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How Your Business Can Take Advantage of Instagram to Boost Brand Awareness

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instagram for business
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To step up an effective social media marketing strategy, you have to consider the various opportunities on how you can connect with your target market on different platforms. Although Twitter and Facebook can be great when publishing company updates, Instagram is an excellent visual solution to inspire and captivate your audience.

Why use Instagram for brand awareness?

With over 700 million users, Instagram can be a powerful platform for businesses from a wide range of industries. But just like any kind of marketing out there, you have to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to help you reach your goals. The more that you widen your following on Instagram, the larger your prospective sales will be. In this post, we are going to talk about how you can take advantage of Instagram to boost your brand awareness.

Brand personality should always be consistent

When you are just starting on Instagram, it might be quite tempting to post anything beautiful or interesting, but you cannot attain success if you are just posting randomly and without direction. For you to be able to succeed and widen your reach, you need to follow the same rules that go with any other kind of brand development.

You should have the right brand personality that prompts people to think of you as one of their peers. It also shows your human side. The same way that texts can go a long way in defining your brand personality, images can play a key role as well.

For instance, the photos that you post might tell a story; or the type of colors, filters, and imagery that you use can set a distinctive atmosphere. All of these play a role in showing your brand personality. But it is not just enough that you know your brand personality and incorporate it into your posts only when you feel like it. You need to step it up to show who you are as a brand.

Choose high-quality images wisely

When it comes to Instagram, aesthetics are crucial. Because it is a photo and video-sharing site, images are everything. Therefore, you need to adopt a general brand aesthetic in your account and then stick to it consistently.

Have you ever asked yourself why you are following someone on Instagram? Chances are, you are drawn to the interesting and excellent photography that they post, right? So upload high-quality photos on your account so that people will take notice as soon as they browse your page. See to it that the aesthetics you choose are authentic and directly related to your brand. Avoid switching filters too often, that way, you will maintain a consistent style and theme that people can follow.

Do a calendar for postings and stick to it

Although there isn’t a right or wrong way to publish your content, see to it that your feed is planned so that it is non-negotiable to your followers’ eyes! As we have mentioned previously, creating an Instagram aesthetic that is cohesive is one of the most effective things that you can do to level up your strategy, improve your following, and boost your engagement.

Also, if you want to come up with a feed that simply “wows,” then you need to start planning your posts at least two to three weeks in advance. But what about the posting times? Well, it mostly depends on your audience, because what works well for other accounts might not work well for you. One of the most effective ways to find out is to post and test. That way, you will know what works best for you in the long run.

Incorporate hashtags on IG posts

Hashtags are a great way to boost your exposure and create more engagement around your content. But it is also important to note that you should not abuse these hashtags and rely too much on them to get your point across. When you want to place something unique in your hashtag campaigns, hashtags are a great way to boost your brand. However, there are some rules that you have to keep in mind as well.

It is all about being STRICT. What we mean is:

  • Specific
  • Targeted
  • Relevant
  • Innovative 
  • Concise
  • Thoughtful

Do not just throw in hashtags for the sake of it. Instead, see them as a valuable tool that you can add in your social media arsenal.

Utilize Instagram story feature

Instagram Stories garnered about 100 million daily active users within just two months of its launch. But how can you use Stories to promote your business? Now, let us take a quick recap. What is it exactly? Well, it lets users collate photos and videos in slideshows which can be overlaid with texts, emojis, and graphics. Once a Story is uploaded, it will disappear after 24 hours. Meaning, it is only there for a limited period. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

This gives you an excellent opportunity to be informal and even playful with your content. It is a unique way to take your audience behind the scenes, promote or host live events, and even hold Q & A sessions.

Instagram Stories gives you a fresh way to promote your brand, products, and services. Get it right and you can build loyalty among your followers and encourage future sales.

Constantly engage with your audience

The thing about Instagram and other social media platforms is that you need to be “social,” meaning you need to learn how to interact with your following. That’s why you need to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to interact with your audience.

Engage with them by asking questions, joining conversations, and hosting fun contests to improve customer engagement. Holding contests boost your following, a great way to reward your existing customers, and attract more people to your page.

Instagram can be an excellent way to interact with your audience and boost your social media strategy. Just see to it that you are crafting the right posts to create better brand awareness and improve your revenue in the long run.

Bryan Mixon is the owner of AmazeLaw, one of top Instagram Advertising agencies and a website building for solo and small firm attorneys. Bryan has been building websites since 1999 and has spent his last four years helping companies like HubSpot, Mill33 and LivingSocial. Bryan knows first hand how difficult it can be for small business owners to get their digital marketing off the ground, so he built AmazeLaw as a super-simple place for solo attorneys to build their sites, collect leads and get on with their days of doing lawyerly things.

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The Top Startups You Can’t Miss: Summer 2024 Edition

These companies are important players to keep an eye on in the changing business and technological scene of 2024

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The Summer of 2024 has come to light a number of creative businesses that are transforming their respective sectors, as the startup world continues to change quickly. (more…)

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How to Build Your Dream Tech Startup Team

Are you starting a startup business? Look to build a tech team for your “newborn organization,” and check out this article for useful tips.

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Building a tech startup in today’s competitive market is a daunting task. While an innovative software business idea is considered a great foundation for success, it is not a guarantee. Instead, how you build your tech startup team plays a crucial role in determining the ultimate success of a venture. (more…)

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15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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Running a triumphant startup requires juggling numerous responsibilities. From managing operations and coordinating with team members to developing innovative marketing strategies and nurturing relationships with clients, the to-do list seems endless. (more…)

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