What I Learned About Marketing From Running My Frenchie's Instagram.
Yes. You read correctly, my dog has his own Instagram. After spending all day scrolling through pictures of pooches on my personal Instagram, I decided to see if I could do what the "famous" Instapets can do. For the past month, I have spent each day carefully staging photo shoots and crafting content for my dog's Instagram. In fact, that is all I ever use my phone for now. It is not easy especially since Owen never wants to sit still.
With Owen's Instagram nearing 500 followers, I have thought back on how I was able to gather a consist following. Of course, I harassed my friends and family to support me but that can only go so far. These are some reasons in which @OwentheFrench is growing his following as we speak.
1. Create a Content Schedule
Consistency is very important. Just like how I go to work and come home around the same time everyday, it is important to know when people are most likely to be on Instagram to like his pictures. Instagram feeds depend greatly on timing. The odds of someone seeing a picture from hours ago means either they do not follow a lot of accounts or is spending a massive amount of time scrolling through. I like to post at 10am-noon PST and then again at 6-8pm PST since those are the time in which I am free from work. Those are often the times in which individuals will be on their phones to relax or pass time. Business Insider shares the best times to post on social media but it is important to test out your fan base to see what has the best responses. http://www.businessinsider.com/best-times-to-post-on-facebook-instagram-twitter-2015-7 2. Choose Quality Pictures
Unfortunately, my phone camera is sub-par. It is very important to take images of high quality. Instagram is a social media platform that focuses solely on images so in order to stand out, a blurry picture will end up hurting you. In addition to picture quality, the framing and edit of an image can also hurt you. I can not wait to upgrade my phone camera so that I will never have to use a filter again. Filters can only do so much when images aren't that great.
http://www.chrisromanophotography.com/2013/05/31/instagram-tips-for-best-quality/
3. Follow Back Your Followers
When you think of Follow4Follow, it brings you back to the good ol' Myspace days in which there were follow trains and what not. I don't expect you to follow back everyone that follows you but make sure to follow those that are relevant or friendly. Human nature is inherently the same. We are creates that crave attention so remember to share and give back. It is important to be approachable and reciprocate the support.
4. Use Offline Direct Marketing
Owen not only has business cards but he is literally walking advertisement. Just like spinning a sign, direct marketing is as important as digital marketing. Many times walking Owen will get him instant followers. Sometimes the best way to market is just to strut your stuff. There is nothing wrong with shamelessly promoting your product or service by word of mouth or direct marketing.
https://instagram.com/p/7JYg3FvJ-b/?taken-by=owenthefrench
5. Advertise for Others The greatest tip of persuasion is to assist others so that they feel obligated to repay you. Everyone loves free advertisement so why not use that for your advantage. This point ties into #4 in which if you reach out and help others out with free advertisement, you never know when they can be of help to you. I posted pictures of Owen with my Subaru and Subaru ended up using my picture with Owen for advertisement. It was a win-win situation for the both of us.
https://instagram.com/p/605im8GpeW/?taken-by=subarupacific
Now I know that not all of you have Instagram for your pets or have an Instagram at all but it is amazing how something so little and unrelated can teach you about larger organizations as well as human nature. Do you agree with what I learned? What else have you learned when it comes to running Social Media Accounts? What do you think differentiates great Social Media pages from the others?
