Does social media, like Instagram, have a place in growing your business? While I don’t think it is a necessary component, it can still be an effective tool. Today’s guest is an expert in building an audience interested in what she has to sell using Instagram. If you’re interested in doing the same, this episode is for you.

About Annie Miller

Annie Miller is the CEO and founder of Annie Miller Concepts, previously fitdesignbyannie. After graduating with her degree in Exercise and Sport Science in 2013, becoming a certified strength and conditioning specialist, changing course from college strength and performance coach to personal training, she found her calling in the online world of health and fitness.

Education and authenticity are at the center of Annie Miller Concepts (two things she saw a shortage of in the online space). Annie rejects the idea that there is ONE WAY to success, ONE WAY to do fitness or ONE WAY to run a business. So, for the last five years, she's sought to share the power of knowledge and taking action in the weight room, business and life. The 'gram is her favorite platform for fitness and entrepreneurship, and it's where you'll find her most of the time.

The Role of Instagram in a Business

Instagram can be a great tool for reaching your audience. It can also take a toll on your mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotional roller-coaster that Instagram can take you on. Annie explains how she helps people stay focused on the objective aspects of Instagram and apply them to serve their business.

While Instagram can have many benefits, it’s important not to completely rely on it. Annie reminds us that the platform can change without warning. You need to be able to adapt along with the app or abandon it altogether if it no longer serves you.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do when starting is to get super clear on who you serve. The platform is saturated with health and fitness accounts. To stand out, you need to know specifically who your ideal audience is and how to reach them.

Staying Sane While Using Instagram

Annie wants you to have fun with Instagram. It should not be a source of stress. Post what makes you laugh and smile. Creating what you want to create will help you find your best audience and showcase your authenticity.

Focus on the content that you like to create. You don’t have to use every feature on the app. Identify what resonates the most with you and your audience and focus on that.

Also, don’t get upset when you lose followers. People come and go for all sorts of reasons. Don’t take it personally. Concentrate on the new followers you get. Focus on them and make sure they’re aware of all you offer. The people who are meant to work with you aren’t the ones leaving.

Does Instagram have a place in growing your business? Leave a comment on the episode page!

Got a question you’d love to hear me answer on the show? Leave me a voice message here!

In This Episode

How Instagram can play a part in your business strategy [4:20]
Common mistakes new business owners make with social media [8:40]
Finding your balance between personal and business-related posts [12:50]
Why you don’t need to constantly create to be successful on Instagram [20:30]
Dealing with negativity on social media [26:40]
What to do if someone steals your content [33:25]
Tips for effectively selling your services over Instagram [43:30]
What it really means when you lose followers [51:50]

Quotes

“It’s important for me to teach things that work no matter what the algorithm does; the importance of building a business on Instagram versus trying to be popular or get attention.” [5:41]

“The more clarity you can gain on who it is that you’re helping - how you’re helping them, the problems that you solve - the easier that it’s going to be to find your people.” [11:52]

“Focus on creating content that is joyful for you to create.” [15:41]

“If you are just getting on Instagram and all you’re doing is selling, that is not ideal. But if you can be posting free content consistently and sandwich it with sales, that’s ideal.” [45:00]

“It doesn’t do anything for you to have a large following that’s not engaged. It’s literally better to have a smaller audience with higher engagement than the other way around.” [55:38]