5 Tips for Instagram Marketing

We get asked ​so​ often how we find our ideal clients, and though the truth is that most of our amazing couples are word of mouth referrals. The top way that our couples find us, is Instagram. And we do this through these 5 tips for Instagram marketing. 

Yes. From Social Media.

So often we are asked how on Earth we find those couples, or how they find us, and the truth is, it is a whole lot simpler than you think- but it isn’t necessarily ​easy.

The other day we saw a post in our Instagram stories, and that post said, “Realist thing I ever read: ‘People pray for the cake. Then God gives them the batter, eggs, oil, icing, a pan, an over, and they get frustrated and leave the kitchen,’ Let that sink in. Sometimes you have everything right in front of you, but how bad do you want it?”

So the question is- how bad do you really want it?

Because the truth is, these steps are simple, but they are far from easy. Because honestly?

They require consistency.

And if there is anything in life that is the most difficult, it is doing the same thing over and over again, even when you don’t see direct results, because you never know what kind of roots you are growing. 

So let’s bake that cake.

Instagram is easily on elf our highest sources of introducing clients to our work, but the truth is, it isn’t just because we post a photo and call it a day. There are some real and valuable tactics that we use while on Instagram. So today, we are sharing with you five of our tips for Instagram marketing strategies for making Instagram work for you. And if you stick with them and keep that consistency going, we know that you will see a change, because members from our Marketing Method have seen the changes themselves. But you have to commit to these tips, and stick with it.

Here are our 5 Tips for Instagram Marketing

Tip 1: Post at the best times for your followers

Instagram works off of an algorithm, and that algorithm monitors how much engagement (likes and comments) a post is receiving. The more engagement, the more people it will show the post to over the next day. So it is important that you pay attention to when your posts are doing best.

The good news? There are apps out there who track your best times for you like WhenToPost, Plann, Planoly, and tons more (just a quick google search will show you all the options out there). Some apps do a better job than others on their free accounts, so just test the waters and see what you like. (We personally prefer WhenToPost).

Tip 2: Show Your Face in Your Stories

If you have attended our Cooney Classroom, you have heard me preach this over and over, but the truth of the matter is, you have to know who your ideal client is, and then figure out how to love and serve them, but if you really want to make a connection with future clients, it is so important that they can get to know as well, which is why we believe in the power of showing up in our stories.

We cannot even tell you how many times we have gotten inquiries that tell us that they feel like they already know us, and one of those reasons? Because we show up in our stories. Yes, it is scary. But we promise, showing up in a way that will attract your ideal client (and consistently) will more than pay off! (Y’all if even Jasmine Star is doing it, you know it has to be for good reason).

Tip 3: Share Your Why

While we are on the topic of sharing our faces and who we are in a way that will speak to our ideal clients, it is important to note that it is also critical to know your why for your business. (And no- we aren’t just talking about a financial why). The why that sets you and your business apart. The why that moves your clients to tears because they know they have to be not just anyones couple- but your couple.

Our Why? It comes from deep within our souls. And we mean it. We live by it. And because of that, we have brides who message us the night that they were proposed to because they have to be a #CooneyCouple. Because our why? It means something to them.

Don’t know your why? We host ongoing Free 5 Day to Why Challenges, so be sure to sign up for our waitlist here to hear about our upcoming challenge dates as they happen.

Tip 4: Be the Change

Let’s have some real talk for a minute. When you’re on instagram, how much time is spent mindlessly scrolling and watching stories? (Y’all I will be the first to admit I spend way too much wasting time on the app!), so one of my goals is always to reframe how I use the app. To be the change I hope to see. So for 10-15 minutes each day, I authentically engage. I comment on my follower’s photos.

We follow vendors who I think would be a great service for my couples, and then? We comment and engage with their work- and I expect nothing in return. Because honestly? When you put good out there with no intentions on getting it back, people see that. They see your heart, and it makes them take notice of how you’re changing the game.

Tip 5: Be Consistent!

Yes, we have established that we need to be consistent in all the things mentioned above, but also, be consistent in posting daily. Choose high quality posts. Write great captions. Leave a prompt for your followers so they can respond to it. (Y’all… if you give them nothing to say back, what are they supposed to say? “Nice content?” like all those spammy commenters? Chances are, if you don’t give them something to respond to, they won’t).

And yes, we know that this can be a hard task, but we have good news for you!

We created a free 10 Day instagram challenge for photographers. (It is mostly geared towards wedding photographers, but we promise it is totally adaptable to anyone)! We share directions on how to do the challenge, what photo to post (in case you need some inspiration), and a prompt option for each day. Now remember- the goal isn’t to follow the challenge perfectly. In fact, that isn’t the point at all. But what the point is, is to get you posting consistently every day for 10 days at the best time for your followers. Because the truth is?

Consistency is everything.

Just click here to download your free 10 day instagram challenge!

Warmly,

Shauna and Jordon