How to Build Authentic Relationships on Instagram
As a small business owner:
The Importance of Social Media in Your Business
Social media provides the accessibility and freedom to create authentic relationships straight from your platform. It's essential to prioritize the person behind your brand so that your audience can develop trust with you and your business. Keep reading to learn the critical factors in laying a solid foundation for growing valuable business relationships.
Define your Brand Identity
Creating a genuine brand identity is the first step in building authentic relationships. It's who you are as a business, what you value, and what you provide your audience. How do you want your brand to be perceived?
With a clear understanding of who your audience is and what you provide, you can begin to optimize your profile to showcase your business best!
First Impressions
Two Princeton psychologists performed studies that show it only takes one-tenth of a second to form an opinion. With limited time to make an impression, this is where your visuals can do the heavy lifting!
Educational vs. Emotional Content
Educational content mainly consists of informative, industry-based content. Share your tips and tricks, and showcase your impressive knowledge in your field to build trust between you and your future clients.
Emotional content focuses on triggering an emotional response from consumers. Prioritize showcasing the benefits and advantages of using your services or buying your products. Identify your audience's needs and show them how to help fill that gap.
When choosing what type of content to produce, consider the content your target audience seeks. Once you understand people's needs, you can fill in the holes of missing discourse and start new conversations.
Let Them Get to Know You
Nobody likes to feel like just another number or sale, which is why it's so important to first connect with your audience on a personal level! Allow yourself to show up authentically and showcase the person behind your brand.
Find Your Brand Voice
What is the purpose of your brand? What is the purpose of your content? What value do you bring to your audience? What do you offer that makes your clients' lives better? These are all crucial questions to ask yourself when developing a brand voice.
A brand voice is how you will communicate with your audience. You can attract your dream audience by developing a voice representing your business and values. Use your social platform to communicate intentionally (professionally and personally) so that you can cultivate working relationships that align with your values.
The Most Important Relationship: You and Your Business:
You can only build authentic relationships with your community with a strong, personal relationship with your business. The more you show up for yourself by creating a healthy work-life balance, the more space you will have to foster your connections.
Maintaining an identity that doesn't align with your values can lead to burnout and cynicism. Establish a space that feels authentic to you and your values so that you can show up daily confident about what YOU bring to the table. Elevate your Instagram presence by implementing these simple strategies throughout your profile!
