Clients Ask: How Do Small Businesses Utilize Instagram Highlights

Instagram highlights are curated collections of your previously posted Stories that you can showcase on your profile. They appear as circles below your bio and remain visible permanently, allowing you to highlight important or favorite moments for your followers to view at any time.

Small businesses can utilize Instagram highlights to showcase their products or services, share customer testimonials, provide behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlight promotions or events, and organize content into easily accessible categories. This feature allows businesses to create engaging and informative collections that stay visible on their profile, helping to attract and retain followers while effectively communicating their brand story.

Follow these simple tips to get started:

1. Choose a Relevant Name

Give each highlight a clear and concise name that reflects the content within. This helps your audience quickly identify what they can expect.

2. Curate High-Quality Content

Ensure that the images or videos you add to your highlights are visually appealing and represent your brand or message effectively.

3. Highlight Key Products/Services

Create highlights that showcase your best-selling products or highlight the services you offer. This can pique interest and encourage potential customers to explore further.

4. Organize Your Highlights

Arrange your highlights in a logical order to make it easy for visitors to navigate through your content. Consider using categories or themes to create a structured experience.

5. Craft Engaging Covers

Design eye-catching covers for your highlights to attract attention. Use consistent branding elements, such as your logo or brand colors, to create a cohesive look.

6. Include CTAs

Use text overlays or stickers within your highlights to include calls-to-action (CTAs) that prompt viewers to take a desired action, such as visiting your website or making a purchase.

7. Utilize Story Highlights Icons

Instagram now allows you to add custom icons to your highlights, giving them a unique and professional touch. Use relevant icons that align with your brand aesthetic.

8. Keep Highlights Updated

Regularly review and update your highlights to reflect your latest offerings, promotions, or important announcements. Outdated information can discourage engagement.

9. Cross-Promote Your Highlights

Promote your highlights in your Instagram Stories and posts to increase visibility. Encourage your followers to explore your highlights for a more comprehensive experience.

10. Monitor Analytics

Pay attention to the insights provided by Instagram about your highlight performance. Identify which highlights are resonating with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By implementing these tips, you can leverage Instagram Highlights to effectively grow your audience and generate leads. Remember, consistency and relevance are key to maximizing the potential of this feature. Happy highlighting!

Not sure where to begin? Reach out and let the Take Flight team help create Highights for you.

Unleashing Social Media Magic: 6 Creative Content Ideas for Small Business Success

As entrepreneurs, it's essential to not just be present on social platforms but to make an impact that resonates with your audience. To help you take your social media game to the next level, here are 6 creative and easy-to-implement content ideas that will turn heads and captivate your audience:

1. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peek

Pull back the curtain and showcase the human side of your business. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your workspace, introduce your team, or reveal the creative process behind your products or services. This approach humanizes your brand, fostering a connection with your audience that goes beyond transactions.

2. Customer Spotlights

Celebrate your customers/clients by featuring their stories, testimonials, or photos of them using your products or services. This not only highlights your satisfied customers but also encourages others to share their experiences. Consider creating a dedicated hashtag for customers to use, creating a sense of community around your brand.

3. Interactive Q&A Sessions

Break down the virtual barrier by hosting live or scheduled Q&A sessions. Invite your audience to ask questions about your business, industry, or even personal experiences. This not only provides valuable information but also humanizes your brand and builds trust. Encourage participation by offering exclusive insights or promotions during these sessions.

4. Polls and Surveys

Harness the power of your audience's opinions with polls and surveys. Pose questions related to your products, services, or industry trends. This not only engages your audience but also provides valuable insights for your business. Consider using interactive features on various social media platforms to make the experience more dynamic.

5. Themed Contests and Giveaways

Boost engagement and create excitement by hosting themed contests or giveaways. Encourage participation by asking followers to share your post, tag friends, or create user-generated content related to your brand. This not only expands your reach but also generates buzz around your products or services.

6. DIY Tutorial Series

Showcase your expertise and connect with your audience through a series of do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials. Tailor these tutorials to highlight your products or services in a creative and informative way. For instance, if you run a bakery, create short videos demonstrating easy at-home cake decorating tips using your products. This not only provides value to your audience but also positions your brand as an authority in your niche. Keep it budget-friendly by using existing resources and simple equipment, like a smartphone and basic editing tools. Encourage followers to share their own DIY creations, fostering a sense of community and extending the reach of your content. The authenticity and practicality of these tutorials make them a unique and cost-effective way for small businesses to engage their audience. Ready to get hands-on with your content creation? Explore the endless possibilities of DIY tutorials and watch your audience connect with your brand on a whole new level.

For small business owners feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of crafting and managing engaging content, Take Flight is here to help. Whether you're looking to revamp your social media strategy, create captivating content, or have us handle the day-to-day management, our team is ready to elevate your online presence. Reach out today to start your journey toward social media success.

Mastering Social Media Efficiency: 5 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs

Running a small business demands juggling countless responsibilities, and managing social media often becomes a time-consuming challenge. However, with strategic planning and the right tools, you can efficiently maintain a vibrant online presence without sacrificing too much time.

Here are 5 actionable strategies tailored for busy entrepreneurs:

1. Content Calendar Mastery

Create a monthly content calendar outlining your posts, promotions, and engagements. Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to automate posts across multiple platforms. This not only ensures consistent content but also frees up your time for more pressing matters.

2. Batch Content Creation

Dedicate specific time slots for content creation and batch your posts. This means creating multiple pieces of content in one go and scheduling them throughout the week. It streamlines the process and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business without the constant pressure of creating daily content.

3. Leverage Automation Tools

Embrace the power of automation tools to handle repetitive social media tasks. Platforms like Zapier or IFTTT allow you to create workflows that automate various processes, such as sharing new blog posts or cross-posting content across multiple platforms. By integrating these tools into your social media strategy, you can save valuable time and ensure a consistent online presence without manual intervention.

4. Utilize Social Media Management Tools

Invest in tools that consolidate your social media management. Platforms like Sprout Social (our personal favorite!) or CoSchedule offer a centralized hub for scheduling posts, tracking analytics, and managing all your social media accounts from one place. This streamlines your workflow and enhances overall efficiency.

5. Focus on High-Impact Platforms

Identify the platforms where your target audience is most active and concentrate your efforts there. Instead of spreading yourself thin across numerous platforms, channel your energy into those that yield the best results for your business. This targeted approach not only saves time but also ensures a more effective social media strategy.

BONUS PRO TIP:

If managing your social media still feels overwhelming, consider seeking professional assistance; delegate or outsource routine social media tasks to a virtual assistant or a specialized service. Simple tasks like responding to comments, moderating discussions, or even creating graphics can be handled by someone else, allowing you to concentrate on strategic aspects of your business.

At Take Flight Social Media Consulting, we specialize in tailoring social media strategies to suit your business needs. Our team of experts can help you streamline your social media efforts, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business.

Don't let social media become a time sink; let us elevate your online presence while you concentrate on steering your business to new heights. Reach out today and discover the difference strategic social media management team can make.