Instagram became one of the most used marketing tools for businesses. But what if you just started using it and you want your business to grow rapidly? In this case, you might need some IG tools that will make your life easier. In this article, we will talk about some of these tools and how to use them wisely.
What are the most important IG tools and features?
We will talk next about Instagram’s tools and features and their importance for marketing experts. If you want to use this social media as a marketing tool, here is what you need to know. You have the chance of using organic posts and also paid ads. Instagram has introduced all of these functionalities to help businesses with their growing process.
Stories features
One of the most important IG tools is represented by the stories. Your followers can see them for 24 hours after you have posted. They are similar with Snapchat’s functionality. You will be able to post videos or clips to your stories. The other ones will be able to see them on the top of their newsfeed as small circles.
You can use this feature in different ways, such as:
- Up to 15 seconds of video recording;
- Up to 10 seconds of image view;
- Use stories to send direct messages;
- Use story additions with no limits.
You can use this feature in order to promote your business. Actually, you can use Facebook or Twitter in order to cross-promote your Instagram account. People will access your Instagram account to visualize your stories. Another advice is to organize Instagram promotions or contests using the target-generated content.
You can find out more about how you can use Instagram’s stories for your business growth here.
Video Features
Instagram videos are similar to photo posts. You will be able to add a video with a 60 seconds length. You can tag the location, add filters or a caption before you go ahead and share the content.
By using this functionality you will generate more user engagement compared to posting only a regular photo.
Live Videos
There is a difference between live videos on Instagram and Instagram’s video feature. This is because live videos are transmitted right at the moment when you are filming something. They work like this:
- Your followers will be notified once you go live;
- They can add comments or likes in real time while your live stream is running;
- The video is not saved to your account, it ends after you stop filming.
Authenticity and transparency are built with the help of these IG tools. It is important for your customers or potential customers to see who is behind the brand. It will be easier for them to connect with you if they perceive you as being genuine and providing high-quality content.
Using notification for your favourite accounts
Maybe it’s not important for your business to receive notifications from the accounts you are already following. But it’s essential for people who are following you to receive your notifications.
You need to know that you can use this feature from your mobile application. If you want to turn on the notifications’ option, you need to follow the next steps:
- Access the profile you want notifications from>click the three dots and select “Turn on Post Notifications.”
- Once you will activate this feature, you will be notified every time an account will upload new content.
Social media users have started to use notifications for the things they are interested in. For example, they would like to be informed when someone they know has posted a new Instagram story.
The most important advice when it comes to determining users to turn on notification for your account is to post something that is indeed valuable. If you think that your content is really important, then you should post it.
Once your followers will turn on the notifications for your account, it will be possible for you to increase your earnings on sales, promotions or new product launches.
Using favourite filters
This IG tools will allow you to use more than 40 Instagram filters for your videos or photos. As a business, you may want your brand-related posts to have a similar pattern. In order to obtain credit and to build trust, you may use only the filters that are related to your business’ identity and values.
The above features will help you promote your business and to grow the number of your Instagram followers. But if you don’t have enough time to do all these actions manually or if you want to focus on more complexes Instagram marketing actions, you should think about automating some of the features.
Instagram automation
We will talk next about the IG tools that can be automated and one of the best applications that can be used for the automation process.
To keep it simple, automation can be used when you don’t have enough time to spend on activities that help you grow your Instagram account. Also, performing manual activities such as likes, comments, follows/unfollows, direct messaging etc., can be overwhelming and tiring. This is why Instagram automation plays a major role nowadays for businesses.
One of the most user-friendly automation software is Socinator. It grants access to the all in one Instagram Marketing Platform for Instagrammers.
Its main feature is the activity statistics and reports which will provide you the most relevant data related to the activities performed within your Instagram accounts. This feature will help you analyze and use the best marketing strategies for your business.
You will be able to automate likes, comments, to send direct messages, delete posts, follow/follow back and unfollow etc. The application will definitely meet your needs starting from $9.95/month.
We have talked about some of the IG tools and also about what Instagram automation is. You can use any of them in order to make your Instagram account successful. But don’t forget about the people who are following you and stay genuine for them. They are key to success.
