The Mission Driven Business Podcast Episode 81: How To Use Instagram to Amplify Your Mission and Engage Your Audience

Instagram is more than just a social media platform. It has evolved into a visual storytelling hub where businesses can connect deeply with their audience among the more than 1 billion monthly active users on the platform. On this special episode, Brian delves into the intricacies of marketing on Instagram. Whether you’re just starting out looking to enhance your online presence, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to leverage Instagram effectively.

Episode Highlights

Outline your engagement strategy.

Instagram provides a unique platform for you to showcase your brand’s story through compelling visuals, videos, and stories, helping you craft narratives that resonate with your audience and strengthen your brand. You can also amplify your impact by utilizing Instagram’s community-building engagement tools, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live videos.

 Before you post on Instagram, you should know what you are trying to accomplish. Consider what you are trying to achieve with your marketing, who you are trying to reach, and whether you enjoy using the platform. 

Create high-quality content.

Once you know your “why” for marketing on Instagram, it’s time to post. Your content strategy on Instagram should be diverse and purposeful, reflecting your brand’s mission, vision, and values. Post content that educates, informs, inspires, or entertains through a variety of post types, such as user-generated content, behind-the-scenes content, promotions, educational posts, seasonal posts, events, testimonials, and news.

Here are some specifics:

• Optimize your profile: Your profile picture should be a clear, high-quality image representing your brand. Your bio should be concise and informative, including keywords, a call to action, and a link to your website or latest content.

• Add visual appeal: Experiment with high-quality photos, engaging videos, informative infographics, and visually appealing product shots. Develop a consistent theme and color palette that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.

• Utilize captions and hashtags: Write engaging and informative captions to connect with the audience. Use relevant and trending hashtags to reach a wider audience.

Engage your audience.

Building meaningful connections with your audience is crucial for sustained growth and advocacy. Here are some ways to do that: 

• Respond to your audience: Promptly engage with comments, direct messages, and mentions to foster a sense of community and customer care.

• Partner with influencers: Collaborate with influencers or brand advocates whose values align with yours to expand your reach and credibility.

• Encourage user-generated content: Showcase your authenticity and social proof by encouraging customers to share their experiences with your products and services.

Also, know when and how often to post. For stories, post daily. For feed posts and Reels, aim to post three to five times per week. For IGTV, post one to two times per week. Tailor your posting schedule to your specific audience by using Instagram Insights, A/B testing, and considering time zones, especially if you have a global following. 

Resources + Links 

• Episode 79: Niching Down with Hugo E. Gomez

• Episode 23: How to Get Different with Mike Michalowicz

• Brian Thompson Financial: Website, Newsletter, Podcast

• Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes

About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast

Brian Thompson, JD/CFP, is a tax attorney and certified financial planner who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit.

On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.