How to Monetize Your Instagram Account

WOW!!!! Instagram has exploded in popularity. With over 100 million unique monthly users and more than 400 million active users, Instagram is now among the Top 15 Most Popular Social Networking Sites.

Instagram is also one of the world’s largest mobile ads platforms, and Instagram ads are now available globally for all businesses — no matter the size. Since Instagram ads can now be purchased and managed through Facebook’s self-serve interfaces and Marketing API, if you are so inclined, now is an opportune time to monetize your Instagram account.

However, for those eager to monetize their Instagram account, there are a few important things to consider. Here are a few tips on How to Monetize Your Instagram Account

1) Establish a Long List of Followers

In order to attract advertising dollars or sell a product, your Instagram account should have around 50k followers, and at the very least, a minimum of 15K followers. Make sure to include creative, high quality images in order to attract followers. This guide will help you get started on growing an account with a targeted following. Understand this is not a quick process. So expect to give yourself at least 6 months before you get started.

2) Pick a Specific Niche

The more specific your niche the better. So for example, yes you’re in the food niche, but more specifically, organic eggs.

3) Post on a Daily Basis

People tend to unfollow inactive users, so make sure to post minimum once a day. If you can, you should post more often than that (and follow the method for interaction referenced above). This will ascertain that you don’t lose those already gained fans. Use Socialdraft’s Instagram scheduling feature so you don’t miss a beat.

4) Never Use Fake Followers

Fake followers will only tarnish your reputation on Instagram. Most everyone can easily tell if you’re followers are bogus. Fake followers mean lower engagement rates which result in a lower ROI. On top of that, you don’t want to end up like those sad celebrities who were outed during the Instapurge.

5) Brand Mentions in Exchange for Cash

Brands are always looking for Influencers, so be sure to list your email in your profile so they can contact you for a few rates. Brands may want to supply their own image and caption, or use one of your images. You can also agree to get free product for brand mentions. Just make sure you’re dealing with a product that is related to your niche, otherwise you risk compromising your reputation.

6) Include Links

In order to monetize your account, you must include product links and/or links to your blog or website. Remember, Instagram doesn’t allow clickable site links; the only way to include an active link in an Instagram post is via ads, or to direct people to your profile – where you can have one clickable ad.

7) Use Video Sharing Option

You can use Instagram’s 15-second video sharing option to expand, enrich and add depth to your presentation.

8) Encourage Fan Participation

Engage your followers by encouraging them to submit original content. Ask your followers to share their experience related to your niche via photos and videos.

9) Include Testimonials

Ask satisfied customers to contribute pictures or videos showing their association with your product. Testimonials go a long way in adding credence to your product.

10) Be Patient

In the beginning it can take from 3 to 6 months to get a respectable amount of followers in the neighborhood of 10K to 15k. To grow your account, make sure to use hashtags, and follow large accounts in your given niche. Never use any kind of automation. Once you reach 50k followers, other people will almost automatically follow you. If you consistently maintain quality content people will repost you and you continue to grow your account.