Social media has changed the way we shop forever. As fashionistas check for the latest trends on their Instagram feeds, there’s less and less actual storefront shopping happening.
Instagram boutiques are the latest fad, despite your feelings about them, and they’re here to stay. Many Instagram boutiques quickly gain a bad reputation with ratchet posts, delayed shipping, theft, and let’s not talk about the non-existent customer service. But all is not lost, thankfully. If you’re interested in cashing out with a IG boutique of your own, follow these simple do’s and don’ts so you don’t become a joke on ‘Gram.
DO: Engage With Customers
This may seem like a fairly easy “do,” but many times social media entrepreneurs simply advertise their merchandise, and that’s it. No interaction, no engagement, nothing that makes you personal to your followers. Engagement is a part of creating a successful brand and following.
DON’T: Be Offensive With Dissatisfied Customers
Yep, you’ve seen it. Strolling through the comments of an Instagram “store” only to find comments from unhappy customers and the surprising, unpleasant replies from the owners. Where they do that at? Don’t handle your company’s dirty laundry in the comments section, mmmkay? Politely, and professionally ask for the customer’s email address and phone number to rectify the issue the correct way. No one wants to support a mean owner who isn’t sensitive to their customer’s issues, valid or not.
DO: Give Followers A Behind-The-Scenes Look At Your Business
Followers love seeing the hustle behind the scenes of your business. Giving your potential customers an exclusive look into your business’s everyday dealings builds a repertoire, making your business more personable and real. Upload a few posts of you shipping items, sorting, engaging with employees. Trust me, it’ll help ease any apprehensions of people thinking your business is a fraud.
DON’T: Post Too Often
Yes, you read that right. Don’t post on your business page too often. You know the pages that flood your feed, with back to back posts? Everyone follows at least one, and it’s annoying. It can actually hurt your brand, because it gets so annoying followers quickly scroll past your three consecutive posts to see something interesting, meaning you might as well not have posted at all. Make a social media schedule of when and what to post at the top of each week so you don’t overdo it.
DO: Shout Out Loyal Customers
Got a loyal customer who’s your number one fan? Show them some love! Tag them and re-port their pictures. Customers love the attention and truly feel appreciated that their service is appreciated.
Angela Wilson – (@SheIsAngela)
Photo credit: Getty Images
