Without insights, data is useless.
You must go beyond merely tracking metrics; you must decode the data if you want your data to generate value (which manifests itself in the form of extracting meaning or actionable insights). We regular Instagram users have long lamented the absence of data and the ensuing challenges in figuring out how to enhance Instagram marketing. Because of this, I was thrilled when we began developing Instagram Insights in Rival IQ.
Despite the fact that I have a clear bias in favour of using our tool to extract actionable insights from Instagram analytics, there is a wealth of information to be discovered no matter how you choose to analyse your data. And with that information, you’ll be able to take action to increase your following, increase engagement, and increase website traffic.
Increase Your Following
Over 2.5 million articles on how to increase your Instagram following are available as I write this. Most of them are jam-packed with general advise, push-hacks, or Instagram ban-inducing tools. However, as I always say, quality matters, and this applies to both your material and the followers you draw. This article describes how one photographer tested bots, and it provides a fairly accurate illustration of what may go wrong if you’re interested in how these hacks can go awry.
Hashtags have both good and bad uses. Everything hinges on the techniques you employ. Using hashtags will help those who aren’t already following you find your posts and Stories. Since we’ve talked about hashtag best practises before, I won’t go into too much detail about them; instead, let’s concentrate on using Instagram Insights to track what is effective.
You are aware that the most useful hashtags are those that are pertinent and are used frequently. When users search using hashtags, Instagram highlights highly engaging content as a Top Post, a desired position for any Instagrammer. However, use caution when utilising the most well-liked hashtags as they are less likely to increase visibility as hundreds of posts are made using them every minute. The advantages of using the most popular hashtags have a depressingly short half-life unless your post is among the top ones. The bots also prosper in these areas. Bots may increase likes, but you want real individuals who will follow you and interact with your material in the future.
How does user-generated material assist in growing a fan base?
User-generated content (UGC) is one of my favourite methods to see businesses on Instagram gain more followers. If you currently have a sizable fan audience, UGC can significantly increase interaction while also expanding your fan base. Users are more likely to spread the word about your company to their network when their images are featured on the Instagram account of your business. Naturally, it’s crucial to obtain consent when using this strategy (because, you know, copyright restrictions).
UGC was a major component of the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) social media strategy. We recently looked at how HRC employs user-generated content (UGC) in their social media strategy and how you can apply this for your own business. With this strategy and Instagram Insights, you can monitor follower growth by keeping an eye on follower additions on the days you post user-generated content as well as by keeping an eye on posts that include your branded hashtag and mentions.
What exactly comprises a story?
Stories can be used in a variety of ways to both develop your following and boost engagement. When you ask an influencer (a brand ambassador, content producer, or whatever else you want to call them) to post to your Stories for the day, you are engaging in a story takeover. The influencer asks their fans to join them by following your brand on their own channels as they announce their takeover. Of course, they also have the opportunity to encourage brand fans to see what they frequently share on their own profile. This is a terrific method to spice things up for most brands and is more engaging for followers than typical Stories. How to plan your first Story takeover is outlined in this post from Social Media Examiner.
Who exactly are your supporters?
Not only can knowing who your followers are help you decide which partners to work with, but it may also help you improve other Instagram marketing strategies like content and posting techniques, all of which work to attract the followers you want.
As of September 2017, there were more than 800 million active users on Instagram each month, but if you’re not paying attention to the demographics of your followers, you’re probably missing out on a tonne of opportunity. You can modify your brand voice to correspond to different follower personas by using the demographic data provided by Instagram Insights. Although most brands have a variety of consumer categories, not all of them are active on all social media platforms. This is your chance to address your current audience or even your desired audience.
Depending on your brand, location analysis might be beneficial in a number of different ways. If you operate a retail business, there is probably a connection between the locations of your stores and your target market. But what if the areas that attract your largest fan bases are not even close to stores? This could be an opportunity to advertise your online store or other ways to buy your goods.
Is this a high rate of engagement?
Engagement is the main statistic in social that shows success. Engagement on social media refers to conversations and interest in your brand. This on Instagram includes activities like liking, commenting, or saving your post.