I’m pretty sure you and I can agree that a LOT has changed since most of us created our Instagram accounts in 2012.
*Let’s be real. Back then, all I posted were food pictures and blurry sunsets!*
>>Not only have I changed the way I post, interact, and engage with users and followers, but the way I use Instagram for business has certainly changed, too.<<
This is especially true when it comes to the do’s and don'ts of the platform to ensure I’m maximizing my efforts and time on the app. I share a lot of advice on what you should do on Instagram but with all the constant changes and updates Instagram has been throwing our way, it’s easy to long for what once was.
Living in the past (a.k.a. Instagram 2012) is not serving you or your business well, which is why… I’ve got some “don’t” tips for you!
Here are the top 4 things you should stop doing on social media to market your business.
- Spend Money On Shout Outs
I know it can be tempting to think that if someone could shout your name from the tallest tower all your marketing woes would be solved. But that simply isn’t the case.
On average, a post will reach 13% of an account’s following and the average rate of engagement is 2-4%. With that in mind, let’s do some quick math…
If the account you’ve paid for a shout out has 25,000 followers, the post about you may reach 3250 people. Of those 3250 people, only 500 to 1,000 of those followers will likely engage. But people have become increasingly leery of sponsored content, and that engagement ratio will drop further for content that blatantly endorses or promotes a product.
Of those people who do engage, nothing guarantees they will click into your profile, follow, engage, or purchase from you.
>>Instead, focus on the quality of your followers rather than the quantity.<<
When you know who it is you serve and how you add value to their life, it becomes so simple to speak to them in a way that resonates so much more than a shout out ever will.
- Use Engagement Bots
Arguably the most damaging on the list: paying for bots to engage with or follow your account. Using bots has the most long-term consequences.
In order to understand why this is such a problem, you need to first understand how the algorithm works. Any time you post, the platform will serve up your content to those it thinks are most likely to engage.
If you pay for bot engagement, your posts will be served up to the bots who engage with your content and not to real people who might benefit from your product or service.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, if you ever stop paying for the service, your reach and engagement will tank, because the platform will be serving up content almost exclusively to bots who no longer engage. That indicates to the algorithm that your content is not worth pushing to any other accounts.
- Ignore Comments On Your Posts
If someone approached you at the store and offered up a nice compliment, would you stare back and say nothing?
If a stranger passing on the street complimented your outfit, would you not smile and reply with a thank you?
*Absolutely not!*
By that same token, if someone takes the time to type out a comment, react to a story, or send a DM on social media, give them the courtesy of a response.
There is no better way to make a person feel unimportant than to ignore them. And that will certainly not lead to a person who knows, likes, and trusts you enough to hand over their credit card information.
- Sell All The Time
Last, but certainly not least, remember that the original purpose of social media was to be social.
Although many people and companies are on social media to share what they do, the consumer still craves that social connection.
If you are only promoting what you do, you’ll miss the opportunity to serve and draw people in who not only support you but become raving fans.
There you have it! 4 things to stop doing on Instagram to help you leverage the Instagram of 2022, and stop living in the past so that you can continue to move forward into a brighter future for your business!
If you would like to dive further into what strategies I DO recommend, check out our Social Media Marketing Guide! Download it >>HERE<< and learn how you can show up on social media in a way that continues to serve you for many years to come.
