More than one billion people use Instagram every month and half of those users use the app daily, making it one of the leading social media platforms around the globe, with engagement numbers higher than both Facebook and Twitter. Instagram continues to attract new users and is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world. Instagram users are highly engaged, in fact, 63% of users check the app at least once a day, while 42% open the app multiple times per day. Instagram's popularity makes it an ideal platform for engaging your fans.
If you are looking to advertise on Instagram to reach your fans, be sure to check out our tips here. While paid Instagram campaigns are valuable, it’s also important to focus on your organic Instagram content, as this content is key to building a social community.
Wondering what are the best ways to engage your fans about upcoming shows, games and events? Read on to learn our tips:
1) Timing is Key
Dig into IG business insights and see when people are engaging and interacting with your content, this way you'll know when the best time is to post on your feed and Stories. Check out the chart below for some suggested best times to post.
2) Keep It On Brand
Keep photos branded but stylish and catchy. This can be done by throwing an overlay over each image that aligns with your branding. You should also ensure that your copy for each post aligns with your brand’s voice.
3) Fan-Centric
Posting photos of artists and athletes is a fantastic way to engage your fans, but it's important to remember who these people perform/play for: your fans. Show the human aspect of going to shows and games. Posting photos of people enjoying certain games/shows or events will get fans excited and engaged. Sharing photos taken by your fans is another great way to keep your Instagram centred on your fans. Fans want to feel like they're part of a community when they're on Instagram.
4) Promote Your Instagram Everywhere
Let your fans know that you have an Instagram account by promoting it on your other channels, such as on Facebook, Twitter and email.
5) Cohesive Instagram Aesthetic
Having a cohesive Instagram aesthetic/theme will keep your account looking clean and aesthetically pleasing. Ensure that you follow the grid type style that the most popular IG channels have. Feel free to switch up the basics of the 2:1:2 checker strategy but always look at your grid in the 9x9 perspective in order to figure out the best way to keep branding consistent and eye-popping.
6) Authenticity Always Wins
Avoid posting content with copy that feels overly promotional. For example, ensure that if you're posting a tour flyer, use a layout and typography that is designed for small screens.
7) It's Story Time!
Did you know that over 400 million users watch Instagram Stories daily? That means 80% of all daily active Instagram users are watching stories just as much as they are looking at their feeds, so posting Stories is essential for engaging your fans. Post fun content like polls, Q&A clips, behind the scenes footage, promotional photos and more. Reposting your fans' stories when they tag you is another excellent way to make them feel like they're part of a community.
8) And… We're Live!
Livestream directly in the Instagram app and take the opportunity to interact with your fans directly, creating long-lasting relationships. Engaging live streams can include behind the scenes content, acoustic performances, Q&A sessions, and songwriting sessions. Consistency and interaction are the key to being successful on Instagram Live. Consider developing a regular Live schedule; this way you may start to see more and more fans attending.
Contact us to see how we can help with your fan engagement on Instagram.