Instagram is the best social media marketing tool on the planet. You can rack up hundreds of followers in a short amount of time. And hashtags are basically free marketing.

But even though you’re gaining followers, you may not be attracting the right people. How do you create a marketing strategy for Instagram that actually works?

Today we’re going to look at how the numbers could help you boost your sales and increase your reach. Keep scrolling to find out.

1. How Do Successful Brands Use Instagram?

When launching any marketing campaign, you should do your competitor research. What are your competitors doing that works? What are they doing that’s detrimental to their numbers?

Using Instagram well automatically places you in the “cool” category in most people’s minds. 77% of users say brands that use Instagram are “creative.”

If they think you’re hip and creative, they’ll be more likely to think your products are hip and creative. Most Instagram users check out Instagram to find new products and clothing options.

Your competitors are appealing to these people. They’re hiring ambassadors to showcase their products and services in an organic way. They’re creating video of their products in action. They’re leveraging Instagram stories.

2. Get Philanthropic

Check it out! You could use your Instagram marketing funnel to change the world!

And when you do, clients and customers will flock to your brand to support your initiative. 70% of clients want brands to take a stand on the important issues of the day.

Be careful with this one. Everyone is fine with you helping out with clean water initiatives, but not everyone will be fine with you funding a political cause.

Adopt clean energy. Raise funding for the Humane Society. Give money to ecological studies if you’re an outdoor company. But be sure it aligns with your company mission and ethos.

3. Don’t Forget the Stories

Why do 500 million people use IG Stories daily? Because it’s a casual, temporary way to express yourself.

Why would you want to participate in such a casual venture? Because it gives the impression you’re willing to let your hair down for a bit.

Instagram is a balancing act. Posts are all about professionalism and charm. Stories are all about back stage access and vulnerability.

You give followers the chance to look at your day to day operations. They get to see how you create products. They get to feel like they’re part of your team. If they feel part of your team, they’ll be more likely to support your business.

This doesn’t mean you have to be casual about your IG stories marketing strategy. You can control your stories just as tightly as you would a PPC campaign. You simply have to be authentic in your interactions with customers and clients.

Plan what parts of your operation you want to showcase. Set up quick introductions around your office. Feature an employee a day or week. Show your product in action out in the wild. And don’t forget to repost client stories when they showcase your product for you.