How to Turn Your Instagram Followers into Customers for Life

How to Turn Your Instagram Followers into Customers for Life

Instagram offers a great way for brands to connect with customers in a powerful way. Many big-name Instagrammers use the platform to make money from affiliate marketing, meaning they don’t sell any products themselves.

Most brands, however, sell products and use Instagram to increase their customer count. They also rely on the platform to earn loyal followers who will stay with them for the life of their business.

If your business falls into the latter category, you’re probably looking for ways to attract more life-long customers. Every business will need to execute a niche-specific strategy based on their target audiences, but here are a few universal tips that can help.

Increase Your Follower Count

Like many things in business, size matters. Before choosing to make a purchase, consumers often judge a business based on their follower count. A business with only a couple thousand followers indicates a lack of social proof. Without social proof, consumers are often hesitant to make a purchase.

So, focusing on increasing your following is a great way to improve customer acquisition and retention. Although consistent posting and strong engagement are essential, you can always kick-start your follower growth by purchasing Instagram followers.

If you buy Instagram followers, real followers, you can instantly grow your follower count, indicating social proof to curious consumers. This will attract more organic followers, and you can use your business value and charm to keep them engaged.

Create Unique Content

Of course, you’ll want to focus on creating your own content rather than borrowing from others, but more importantly, you want it to be original and unique to the industry. If you do the same thing as your competitors, it gets boring fast, and customers will lost interest.

Developing original content will require creativity and a study of your current niche. When you notice a lack of a certain type of content, start producing it.

For example, a hairdresser might find that other hairdressers in her community aren’t utilizing IGTV. She can create unique video tutorials that air exclusively on IGTV, growing a unique audience there and driving more customers to her door.

Start More Conversations

Social media is attractive to many individuals because it lets them express their views an opinions. These conversations are often relegated to Facebook and turn into arguments, so many brands shy away.

However, Instagram is a unique platform that exudes positive vibes. Brands are better able to direct positive comments around a conversation on Instagram, making it the perfect place to share thoughts and ideas in a safe space.

Starting a conversation typically begins with a little context. You might share a story from your life or become inspired by a news article relevant to your niche. Then, you can share a few of your thoughts, reserving some for later on in the conversation, and ask a question. If it’s relevant, interesting, and engaging, your audience will respond and get the conversation going.

If you’re worried about negative vibes on your page, start the conversation in your Stories feed rather than in your newsfeed. Ask participants to DM you their responses so that you can choose which to share. Not only will this improve your brand impression, but it will pay homage to a valued customer, deeper driving their loyalty to you.

In all, holding meaningful conversations on important topics will provide excellent value for your target audience. Customers will look forward to these conversations, and when they’re ready to make a purchase, your brand will jump to the forefront of their minds.

Ask for User-Generated Content

There are simply too many good things to say about user-generated content (UGC)! Regarding generating loyalty among your customers, UGC creates a feeling of inclusion and exclusivity. It shows customers that you see them and value them more than the everyday brand.

UGC is best generated using a branded hashtag. That way, you can see all your followers who post something about your brand. When you find a particularly good review, photo showcasing your product, or other meaningful posts, you can share them on your feed or in your Stories. It’s easy to tag the customer and give them a few moments of fame.

Those chosen will love you for it forever, and others will continuously strive to be the “chosen one.” It’s a win-win-win.

Get Personal and Be Authentic

According to this site, brands can’t hope to thrive on Instagram unless they post relatable content. In many cases, this requires being personal. You might share behind-the-scenes footage of what it takes to make a great brand, including the successes and the heartaches. You might share your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings and connect with your followers over this.

Above all, never fake it! Especially when you’re sharing personal stories. Instagram followers typically have a sixth sense for brands that are faking an emotion to get sympathy. You have enough real and personal things happening with your company that you don’t need to fake it. Show the real you, and you’ll easily earn their attention.

Run Frequent Contests

Who doesn’t love the chance to win an exclusive prize just for participating with their favorite brands? Contests help to generate leads, increase your follower count, and spread social proof about your brand. All these things contribute to more sales and revenue.

To run a great contest, choose a relevant and exciting theme. It might have to do with your latest product or another campaign that you’re trying to promote. Include an amazing prize—something that they’ll want. Encourage followers to tag their friends and family to increase exposure and get more votes.

Most importantly, run these contests regularly. Customers will give you their loyalty if you constantly reward them for it. Contests and prizes are a great way to keep them coming back.