College News
Building Your Brand on Instagram: From Zero to Engaged Community
Written by: Tyneal Alexander from Ritual Consulting
Starting a business is hard enough, but when it comes to marketing, many business owners find themselves feeling overwhelmed—especially when it comes to social media. Instagram, in particular, can feel daunting. The platform is constantly evolving, and it can seem like there’s always something new to learn or another trend to follow. But what if I told you Instagram doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems? Building your brand on Instagram with the right foundation, can become a meaningful tool to grow your brand, build a loyal community, and ultimately acquire customers.
Where Social Media Fits in the Customer Journey
First things first: social media, especially Instagram, is an essential part of the customer journey. It’s not just a place to post pretty pictures—it’s where people discover your brand, engage with your content, and ultimately make decisions about whether to buy from you.
I want you to think of Instagram as a gateway. It helps drive awareness of your business and lets potential customers learn more about what you offer. It’s also a space where you can engage with your audience, building relationships and trust. Once those relationships are established, you can direct people to where the magic happens—whether that’s your website, product page, or a direct message where you can finalise the sale.
Instagram doesn’t just serve as a place to sell; it’s also an ongoing touchpoint in your marketing strategy. When done right, Instagram can guide prospects through the entire customer journey— from awareness to engagement, and ultimately to conversion. Which is why it’s such an important platform to understand and get right.
The Daunting Reality of Marketing on Instagram
But let’s be real: when you’re just starting out, Instagram can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the noise, trying to keep up with new trends, features, and changes to the algorithm. It feels like there’s so much to manage: from deciding what to post, to figuring out the right time to post, to learning the ins and outs of hashtags – are they even still a thing – to Stories, Reels, and more. Not to mention the pressure to create content that stands out in a crowded feed.
It’s normal to feel like you’re falling behind or that your posts aren’t getting the traction they deserve. But don’t worry—marketing on Instagram doesn’t have to be this stressful. I know first hand that with the right system and strategy, it can feel effortless.
The Foundation of Building Your Brand on Instagram
If you want to build a brand on Instagram that resonates with your audience and helps grow your business, the key is to start with the basics and build a strong foundation. Here’s where to begin:
- Set Up Your Profile for Success
Your Instagram profile is your first impression. Is your profile picture clear? Is your bio well-written and reflective of your brand’s values? Setting up a strong bio that clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and why someone should follow you is crucial. You only get one chance to make that first impression, so you want to make it count. In the upcoming Instagram for Business Workshop, we’ll dive into exactly how to set up your profile, create an eye-catching bio, and ensure your positioning aligns with your business goals. - Consistency in Branding
A cohesive look across all your Instagram posts helps establish your brand’s identity. Think about your colour palette, fonts, and visual style. Consistency in branding—whether that’s in your photos, graphics, or videos—helps your audience instantly recognise your content in their feed. We’ll discuss how to position your brand visually and how to maintain that consistency across all of your content. - Messaging: Speak to Your Audience
One of the biggest mistakes many business owners make is failing to have a clear message. What is your brand really about? What do you want your audience to feel when they see your posts? Whether it’s your captions, Stories, or Reels, your messaging needs to speak directly to your audience’s needs and desires. This workshop will help you define your messaging so that it aligns with your brand’s voice and connects with your followers on a deeper level. - Understanding Instagram’s Features and Functions
Instagram is more than just a place to post photos. It’s a dynamic platform with a variety of features that can help you grow your business. From Stories to Reels, carousels to shopping, each feature has its own purpose and value. But knowing how to use them properly can be confusing. In the Instagram for Business Workshop, we’ll break down each feature, explain how they can be used to engage and sell, and help you incorporate them into your content strategy. - Engage and Build Community
It’s not enough to post content and hope for the best. Instagram is a social platform, so the key to success is building relationships with your followers. Respond to comments, interact with their content, ask questions, and show up consistently. People want to connect with people, not just businesses. The more you engage, the more likely your followers are to become loyal customers.
How the Instagram for Business Workshop Can Help
Building a brand on Instagram is all about laying the right foundation and creating a strategy that works for you. It’s not about trying to keep up with every trend or posting every day—it’s about being intentional, showing up consistently, and aligning your content with your audience’s needs and your business goals.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed about how to get started with Instagram for your business, the Instagram for Business Workshop is here to help. We’ll guide you through setting up your profile, positioning your brand, defining your messaging, and using Instagram’s features to engage your audience and grow your business—effortlessly.
The best part? You’ll leave with the confidence to manage your Instagram marketing without the stress.
Instagram for Business Workshop – June 11th, 9 AM – 12 PM (Virtually via Zoom)
Join me for the Instagram for Business Workshop on June 11th, where we’ll dive into everything you need to know about building a brand on Instagram, from setup to messaging and everything in between. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your Instagram strategy, this workshop is for you.
Don’t miss out – sign up here to book your spot and start building your brand on Instagram.
Learn more about Tyneal Alexander here:
