If you’re one of the five million monthly active Australian Instagram users, you’re probably well aware of the platform’s power to help market your store. With the ability to post pretty in store shots, sneak peeks of new products, and interact directly with your customers, it’s an important tool. And it’s about to get even better for small business.
After speaking to businesses owners across the globe about what they want from Instagram, the platform is rolling out Instagram Business Tools, aiming to help businesses to stand out, learn more about their followers, and find new customers. So what’s new?
Business profiles
To take advantage of the new tools, you’ll first need to convert your account to a business profile. Once this is done, you can choose how you want customers to get in touch with you. They’ll be able to call, text or email you just by tapping the contact button, and will also be able to get directions so they can find their way into your store.
Just one thing: only users who already have a Facebook Page for their business will be able to make the transition.
Insights
Just like the insights you can access on Facebook, you’ll soon be able to learn lots more about your Instagram followers. This will include data like gender, age, location (down to the city) and the most popular times they’re online.
With more information about your Instagram followers than ever before, you’ll be able to create more relevant content. You’ll also be able to access valuable stats like your best performing posts, reach, impressions and engagement so you can see what works.
Promote
This one is pretty exciting for small businesses that don’t have huge marketing budgets but want to get noticed. The promote function lets you turn well-performing posts into ads, all within the app. Just pick a post you’ve already shared on Instagram and add a button that encourages people to take action. You can select a target audience or let Instagram suggest targeting for you according to your budget.
The new tools will be rolling out across Australia, New Zealand and the US in the next two months, and will be available globally by the end of the year.
On Instagram? Us too! Check us out at @ausgiftguide
By Ruth Cooper
