How to Use IGTV to Increase Brand Awareness

How to Use IGTV to Increase Brand Awareness

IGTV is a new addition to Instagram. It's another way to show up on that platform, get super visible and increase brand awareness and it's all about video. Not only are we going to talk about how you can use IGTV to increase brand awareness, but also how you can use it if live video really scare you. 

What is IGTV and How to Start Using It

Essentially it is a longer, pre-recorded video platform on Instagram where you can share content and do more of a Youtube style video. This gives us a beautiful opportunity to get clear on our messaging. Smaller brands only have the ability to share 10 minutes of content per video, which will help us be really clear and concise in our messaging and the content we are sharing.

The other thing I love is the cross promotion within the platform which we will talk about a little later in the post as well, but Instagram is giving you the ability to link straight to your IGTV videos in stories. You can share as an in-feed post, etc. 

The next thing I want to talk about is hashtags. Hashtags are searchibility on Instagram and now we can use these in our IGTV videos. There's so much flexibility in one platform which I'm absolutely loving. If you know your audience is on Instagram, you can now focus on this one platform to start building massive brand awareness. 

Afraid of Video? IGTV is your answer

We know how important video is - it's where we, and every platform are going because it really takes your brand to a new level. It's all about taking your business and brand to the next level because when you do video, your ideal client will start to feel like they know you. So video is so, so important for increasing brand awareness and building a successful business. 

I know from talking to a lot of you that live video can be scary. You want to be using it, but it scares you and this is where IGTV comes in. IGTV kind of takes away the scariness of live video, but has the same feel of live video. This gives you the opportunity to practice, record yourself and still ask for engagement. It's an introduction to video that is really going to be so powerful for those of you who are just starting out in video. Not only are you increasing your brand awareness, but you're getting yourself comfortable with the camera. You also have the ability to share this on various platform, and what I love about IGTV, you can grab the URL and send people from your email to your IGTV. You can even cross-promote on other platforms as well like Facebook. 

If live video scares you: 

1. Get comfortable with camera

2. Play with asking for engagement

3. Sharing on various platforms

How to use it in your biz for brand awareness

1. Focus on building one community - Instagram

The idea of being on all of these platforms can be super scary, so I always recommend to start with one and focus on it, get really good, and then add another. What I love about Instagram is it gives you so many touch points, so I think it's a great platform to start with. 

2. More personal and less polished than other video

IGTV gives you the opportunity to be more personal and less polished than Youtube or even live video. It's about showing up as who you are with an already established platform. 

3. Now have 3 points of contact on IG (posts, stories and IGTV)

This gives you the ability to show up for your audience in different ways on just one platform. It's so important for you at this stage in online entrepreneurship to have these multiple touch points. 

4. Sharing options (cross promotion - within stories, via email, accessible in feed)

I can now use the swipe up feature to my new IGTV episodes. I really think easy access is so important and Instagram allows you to make your videos super accessible. You can also pull the URL from your video and share it in an email or on Facebook. Extend the life of your content!

5. CONSISTENCY!

Be consistent with your postings. What time, what day and what type of content? Think of a TV show. This helps build trust and accountability within your community. 

You can watch the whole video for a more in-depth version of this and several bonus tips below!

Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/1729525050417157/

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

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Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>

Best Hashtags for Instagram to Get Your Business Noticed and Increase Engagement

BEST HASHTAGS FOR INSTAGRAM TO GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED AND INCREASE ENGAGEMENT

This week I'm sharing a bunch of information about how to organically grow an engaged Instagram following. 

In fact I shared this little video in Authentic Brand Builders this week on how to find the top 30 hashtags for your business. Watch the video here >>

I thought, why not give them a great starting point and share my top five go to hashtags for Instagram.

Really quick though, if you aren't currently using hashtags to market yourself on Instagram, YOU ARE MISSING OUT. You are able to use up to 30 hashtags and I highly recommend you use them all. Start with the five below and use the video to find the rest that are in alignment with your brand and business. 

MY TOP FIVE HASHTAGS FOR INSTAGRAM

#passionpassport

This hashtag was started by PassionPassport.com and is a community made up of travelers, storytellers & creatives inspiring you to explore. Their goal is to unite travelers by allowing them to share the travel experiences that have challenged them, shaped their perspective of the world and given them a better sense of who they are.  @passionpassport

#calledtobecreative

Created by Emily Lind, Called To Be Creative was designed to showcase the passions, dreams, & stories of today's creative ladies. @_calledtobecreative

#livethelittlethings

Brandi Walker, of Run Style Run, and her friend Meg started the hashtag as way to unite women in sharing the little things in our lives. It's about not overlooking the little things and finding joy in the moment. @runstylerun

#thehappynow

Founded by The Happy Hunters, two LA based bloggers, #thehappynow basically makes me happy every single time I look at it. It's a place to post anything and everything that makes you happy :) @thehappyhunters

#liveauthentic

I love everything about this hashtag and it's creators Folk Magazine. Just one look at their photos you will see it is totally on brand with brandmerry.com. If you love the outdoors and your people do to, you will love this tag. @folkmagazine

#flashesofdelight

Started by Glitter Guide, a lifestyle website dedicated to inspiring you to shine bright. The hashtag features pictures of pretty much anything that is well, just pretty. Share the photos that really make you smile @glitterguide

#brandmerry

Yep, that's right as of today Brandmerry has their own hashtag! Join us in encouraging women to share their personal story through Instagram. The photos don't have to be fancy or staged, just real. #Brandmerry is about uniting female entrepreneurs to share what makes them authentic. @brandmerrycoaching

Remember hashtags, although often made fun of, are a strategy that is necessary to growing your Instagram and start getting truly engaged followers. 

Do you have any favorite hashtags you like to use on Instagram?

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Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>