However, while many consider Facebook to be the best platform for generating leads — and rightly so — it is not the only option available.
Instagram has quickly become one of the best social networks for business. With over 1 billion active users each month , this platform will expand your reach as soon as you join it.
Why is Instagram a popular platform for lead generation?
The main reason why Instagram is so popular for lead generation is its vast number of users. Of course, those numbers wouldn't mean anything unless those users interact with businesses. Fortunately, they do.
Over 90% of users follow at least one brand on the platform. Whether you run a small business or a large international corporation, you can undoubtedly benefit from generating leads on Instagram.
An added benefit of using your Instagram business account is that jordan phone number list you will be able to unlock many features that will make it easier for you to attract more followers and potential customers:
Access to Instagram analytics and statistics
Including links in your stories
Using Shoppable Posts and tagging your products
Schedule your posts
Add contact information to your profile
Using a secondary inbox
Get requests sorted by different parameters
It's a platform with a lot of activity and many options that will help you reach a larger audience for free — enough reasons to join Instagram and start reaping the benefits.
Examples of successful brands on Instagram
It is estimated that around 71% of businesses in the US use Instagram, and this number continues to grow. However, while the platform is becoming increasingly popular for brands, not all of them are taking advantage of its full potential.
Let’s take a look at some brands that have mastered the art of lead generation on Instagram.
Sephora
Sephora is a well-known beauty brand that has countless loyal customers. It has amassed its 20.1 million followers by showcasing its products on Instagram in a unique way with fun props and colorful backgrounds that catch the eye.
The account managers have also done a fantastic job of showcasing the brand image — playful and feminine — through catchy captions and fun images that include relatable text.
Sephora's target audience is young adults, so their Instagram content is modern and highly engaging.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's is a restaurant chain that is doing an excellent job with its Instagram. While it doesn't have millions of followers yet, the account is growing steadily and is receiving more user engagement every day.
If you look at the restaurant chain's profile, you'll find attractive photos of their food — a must-have on any restaurant's bill. However, the chain draws attention by sharing images of satisfied customers, adorable dogs enjoying their meals, as well as by focusing on the chain's owner, Freddy.
You can even find a section completely dedicated to Freddy in the featured stories.
This is a perfect example of how you can use Instagram to show your audience your brand values and the importance you place on your relationship with your customers.
Onnit
Onnit is a supplement company with an Instagram account that boasts 800,000 followers. The brand has a very clean aesthetic, with sharp, high-contrast images and black-and-white graphics.
Onnit's Instagram content isn't just about showcasing products. Its intention is to educate, inform and inspire. So, on Onnit's account you can find health and fitness-related quotes, useful tips and informative videos.
This is exactly what attracts so many potential customers to your Instagram account and increases your lead generation on the platform.
Chipotle
Chipotle has around a million followers on Instagram, as well as a highly effective lead generation tactic. The brand’s posts are often hilarious — you’ll come across relatable memes, screenshots of sarcastic tweets, and more.
Most importantly, you'll also see the fast food chain publicly supporting the causes it champions.
What businesses can learn from this Instagram account is that you can be fun and engage your audience by being unique and quirky, but you can also take a serious approach when necessary and share a multifaceted brand image with the world.
Matt Adlard
Matt Adlard first gained attention on Instagram for being the Topless Baker – something you definitely don’t see often. The main reason he has generated so many leads and followers is that he continues to remain transparent on his account.
When you look at her posts, you'll see pictures and videos of perfectly made sweet products, but if you check out her stories, you'll see all the struggles she had to face during the process.
This behind-the-scenes look is very effective in attracting larger audiences, mainly because today's customers are very interested in knowing what happens behind the scenes. They don't just want to see the final product, but also see the process of how it was created.
Lush
Lush is another beauty brand with millions of followers. While their products are attractive on their own, what makes them stand out is that they are sustainable and nature-friendly products.
The brand is completely consistent with its eco-friendly approach, promoting charities they support, as well as sharing tips on how to be environmentally conscious.
Customers want to see brands accepting their social and environmental responsibility, doing their best to promote a better world and help local and international movements. So remember to use Instagram to stand up for your ideals!
The best methods and tips
Now that you’ve seen some of the most innovative brands on Instagram, let’s take a look at some of the things you can do on the platform to increase engagement and boost your lead generation.
1. First, start with your bio
A large majority of Instagram users will arrive at your account through a post of yours that has appeared in their feed. What they see during the first few seconds will determine whether they decide to follow you and become one of your loyal customers or not.
This means that you will need to make a good impression on them from the very first moment. The best way to do this is by taking care of your bio, as well as optimizing it.
Keep your bio short and sweet, and offer some clues about your brand image.
You can only include one link in your Instagram bio, so make the most of it. Whether you want your leads to subscribe to your newsletter, complete your survey, or visit your website, include a call to action before the link to make it clear what you want your audience to do.
2. Create a content plan
Your personal Instagram account is probably full of selfies and pet photos, but your business account can't be the same — it needs to be well-planned.
You need to prepare your content ahead of time and create a cohesive look once you start posting videos and images. Otherwise, your account will look disorganized and even boring if you post several similar images one after the other.
You probably post a couple of times a week or even at different times of the day, so it will be much simpler if you stay on top of things and have a well-thought-out plan for what you'll post and when you'll post.
Don’t forget to diversify your content. Alternate between product and team images, or videos and written content, so your account sparks interest.
3. Create a schedule (and stick to it)
If you want to make a name for yourself on Instagram and increase your lead generation, you need to create a posting schedule. You don't want to spam your followers with hundreds of posts a day — but you also don't want to let too much time pass between posts so your followers don't forget about you. It's all about balance.
A couple of posts a day will be enough. For even better results, you should post at the same time so your followers know when to expect your updates.
The best time to post is when your followers are online. As a general rule, this happens around lunchtime , i.e. between 11am and 1pm, and in the evening, between 7pm and 9pm. However, this entirely depends on your target audience, so you may need to adjust your schedule as you go.
