Top 5 Things To Avoid Doing On Your Business Instagram Account.
Making an error on Instagram can negatively affect your brand. Here are 5 things to avoid on Instagram to maintain your business’ reputation.
There is lots of advice out there to help you grow your followers on Instagram - but it’s a two-way game and you can easily find yourself doing irreparable damage on your company account. So take a look at our top 5 tips below to keep you on the safest path to Instagram account bliss.
Don’t get political. If you’re a political business or public figure then, ok yes, get political. That’s your role. But if you’re a retailer with an uncontroversial font and apolitical stance, then a good rule of thumb is to avoid taking sides. Many people will throw abuse or boycott a company that has taken a political side so try to stick to positive themes (like supporting the environment or animal rights) that is generally considered A Good Thing.
Don’t ignore copyright. You can’t use images you simply find on Google - this is in breach of the rights of the owner of that image. That person who may have spent many years and many dollars working on their craft deserves recognition and royalties for their dedication. If you wish to use stock images use a reliable source like Pexels or Unsplash to find the right image for you. Alternatively you can source an image from Instagram but always say what the source of the image was (their Instagram handle will usually do) or use an app like Repost to make it really clear what the origin of your image is.
Don’t say something you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. The Golden Rule of social media: if you wouldn’t say it to someone in person, then do not say it on social media. Keep it clean, keep it polite and keep it tactful. This stance applies to everyone on social media but especially as a business you need to make sure you keep in mind that you are speaking directly to customers (even if it’s via a screen) so don’t forget to really think about how a customer will read this, as if you were right here in the same room!
But don’t avoid engaging with your followers. It’s easy to just like every comment or DM - but don’t stop there. Really think about the person who engaged with you, and engage in a two-way conversation. Thank them for leaving a comment or messaging you directly, and then find something to say to continue the narrative. It will help your customers see your business in a personal way and encourage their loyalty, and grow your reputation.
Don’t overcomplicate it. It’s easy to overthink and over-complicate your posts. This can have the opposite effect and actually even damage your Instagram account. Here’s an example: you do 2 or 3 Story designs that show your latest product line. You cram all the information onto these pages (because who wants to click through loads of Story posts?). This does save time but it doesn’t help your audience. Spread out the information, over several days and many posts, so your customers have a chance to properly see and review the product information. Keep it simple.
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Has this given you a helping hand? Understood a little more about the do’s and don'ts of a successful Instagram account?
We hope this has given you some insights so please share your comments below or why not email us directly at hello@caribbean-collective.com
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