It's proven that social networks like Instagram can help you attract more customers. Find out how in 5 steps.
Social networks have revolutionised the way businesses communicate with their consumers.
20 years ago, would anyone have thought that brands would communicate through digital influencers who turn social media into a profession?
Clearly not, but it's happening today and businesses need to be able to take advantage of it to boost their business and grow by leaps and bounds.
Instagram is one of the most widely used social networks in Portugal - and the world. Through this platform you can reach thousands of users in an instant, who could become your customers.
For example, a few years ago, customers would find out about new restaurants or recipes, places to go on holiday or have treatments through friends, who would pass the word around. Today, it's increasingly common for a customer to find your place through an appealing photo and feedback that a user has shared on Instagram. From there, they search for their profile, save their contact details and decide to visit or place an order directly. It's these details that make us realise how different communication is.
Need more proof to move on to Instagram? Grab your smartphone and communicate the best of what your business has to offer. We'll help you!
1. Invest in quality photographs
You've probably heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. It's true, but you don't need to invest in a professional camera just yet, you can simply use your smartphone.
Take photos of the venues, products or professionals and share them regularly on your Instagram.
2. Encourage customers to share on Instagram
The greater the number of tags and photo shares related to your business, the more people you can reach. Whether it's a restaurant, a gym, a shop or a hotel, you'll become increasingly popular and attract more customers.
You can encourage customers to share feedback on Instagram by offering exclusive discounts, promotions or offers. And when you run out of content to post on your account, share your customers' photos and opinions.
In addition, you can invite public figures or digital influencers - who fit the essence of your business - to try out your services and products and share them on Instagram. This is one of the solutions that can bring the most benefits to your establishment.
3. Use and abuse hashtags and localisation
By using hashtags - a word or phrase preceded by a "#" - you'll be sharing your photos with others with the same theme.
For example, if a customer is unsure about choosing a place to go on holiday and searches for the hashtag "#restaurantePorto", the photos in which they used the same hashtag will be displayed, even to those who don't yet follow your Instagram page.
The same goes for localisation. Ask your customers to use your business's branded hashtag, identify your account and activate location. You'll notice an increase in customers and visits to your profile.
4. Sponsor your publications
Just like on Facebook, on Instagram you can sponsor the most popular photos you've uploaded to your profile and sponsor them - either on the profile or in the stories ("instagram stories"), turning them into small adverts.
If you define your target well, you'll be able to attract the right customers to your business and, of course, you'll increase the reputation of your establishment on this social network. Sponsor videos of new products, the space and/or services, special prices or promotions.
5. Take bookings and orders via Instagram
It is also from the Instagram that businesses receive a large proportion of enquiries, orders and bookings. Take advantage of this trend and get more customers. If your concern is the online payment methodsdon't despair. REDUNIQ has the ideal solution for you.
Through@PaymentsA remote payment solution widely used by companies for online bookings and purchases, a simple link is sent by email to your customer so that they can make the payment and, once the payment has been made, they receive a confirmation of the payment and the amount is automatically paid into their bank account.
If you prefer to direct the customer from their profile to your website, and make payments from there, there are several ways to do this. REDUNIQ e-commerce solutions suited to your needs.
All you have to do is let your imagination run wild to create original and appealing content that captures users' attention and brings more customers to your business.
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