The Ultimate Guide to Getting Clients with Instagram Marketing
So, you want to get clients with Instagram? You have probably posted sporadically, here and there. Maybe you have done a few Instagram stories.
But have you gotten clients from Instagram? Not so much…
I have created the ultimate guide to get clients with Instagram marketing — everything you need to know!!
Let’s dive into it.
Step One: Setting your expectations.
Have you heard complaints about the recent Instagram algorithm changes? Noticed a dip in your story viewers? Me too.
And it can be discouraging, right? You aren’t alone, sister!
However, Instagram is not dead. At all.
I am going to let my friend, Kristy Marshall, demonstrate why Instagram is still a wonderful money-making tool.
Powerful stuff, right?? I love it!
Not only that, but you don’t need a huge following to make a good living.
Meet my client, Nina. She has just 200 instagram followers.
This is her success story:
Not only that, but I just published a video showing you EXACTLY how to get high-paying clients, even if you have a small audience.
If you currently are struggling with the limiting belief that you can’t attract high-paying clients (because you have a small audience), give this video a quick watch. It will really help you create a clear gameplan to confidently close high-ticket clients.
Step Two: What exactly are your goals when it comes to getting clients with Instagram?
So, we are all pumped and motivated to get clients from Instagram? Ready to roll up our sleeves and make it happen? Perfect!!
Now, we need to set some Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals with this Instagram marketing.
For each business owner, this may be a little different but here’s what I think your goals should be:
Instagram Marketing Goal #1: Building brand awareness.
My friend Alexa said this:
…and I couldn’t agree more. As she said, just because you feel like you’re not being seen, doesn’t mean people aren’t watching.
I cannot tell you how many clients have told me, “I have been watching you forever and I love your free stuff! I watch and read everything.”
And yet, they haven’t commented or left a single piece of feedback.
They were quietly watching and getting to know me.
Your potential clients are likely doing that to YOU!
Your first goal when it comes to getting clients with Instagram marketing should be to build brand awareness.
Instagram Marketing Goal #2: Showcase your past results.
I love sharing my results on Instagram and I do it ALL the time.
It reminds people that I know what I am doing and I am good at helping people get clients.
Remember, you don’t have to have crazy success stories, either.
If you are just getting started, share challenges you’ve overcome in your business.
Many times my clients think they have to have these INSANE success stories in order to get clients but it couldn’t be further from the truth. What seems “easy to overcome” to you, could mean everything to your potential clients.
Your second goal when it comes to getting clients with Instagram marketing should be to share your success stories, no matter how big or small.
Instagram Marketing Goal #3: Let people get to know the real you.
Can we all agree we are tired of photoshopped IG models? I am.
I want the real you.
The good, the bad.
Tell me your highs and your lows.
Be your goofy, dorky self.
My audience responds really well to me whenever I am relatable; sharing the REAL MARIA.
a super blurry screenshot of a Boomerang of my husband and I being ourselves
Your third goal when it comes to getting clients with Instagram marketing should be to show up as yourself.
Step Three: Rethink your Instagram funnel.
Are you one of those entrepreneurs that just throws spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks? If so, you’re not alone. That used to be me, too.
What I really encourage you to do is take a step back and really think about your Instagram strategy, overall.
From the moment someone stumbles across your content to the moment they reach out to work with you, what will that process look like?
This is my personal Instagram funnel.
First, Mary likes my post. This is brand awareness.
Secondly, Mary stalks my profile. We are getting to know each other — building the relationship.
Thirdly, Mary clicks my bio link. Now, she is considering her next move.
Finally, Mary reaches out to me for more info. She has decided to take that next step.
Intentionality breeds success.
Getting intentional with your Instagram funnel is one of the key tactics to getting clients with Instagram marketing.
Step Four: Do a makeover on Instagram bio.
When was the last time you took a look at your IG bio with fresh eyes?
Full transparency, I just made mine over for this blog post. (We keep it real here, friends.)
1. Rethinking your bio info:
Really think about what they need to know about you. I recommend giving the bullet points but have fun with it.
2. Be strategic with your name:
When you view other’s story, you have a prime piece of real estate that most people miss.
It’s your official Instagram profile name.
This (and your username handle) are the two lines that show up when you view someone’s story.
Maximize it!
Which one grabs your attention more?
To change yours, simply go to Edit Profile and change your name.
Step Five: Create consistent content (without overwhelming yourself)
Ah, the magic words: consistent content.
Don’t you just get overwhelmed hearing that?
Creating consistent content is one of the things I think we all struggle with, right? Like, the struggle is real because I am in a hoodie 90% of the time, you feel me?
So, what do I do to help me wrap my mind around showing up on Instagram consistently?
I keep it simple.
I like to create my posts once a week. Everyone can choose a different schedule (based on what works for them!) but for me, once a week is what is currently working well for me.
I either use a stock photo of myself (I have about 4 photoshoots a year) or I take a selfie of myself.
I throw a filter on it and call it a day.
The minute I start thinking I have to have this perfectly polished Instagram visual masterpiece is the minute I get overwhelmed. When I get overwhelmed, I don’t post. So, the trick here is to keep it simple.
P.S. A tool I use to always have perfectly-spaced captions is the Instagram Caption Maker.
Step Six: Follow Gary Vaynerchuk’s $1.80 Instagram Strategy
What is this?
The gist is simple: leave your .02 cents on the top 9 trending Instagram posts for 10 different hashtags that are relevant to your business.
By the end of this, you haven’t just left your .02 cents–you’ve left a full $1.80 of thoughts in the specific category, niche, or industry you want to become a part of.
Why does this work?
“The truth is,” Gary says, “the way to win on social media is to actually be social. The number of Instagram followers you have means nothing if you can’t build a community of like-minded people who care and engage. The only real way to do this from scratch is to become part of the conversation.”
Maria’s pro-tip: send voice memos. People love the sound of other’s voices, it’s more personal AND you will get more replies.
Step Seven: Use Instagram polls to book clients.
Step Eight: Access my “4 Tactics to Plan Your Instagram Funnel”
Just fill out the info below to get access to my guide to help you plan your Instagram funnel so that you can get more clients!!
