Written by Michele Santos.
At Careers over Coffee South last Thursday (May 28) we were delighted to learn about Instagram from social media expert Cathy Benavides. In her business, “Slave to Social,” Cathy advises business owners on their social media presence. Her services include setting businesses up on social media (Social Media 101), auditing their existing social media and establishing editorial calendars, as well as digital marketing and email marketing campaigns.
In a lively, laughter-filled discussion, she answered our questions and inspired us to do more on Instagram!
Why is it important to be on Instagram? “Instagram is much better than Facebook at being searchable,” Cathy said. “If you are promoting something, you can tag those things and have people see them. Instagram is driven by hashtags.”
People are on any number of social media platforms, she said, and it’s a mistake to think that Facebook is the only one.
“If you don’t take control of your name and your business on these platforms, someone else will,” Cathy said. “It’s a very strategic move. In the world of marketing, you want to be where people are.” Not going on Instagram, she said, is akin to someone in the 1970s not being in the Yellow Pages.
The average number of followers on Instagram is just 90, so an Instagram account of 400 or so is considered quite healthy.
She recommended Canva, a website where you can design graphics or make an Instagram-friendly image of a quote very easily. Latergram is an app that schedules your Instagram posts.
She had the following tips for us when starting out on Instagram:
- The image size is 640 x 640 (it’s a square, so keep this in mind when taking photos.)
- Instagram is a great way to add a personal touch to your business brand. If you’re a writer, show what books you’re reading or where you’re writing. If your client is a spa, show people relaxing.
- Use Instagram as a marketing platform AND a personal connection. “You don’t always have to be in marketing mode.” It’s important to show personal details – the people in your business celebrating an achievement or birthday, an event that you’re at, when appropriate the clients you are serving.
- Use at least 2 topic-specific hashtags – but not more than 5 hashtags, unless you want to look like a teenager
- If you are having a hard time coming up with content, follow and participate in popular tags that interest you to build up consistent postings.
- Don’t get caught up in the numbers. It’s more important to have quality interactions than to hit a certain number of followers.
- Set a weekly posting goal that is doable and achievable for you. Stay positive in your posts.
- If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
- Have fun!
Careers Over Coffee is the perfect forum for those who like small groups and good conversation. We offer these breakfast get-togethers once a month at north and south locations. Come prepared to meet other like-minded professionals and discuss your career in an intimate setting. Attendees get to choose the career-related topics they’d like to discuss.
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