If your auto upholstery shop isn’t on Instagram or using it incorrectly, you’re missing a huge opportunity to turn car enthusiasts into clients.
By being strategic with every post, you can grow your Instagram following, drive more clients to your shop, foster valuable relationships with industry pros and increase your bottom line.
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to do.
We used the following tips to grow The Hog Ring’s Instagram page to become the most popular one in our industry — and you can do the same.
1. Brand your business account
If you’re using Instagram to promote your auto upholstery business, then your account should be branded as such. That means you should use your shop’s name as your screen name, upload your shop’s logo as your profile picture and include your shop’s contact information in your bio. Otherwise, how will your followers know how to find you?
What’s more, once you’ve decided to start a business account, commit to keeping it professional. That means you should refrain from posting personal photos — including that Olive Garden dinner plate you think looks scrumptious. (Trust us, no one cares)
2. Post appropriate content
After you’ve branded your account, it’s important to maintain high standards for the photos you post and ways in which you engage with followers. After all, your social media accounts are extensions of your business.
If you wouldn’t share lewd photos of women with clients who walk through your garage door, then don’t do it online either. The same goes for using offensive language. Make no mistake about it, potential clients are not just scanning your photos for proof of your skill, but also to assess your level of professionalism and customer service.
3. Make use of #hashtags and tags
The purpose of using hashtags and tags is to make photos easy to find. If you’re not using them correctly, you’re missing out on a great way to promote your shop.
Only hashtag words and phrases people are likely to search for, as well as your shop name. Good examples include: #Mustang, #HotRod and #TheHogRing. Bad examples include: #WhoGotTheKeyToMyBimmer #ItsAllAboutTheMustangsBaby.
Furthermore, if you want someone specific to see a photo you posted, tag him or her in it. Otherwise, it might get lost in their feed.
4. Follow the right people
Keep your profile public so that anyone who likes your work can follow you, but only follow accounts that are likely to help you grow professionally. This way, your Instagram feed isn’t inundated with distractions.
To keep up with the latest trends and stay on top of industry news, follow The Hog Ring, upholstery shops you admire, industry suppliers and manufacturers, professional associations, and car magazines.
To grow your business, follow local car clubs, mechanic/body shops, dealerships and anyone else who is likely to patronize your business. This way you can monitor what potential clients in your area are doing and lend your expertise where it’s needed.
5. Don’t forget to network
What’s the point of being on social media if you’re not going to be social? By liking and commenting on people’s photos, as well as answering questions left on your own, you can network with potential customers and attract more business.
Remember to be kind, courteous and timely with your responses. And don’t be afraid to show love for other people’s projects. Followers will interpret it as an extension of your customer service and sing your praises to their networks.
6. Collaborate and give things away
Every business on Instagram wants to grow it’s following. If you can find a way to collaborate and grow together, everyone wins.
One foolproof way to do this is to co-host a contest or giveaway. There are two main reasons why it’s always better to do this with a partner. First, you’re able to reach more users. Second, you can split the cost of the prize.
Remember to make entry as easy as possible. And if you can make following your Instagram page one of the requirements to win, even better.
Share your tips! If you have any additional tips that you’d like to share, please post them in the comments section below. Also, follow The Hog Ring on Instagram and check out our article “10 Tips to Facebook Market Your Upholstery Shop.”
Great article! Thanks for sharing it. Some really awesome pointers in here that we shared with our employees.
Thanks Miami! We’re glad you found it helpful!