Home improvement companies and contractors might shy away from Instagram at first, assuming that the visual platform doesn’t fit their needs. But don’t be intimidated! Instagram is a great tool to show off your brand, for free, no matter the industry. Here’s how to make the most of your home improvement company Instagram account and grow your client base:
Get an Instagram business account
Why is it so important to have a business account versus a normal account? Having a business account gives you access to clickable features like “call” “website” “get directions” and “email” links. You’ll also have Instagram Insights and the ability to promote your posts. If you don’t currently have a business account, don’t worry. It’s free and easy! All you need is to get started is a Facebook business page. Here’s how to switch.
Consider your first impression
The first thing viewers will see when they land on your company’s page is the account photo and bio. As a business, the profile photo should be your company logo. The bio, however, is a bit more flexible. It could be your company slogan, a brief description of the services you provide, achievements or awards your company has received, or you can get creative. Some companies opt to keep this part simple, while others craft catchy bylines. Reflect your brand’s personality here to create a captivating and accurate first impression!
Be thoughtful about your approach to content and aesthetic
This part is so important but frequently overlooked. Think about it – Instagram is a highly visual platform, so it benefits you to put some time and thought into the message your images are conveying! Decide what your brand represents, and make sure it shows in your photos and captions. Is your content relatable or luxurious? Are they quick snaps on the scene or have they been curated and edited to fit a visual theme? Do your captions describe the services rendered or do they tell a behind-the-scenes story about the behind-the-scenes? These are all important factors that make up your brand personality on the platform.
Pay attention to the numbers
When you have a business account, you get access to Instagram Insights. This feature shows impressions, reach, basic audience demographics, and top posts. It’s a best practice to analyze what it is about the photos that got the most engagement, determine possible factors for their success and then replicate them.
Take advantage of paid ads for remodeling lead generation
One of the benefits of having a business account is the ability to promote your posts. A best practice is to take a peek at your Insights to see which posts are performing better than average, and then spend a few dollars promoting those posts to your target audience. Instagram ads are inexpensive and can reach large audiences quickly, so be sure to take advantage of them!
Consider third-party apps
Instagram has all the tools you need to increase your brand awareness through visual content. But if you want to dive a little deeper, there are a plethora of third-party apps that you can use in unison with Instagram to take your ‘gram game to the next level. Want more in-depth information regarding your followers, engagement, hashtags and competitors? Or maybe you want to put more effort into your photo editing or video effects. Click here for a list of creative apps, or here for a list of analytics apps.
Consistency is key
There are two things you should be doing regularly on Instagram: producing new content for your viewers and engaging with them. Posting regularly ensures that your viewers are frequently being exposed to your brand, and also shows your commitment to getting to know your followers. It allows you to engage organically with your audience and start establishing a relationship with them. Ask questions in your captions to show your genuine interest in your followers’ input. Leave thoughtful comments on photos not only in your feed but on your Explore page. By doing this, you can convert viewers to followers and followers to clients!
With various platforms and increasingly detailed features, social media can be overwhelming. Many companies have yet to leverage the true power of social media because they don’t know where to start. Did you know that FatCat Strategies can manage your Instagram account, as well as your other social media accounts? Schedule a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your needs and our solutions.
