After a year like 2020 small businesses are really looking for ways to market themselves without breaking the bank. Wedding vendors have definitely seen a drastic change in their sales and their entire business models. As an online Wedding Vendor Directory, at Simcoe Wedding Pages our job is to market and promote the members of our site but there is still a lot of free marketing that a small business can do to promote themselves in the marketplace. 

Lets talk Instagram: Instagram is the fastest growing social media app with over 1 Billion users all around the world and it allows clients to find businesses, make connections and engage with them directly

Heres how you can leverage Instagram to grow your business:

• Have an Instagram Account- This may seem like a no brainer but you would be surprised to learn just how many businesses (new and old) aren’t on Instagram, if you can’t be found online then those potential clients will move on. 

• Professional Clarity: Make your username your business name or as close to it as possible, minimizing your use of periods and dashes. In the description box state what it is that your business does and what products/ services it is that you provide. Also, set your profile Image as your logo, it will make your brand more easily recognizable and appear more professional.

• Link your Website: Link your website in your description and ensure that the link works!

• Post High Quality Images: Alright, I feel pretty passionate about this one, do not post photos that are blurry, grainy or out of focus and stop using pre set filters on every post. Take photos with a good camera and take advantage of natural lighting. When posting, instead of using the filter option, use the edit option. Here you can go in and adjust some key components manually, such as: Brightness, Contrast, Warmth, Highlights, etc,. Also, your feed should consist of a cohesive look that has a natural flow and is visually appealing to followers.

• Utilize other Apps: Canva is one of my favourite apps for creating captivating posts and graphics. The best part is that it’s user friendly and free and it will set your business apart from the competition.

• Instastories, Reels and Go Live: Instagram is continuously optimizing their app and providing their users with new functions meant to connect and engage, take advantage of them. It can be daunting when something is new and unknown but give yourself some credit and learn how to use these functions. The more you utilize the app the more exposure you’ll get and the easier it will be for potential clients to find your profile.

• Like, Comment, Share and Save: An effective business makes their brand approachable and engaging. Be a positive online presence and interact with your followers…especially when it can’t be done in person.

• Don’t be a stranger: It is recommended that you post to your feed 4-7/ week and to your stories daily. As an entrepreneur consistency is key on and offline. The more present you are the more trustworthy you appear to be.

• Use Hashtags: Yes, hashtags are still a thing, with every post you can use up to 30 hashtags (though I’d recommend 10-20) that are relevant to your business and  that will improve your visibility online.

• Target your ideal audience: Brainstorm who your ideal customer is and gear your posts and your stories towards their likes and interests.

• Keep it strictly Business: Last but certainly not least, your business profile should be used for business reasons only. Do not get into debates, complaints, personal beliefs or politics, keep that all for your personal page…and even then… it’s better if you don’t.

I could talk about Instagram all day long but these are just a few point form starter tips to help you build and market your business…for free!

Social Media is still a new and foreign concept for many Entrepreneurs but rather than viewing it as a hurdle, consider it a resource and leverage it to work in your favor.

XO Kayla