The social media powerhouse, Instagram, is rolling out yet another feature. Making its testing phase debut in India, the UK, and Ireland Instagram’s collaboration tool is centered around social media’s greatest pro, exposure. In past years, the platform has been a growing asset to small businesses around the world from product tagging that includes direct links to your website to providing insights. With many tools in place for small businesses, being prepared and knowledgeable on upcoming features can be highly beneficial. Making the continual updates work for your local business in Morehead City is the end goal. Let’s dig a little deeper into the details.
What is the Collaboration Feature?
With Instagram’s collaboration tool, you’ll be able to tag another public account as a co-author on any post or reel. Have you ever seen a “Paid Partnership” tag above a post? This is a way for users to show their collaborations along with basic tags. As Instagram becomes a more attractive platform for small businesses, the collaboration tag will display content in a professional manner. This is all in hopes of enticing more users to engage in purchasing through the platform. It’s a plus for small businesses who offer products that can be sold online, and for businesses who require booking for services.
How Do I Use It?
To use this feature, your account and the proposed co-author’s account must both be public. When you’re ready to post a reel, tap the tagging option and select invite collaborator on the bottom left of your screen. You’re then able to search accounts and select and invite up to 20 collaborators but remember that includes basic tagging. After you’ve selected accounts, tap the check at the top right of your screen and you’re ready to post. For feed posts, you’ll follow the same steps, but you’ll select “Tag People” to access the collaboration feature. The collaboration invite(s) will be sent and if they are accepted, you’ll share ownership of the post, and they are able to share it on their own profile.
What Are the Benefits?
The goal for any small business is positive exposure. When you utilize the collaboration feature, the audience that views your post grows! This opportunity is beneficial for both parties involved. For example, the followers of User A likely trust the account’s creator. When you, a small business, participate in a collaboration with User A, their followers are more likely to trust your business and buy your products or utilize your services. Collaborating with your suppliers is another great way to gain exposure while also boosting your page by showing your followers transparency in the trusted brands you use. This also makes content sharing quicker, easier, and more reliable throughout the co-authors and promotes proper crediting.
Instagram’s collaboration feature has not yet been released in the US. Being prepared and knowledgeable on the tool can keep you one step ahead of the game. A multitude of features and tools are constantly being developed to ensure success for small businesses on Instagram. Deciding which ones are right for your business and utilizing them in the correct way can spell growth and success. When Instagram rolls out the collaboration feature for the US, revisit this blog to ensure you’re making the most out of your posts. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed and looking for expert advice, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!