How to Grow Your Client Base With Instagram

Instagram has a billion active users monthly, and we can only expect this figure to increase in the following years. Given the massive number of people on Instagram, it makes sense to use the platform to grow your business's client base.

While Instagram is popular among e-commerce businesses wanting to showcase their products, it can also be an effective tool for service-based brands to find new clients. Through Instagram marketing, you can drive traffic to your website or app and get people to book your service.

Whatever industry your service is in, you need a sound Instagram marketing strategy to win over new clients. Here are some tips to help you out.

Switch to an Instagram Business Account

If you're still using a personal account to promote your service, it's time to switch to a business account. Not only will you look more professional to your audience, but you'll also have access to valuable tools and analytics.

You'll be able to create Instagram ads and show up on the right people's Explore page, feeds, and stories. You can also check your performance and audience demographics through Instagram Insights.

Optimize Your Profile

The next step is to optimize your profile so you can give potential clients a positive first impression. Upload a suitable profile photo that represents your brand and craft a bio that explains what you offer. You should also add your business's website to your profile to increase your chances of converting more clients. The goal is to make your profile look as reputable as possible.

Instagram also gives business accounts an option to add a call-to-action button on their profile. The "Book Now" button is one of them, and potential clients can use it to schedule a call or appointment with you.

You can integrate with several third-party scheduling apps such as Appointy, Schedulista, and MyTime. Here's how you can add the "Book Now" button to your profile:

• 1. Go to your Instagram profile and select "Edit Profile."
• 2. Tap on "Action Buttons."
• 3. Select "Book Now."
• 4. Choose which booking app you want to use and tap "Confirm."

Direct Your Instagram Audience to Your Email List

Instagram is a great way to gain more exposure for your business. But not everyone who comes across your posts on Instagram will turn into an instant client. You need to earn their trust, and you can do so by directing them to your email list.

Email marketing is an effective way to build a relationship with your leads because you deliver value straight to their inbox. Here are some ways to use Instagram to expand your email list:

• Add a link to your business's email sign-up page on your bio and promote it on your posts.

• Offer email-only discounts to your Instagram followers. Many shoppers go on Instagram specifically to look for promos.

• Ask your followers if they'd like to join your email list when you're talking to them through direct messaging.

Generate Leads Through Freebies

Instagram giveaways are an effective way of building trust among your followers and getting more leads to join your sales funnel. When you offer free content like e-books, guides, and videos, you're giving your Instagram followers an incentive to join your mailing list. You're also giving them a preview of the quality they can expect when they avail of your service.

Take Advantage of Geotags and Hashtags

Exposing your service to the right people on Instagram is crucial in growing your client base. That's where geotagging comes in. If you only offer your service within a specific area, use the geotagging tool to tap potential local clients.

Even if your service isn't limited to one place, you can still find ways to use the feature. For example, marketing agencies can feature campaigns they've created and geotag their clients' locations.

Hashtags are another effective way to increase your discoverability. When you use hashtags, you're essentially labeling your posts and helping the Instagram algorithm present your service to the right people. Here are some tips on how to find the right hashtags for your business:

• Check which hashtags are working for your competitors and see if there are any you can add to your lineup.

• Use Instagram's related hashtags tool to discover niche hashtags related to your business. They can be more effective than broader hashtags with millions of posts.

• Check Instagram Insights and see if your current lineup of hashtags is generating impressions.

Both geotags and hashtags can help increase your chances of landing on the Explore page and being seen by thousands of users.

Feature Client Testimonials

One of the best ways to get potential clients to trust your brand and try your service is by showcasing positive reviews. Client testimonials show your Instagram audience that you deliver high-quality services and have impacted other people's lives.

So if you receive an award or a client tells you how happy they are with your work, don't forget to feature it on your Instagram page. If posting feedback on your feed feels like you're showing off too much, you can always share them on your stories and create a story highlight for them. That way, they won't disappear after 24 hours and will stay pinned to your profile page.

Show That There Are Human Beings Behind Your Business

Regardless of your industry, you can attract more clients when you're not afraid to reveal the human side of your business. When you let your audience in on who you and your team members are and what you do, you can create a more personal relationship with them instead of being purely transactional.

Reels are a great way to give your audience a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. The best part about making Reels is that you don't need to have advanced video filming and editing skills. It can be as simple as putting together a collection of photos and adding background music. Now is a great time to start creating Reels because the Instagram algorithm highly favors it.

The Bottom Line

It's harder for service-based businesses to gain clients than for e-commerce businesses to sell products. But fortunately, you can take advantage of Instagram's tools and features to keep growing your client base.