly recommended Instagram analytics site. Amongst other things, it can show you which generic hashtags are always trending, and which you can easily fit into any sort of post.

 

Try Instagram stories
Stories have the important function for expanding reach and generating a larger following on Instagram. They prominently appear at the top of followers' timelines, and can prove to be very useful in targeting new audiences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of content for stories, such as boomerang GIF-like posts and live videos.

Stories are also ideal for posting behind the scenes content. You can post as many times as you want. Although Instagram stories disappear after 24 hours, you can still archive them for future use or leave them visible as highlights.

 

Practice 'regramming'
When you run out of ideas for what to post, just regram! Sharing other people's content, which is relevant to your own, is one of the quickest and simplest ways to gain momentum on the app. Regramming encourages your followers to share their own content promoting your business by, for example, posting a photo of your product and tagging you in it. So don't underestimate the power of engaging with your followers and re-posting user-generated content.

Bonus tip: Host a contest! Ask your followers to tag a friend in the comments, or to post their own content tagging your profile. An Instagram competition is a refreshing way to engage with both current and potential fans.

 

Collaborate with influencers
As with other popular social media platforms, collaboration on Instagram can be quite powerful. Most Instagram accounts aren't owned by huge corporations. In fact, individual influencers are huge on the app.

By simply announcing a collaboration with your brand on their account, or through a mere mention or tag,influencers immediately bring in an influx of new followers. They don't have to be unreachable A-list celebrities. Finding an Instagram influencer with a nice-sized following is both easy and affordable.

Ready for your business, small or corporate, to take on Instagram, but in need of a new phone?Get in touch with any of the 49 Mobile Phones & Accessories outlets listed on Yellow!

For insta-fast browsing and searching, turn to www.yellow.com.mt- the perfect way to discover local!