LinkedIn has been the prime social media platform for networking for years. And while LinkedIn is still the go-to resource for most professionals, it can be hard to stand out on this platform. As a result, more people are turning to Instagram for networking opportunities.
Here's why you should consider using Instagram as a networking tool and how to do it effectively.
Why network on Instagram?
When networking is done well, it doesn't feel like networking. Those who do networking well say this activity should feel social, not transactional. Strong networkers build relationships, make genuine connections, and support others.
Instagram is an inherently social app, making it a great match for authentically connecting with other entrepreneurs and professionals. Darrel Jesty Green, aka Jesty Beatz, a musician and postproduction specialist who built a following through Instagram, told Harvard Business Review, "Instagram humanizes the prospect. They're not just a resume. They're not just a person who has a job title that you want one day. An exec who is on LinkedIn, they're getting bombarded in their inbox like crazy, you know what I mean? But on Instagram, where they're posting their fishing trip on the weekend, it's not as crowded."
Instagram's social nature offers a good opportunity to connect over shared interests. There's also a greater chance of your message standing out since fewer professionals use the platform for networking. Plus, Instagram offers plenty of ways to engage with other users.
The No. 1 rule for networking on Instagram is to be authentic with your engagement.
What are the rules for networking on Instagram?
The No. 1 rule for networking on Instagram is to be authentic with your engagement. Use the tools that Instagram has available to react to content that you’re genuinely interested in.
"Liking, commenting, if they have a call to action at any point — post on your stories. Do what you got to do to kind of let a person know that you're around, and active, and engaged with the content that they're putting out," said Beatz. "You should not come across as spam. You should be genuine and authentic in your interaction. Don't like every post. Interact with the things that you know something about."
You can also use hashtags to find and follow people you want to network with. Try Instagram's Explore section or a third-party tool to find popular hashtags relevant to your industry. Use them in your own content as well to start getting noticed by other Instagram users.
Direct messages (DMs) also play an important role in your Instagram networking strategy. There's an art to writing a professional DM on Instagram.
"It's imperative that when you do send a direct message, you have original, non-generic copy that highlights that you've taken time to research the person's style and feed," wrote Forbes.
Beatz suggests researching the person on LinkedIn and other platforms before you write them a DM in addition to regularly engaging with their content. Instagram DMs are more likely to be seen than messages reaching a crowded LinkedIn inbox. Make your message count.
[Read more: Networking With Other Entrepreneurs: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right]
Networking tips for Instagram
The ground rules that apply to engaging with customers on Instagram are relevant to networking too. When someone leaves you a comment or sends you a DM, respond promptly. Share and attribute content from other accounts, comment on posts, and tag new friends or followers in posts to create a sense of community.
The more you start engaging with other businesses, influencers, and entrepreneurs on Instagram, the easier it will be. Focus on being consistent, relevant, and authentic in your Instagram outreach. Building connections and relationships takes time, but Instagram has all the tools you need to start authentically networking with other professionals.
[Read more: Starting Small and Focusing on Networking Brought Success to This Physical Therapy Practice]
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