Today I want to chat about why it is crucial to have a presence online if you want to grow your business. Let’s dive into social media updates that will benefit your business!

In case you missed part one, you can find it here: link to part one

In my previous blog, I shared all about the new subscription feature, links and closed captioning, and the new shoppable feature for IG. I highly recommend you start there if you haven’t checked that out. 

But if you’re ready for part two, I say we dig right in, shall we?

Living in such an online, fast-paced world it is almost crucial to have a presence online if you want to grow your business. My favorite platform these days is hands down Instagram as they are always creating new features that benefit social sellers and online creators. Let’s take a look at a few of the most beneficial updates. 

Instagram has a new feature making it possible for you to collaborate with other users, allowing both of your handles to appear at the top of your collaboration post. This is an incredibly useful new feature as it allows you to get in front of a brand new audience of followers, simply by creating content with a fellow friend.

Simply create an IG post as you normally would by adding in your captions and other details. Then you’ll want to tab, “tag people,” then select, “invite collaborator.” Type in the name of the user you want to invite and send your post out into the world for all to see. It’s such a fun and easy way to work with other social sellers or online creators to help boost engagement and interest for both of your pages. 

Okay, maybe this isn’t an updated feature on Instagram but it certainly is one that you should be utilizing. Gone are the days when we simply post pretty photos to our feeds, IG wants us to create entertaining video content that adds value to our followers. 

Your reels should include audio, captions, and even some dancing if you’re feeling up to it! Some tips you may want to follow when creating reels include:

• Avoid using a TikTok watermark, make them specifically for IG. 
• Add a cover photo that follows the aesthetic of your feed. 
• Reshare your reels to your story page and highlights.
• Create behind-the-scenes content that helps to educate your audience on your offering. 
• Be inspiring and entertaining at the same time. 
• Use vertical photos and videos rather than horizontal.
• Be creative with filters, camera effects, stickers, and more. 

At the end of the day, simply focus on creating reels that feel real and authentic to who you are and the people you serve. The only way to mess up making reels is to not make them at all.

Again, I know TikTok isn’t a new trend, but it is a trend that isn’t going away. In fact, it only gains popularity from year to year. While Instagram is still a fan favorite, TikTok isn’t far behind and it wouldn’t hurt to create a space for yourself on that platform as well. With short-form video content (like reels) becoming more and more popular, TikTok is set up to be one of the most used apps in 2022 and beyond. 

And to sweeten the deal even more, TikTok has created features like ads and business profiles to help businesses utilize the app to gain followers and sell their product or service. If you are trying to reach the millennials and Gen Z population, TikTok is looking more and more like the place to be. 

Now, we all of this said, I hope you know that you have the freedom to show up online in whatever capacity feels right to you. The updates and the new features and following the algorithms are all well and fine, but if it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive. There is still something to be said for genuine, organic growth and you should absolutely grow your business from a place of authenticity. If following all of the latest and greatest tips and tricks for social media doesn’t feel right for you or your business, keep on keeping on in the ways you always have. I am certain you can still run a successful business as long as you’re being you.

Thank you for reading and diving into social media updates that will benefit your business!

For more education or growing a business authentic to who you are, be sure to get out The Profit Plan  This 3-step course walks you through everything you need to be doing in order to run a business that is both pleasing to your soul and profitable to your bottom line. 

Check out the Profit Plan here!

For even more content on building a business with the skills and hours you already have, be sure to check out:

The Blush Pages Membership for monthly business content curated exclusively for members!

The Profit Plan for everything you need to start earning consistent income!

The Business Starter Kit for getting your business off the ground and out into the world!