How to Sell On Instagram Without Being TOO “Salesy” 👛

As a brand on social, it can sometimes be challenging to see social media as a platform that allows you to make genuine connections, rather than a place to pitch your business or showcase your products. However, this balance is key to selling on social! To get the greatest return, it’s important that with any product or service you offer you must highlight its value to your potential customers. It’s not as simple as telling your followers that your product is great, it’s important to speak with your audience rather than to them. But what’s the best way to achieve this? Today, we’ll discuss the ways that you can sell on social media — without making it seem like that’s your only intention. 

Build Trust

When trying to sell to your audience on social, the first step is to provide your audience with consistent and valuable content. Any posts you put out need to have a specific purpose, and it’s important to track how each post performs. Try building a strategy with different types of post content, and assess what content gets the most response — in this case, likes and comments. Post top-performing content more often, and start conversations with your followers when you do. When you build trust with your followers first, you’ll be able to prove to them your knowledge/expertise on your products later — this way, they’ll be more willing to spend money on what your offering. 

Understand Your Audience

You may have heard this a thousand times, but you NEED to understand your target demographic (haha…we know). Although knowing age and location is important, you need to dig deeper. Find out what their hobbies are, how they spend their time, or even what their pet-peeves are! This information is easy to find on any social platform of your choosing. See what your followers are talking about, who they’re following, and then talk to them about it! Start and encourage conversations (…on posts and on Stories!) with your followers about topics that align with your brand. Utilize the platform itself to get to know your audience. Armed with knowledge about your audience, you’ll be able to tailor your content towards specific issues your audience may have. 

What is the Value of the Product?

So know your audience like the back of your hand, and you’ve begun to build trust… it’s time to sell! When showcasing your product on social media, be sure to convey the benefits and value your product can potentially bring your audience. Why do they need this product? How can it help with their struggles? Here’s where you can utilize the platform to answer these questions. Posts featuring behind the scenes footage, like how the product is made, or have someone use the product to show its value. Once your audience starts to buy, incentivize your audience to provide testimonials. Although good reviews are great, even bad reviews can be helpful to highlight a solution to a potential problem with your products.

Even after you’re comfortable selling to your audience, be sure to consistently educate your audience before you make an offer to them. And don’t forget to Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Create a schedule of content and pay attention to what your audience responds to most. Take into consideration all the tips mentioned above and you’re already one step closer to selling on social media (without seeming pushy!) 

Happy Selling! 

Chrissie Kourlas, @chryspahiakourlas XOXO 

@serotinamedia

#KEEPSOCIAL