In today’s post we’re going to look at 6 Instagram marketing mistakes I see online boutiques making all the time.
Full disclosure here.
I’ve made all (and more) of these mistakes too.
So get a pen and take notes, as I guarantee you that if you fix these things, you’ll see a change in the results you’re getting with Instagram.
In no particular order
- They Post at the wrong times
6 Common Instagram Marketing Mistakes
This has to be one of the most recurring (yet fixable) Instagram marketing mistakes I see.
I know you’ve probably heard there’s a right and a wrong time for you to post to Instagram right!
The problem is, when you’re doing everything last minute (only me ha!) Well then you post when you can, not when you’re meant to.
The problem with this is, even though you showed up ‘kinda’, it was at the wrong time.
This means no one saw your post, commented, engaged. And so the cycle of Instagram shame and despair begins (only me again, got it!)
Posting the right content at the right time is critically important if you want to increase Instagram reach and grow your page. One of the biggest Instagram marketing mistakes is trying to wing it all the time.
What to do instead?
If you want to create content that HITS then you need to take the time to plan it, create it, have it at the ready to post – on time.
Having a content creation calendar and list of content prompts will help make sure you’re never short of ideas, and always know what you’re posting and when.
Check out our calendar and prompts here.
- They use the same hashtags as everyone else
I know you’ve been using that same old stale bundle of hashtags you typed into Notes 6 months ago. Ask me how I know.
The thing is, if you really are posting your best content at the right time, then you need to start investigating your hashtags.
One of the biggest Instagram marketing mistakes online boutique owners make is using the wrong hashtags or, worst still, none at all.
There’s a system for how you need to choose your hashtags if you want to grow your Instagram page.
I explain that system and actually give you 100 of these top performing Instagram hashtags for online boutiques here.
What to do instead?
Review and refresh your hashtags every couple of weeks and check out how they’re performing with each post within your analytics. Follow the hashtag selection system explained here.
- They have an unattractive feed
Think about your feed like your brands own personal magazine. Your opportunity to showcase your product, mood, aesthetic, in the best possible light.
When people come across your page they want to see a cohesive look and feel that speaks to their sense of aesthetic.
If your feed is all over the place in terms of content, and colours, you’ll turn people off because it’s not visually appealing. You’ll also confuse them. Again, no bueno!
This is where planning is once again your friend.
It’s a lot easier to create a beautiful Instagram feed when you plan your content in advance. This will help you create a more consistent look and feel across your grid.
What to do instead?
I use scheduling tool Latergram to plan and schedule posts, and I think you’ll find the visual layout REALLY helps you clean up your feed as you can see how it will look in advance.
- They talk at their followers not with them
Captions matter!
And while influencers can get away with witty one-liners and near bookish captions. As a brand, your job is to connect with your customer, educate and inform them, and inspire them to buy from you.
Too many brands talk at their followers not with them, and they wonder why they have no engagement.
Think about it! If you want people to engage with your content (and not just hit like) then you need to make it easy and intuitive for them.
Use your captions to start conversations with your followers. Get to know them. To coin a cliche: be social. But like for real.
What to do instead?
You’d be surprised how much you can learn from your audience, and a wise boutique owner would use the best feedback to make changes where necessary.
Learn how to write compelling and engaging captions here.
That leaves me to the next Instagram marketing mistake.
- They never ask for feedback
Never asking for feedback might be just as bad as talking at your followers. See here’s the thing…
If you don’t ask your followers what they want, what they like, what they’re into, then how will you know?
And if you don’t know, then how will you give it to them? See where I’m going with this!
What to do instead?
Connect with your followers especially when you’re small enough to allow for it, as this will help you get to know your customer better.
And remember this, in the game of marketing: she who knows her customer best, wins!
Which leads me to my secret, or not so secret weapon, since we’ve had these features for forever. I also mentioned it in my last blog post on how to increase Instagram engagement.
- They sleep on connecting in the DM’s
Seriously. Hear me out!
It’s all going down in the dm’s – they’re not just for sliding in and hooking up. They are where relationships are built and sales are made.
Instagram’s algorithm is all over the place at the best of times. But if we know nothing else it’s that Instagram want engagement and time on app.
The great thing about using the dms (and I go hard for voice message), is if your new follower replies to you, this is a signal to Instagram that you’re connected and they will show them your content more frequently.
So while I don’t advise randomly dropping into the DM with voice notes from people who don’t follow you.
What to do instead?
You’re making an Instagram marketing mistake of epic portions, if you don’t slide in the DM’s of all your new followers with a voice note welcome.
The ways to use voicemail and DM’s to connect with your followers (without being a pushy, salesly pest) are endless.
Get started today with Shopify’s – FREE 14 DAY TRIAL
So that’s it folks, we’ve come to the end of my post on the 6 most common Instagram marketing mistakes I see online boutique owners making.
I know if you’re honest, you’re probably making at least 3.
Let me know in the comments which ones you’re committed to changing starting from today.
Other popular posts you might enjoy
