Website Hosting and Domain Names: Your Website’s Power Duo

Website Hosting and Domain Names: Your Website’s Power Duo

by | Feb 7, 2025 | Analytics Reporting, SEO, Website

A website isn’t just a few pretty pictures and clever words thrown together. It’s a living, breathing space that requires two essential elements to stay vibrant, secure, and accessible—hosting and domain names. At Root & Roam, we believe in making the complex simple, and today we’re here to help you understand these two crucial pieces of your website puzzle.

What’s Hosting, Anyway?

Think of hosting like the foundation of a house. You need a solid, reliable base for everything else to work. Hosting is the service that stores your website’s files and makes sure they’re always available for your visitors to see. Without hosting, your website’s just a dream—no one can visit it.

We’re all about forward momentum here at Root & Roam, so we partner with Kinsta, a premium WordPress hosting provider that combines speed, security, and reliability. Here’s what you get with our hosting service:

  • SSL Certificate: This is like a VIP pass for your website. It encrypts data between your visitors and your site, ensuring everything stays safe and sound. Plus, Google loves it, which means better search rankings.
  • Daily Backups: Think of it as a safety net for your website. If something goes wrong, we’ve got your back, and you’re back up and running in no time.
  • Support: Real, live people are available to help with any tech issue. 

 

What’s the Deal with Domain Names?

Now, let’s talk domain names—the address of your website. Your domain name is like the street address for your online space. It’s what your customers type into their browsers to find you. For example, Root & Roam’s domain is rootandroam.com—easy, right?

Without a domain name, you’d just be a mystery on the web. You wouldn’t be able to tell anyone where to find you. But once you’ve got your domain name locked in, your website is ready to be discovered.

 

Hosting vs. Domain Name: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the kicker: Hosting is where your website lives (its home), and domain names are how people find it (the address on the map). You absolutely need both for your site to be up and running!

  • Domain Name = Your online address (the “hello world” of your website).
  • Hosting = The space where all your website files are stored (think of it like the lot where your house sits).

Both are required to bring your website to life, and at Root & Roam, we make sure the process is seamless, so you can focus on what really matters—growing your brand.

 

Why Do You Need Both?

Imagine this: Without a domain name, your site has no address. Without hosting, there’s no space for your site to exist. They work in harmony to make sure your website is live, secure, and accessible to everyone. Think of them as the dynamic duo of the digital world—each one crucial to your website’s success.

At Root & Roam, we’re here to make sure all the techie stuff is taken care of, so you can keep exploring new horizons and growing your business with confidence. Consider us your behind-the-scenes partner in ensuring your website stays sharp, secure, and always available.

 

Final Thoughts: Hosting & Domains = Your Website’s Power Couple

Your website is more than just a collection of pages. It’s an experience, and making sure it’s available, secure, and easy to find is at the heart of what we do. We’ve got the foundational pieces locked down, so all that’s left for you to do is keep inspiring, creating, and connecting with your audience.

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Building Brand Authority

Building Brand Authority

by | Jan 6, 2025 | Branding, Digital Marketing, Email Marketing, Email Marketing, Root & Roam Blog, SEO, Social Media

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Understanding Brand Authority

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The Foundation of Brand Authority–Quality Content

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Demonstrating Expertise and Thought Leadership

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Consistency and Frequency in Content Production

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SEO and Content Distribution

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Engaging with Your Audience

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Leveraging User-Generated Content and Testimonials

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Analyzing and Adjust Your Content Strategy

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Becoming a Trusted Industry Leader

Content marketing is crucial for establishing brand authority and positioning your business as a leader in the digital world. It helps to showcase your expertise and credibility to your target audience.

By consistently creating valuable and relevant content, you can attract and engage potential customers. This can ultimately lead to increased brand recognition and trust within your industry.

By consistently delivering high-quality, valuable content, your brand can gain credibility, trust, and influence among your target audience. This blog post will reveal how content marketing can establish brand authority and offer practical tips to achieve it.

 

Understanding Brand Authority

Brand authority is how much people trust and believe in a brand in its industry and among its target audience. Customers trust a brand with strong authority for information, expertise, and leadership in its industry. Building brand authority is crucial for differentiating your business from competitors and fostering customer loyalty.

The Foundation of Brand Authority–Quality Content

The cornerstone of building brand authority through content marketing is consistently producing high-quality, informative, and engaging content. This content should focus on what your target audience needs, what problems they have, and what they are interested in. It should also demonstrate your expertise and insights. Quality content can take various forms, including blog posts, white papers, ebooks, videos, podcasts, and webinars.

Demonstrating Expertise and Thought Leadership

To make your brand a thought leader, create content that shows your expertise in your industry. This can include

  • In-depth Guides and Tutorials–Provide comprehensive guides on relevant topics that offer practical advice and solutions.
  • Industry Analysis and Trends–Share your insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in your industry. This positions your brand as a go-to source for up-to-date information.
  • Expert Opinions and Commentary–Offer your unique perspective on current events, news, or developments in your field. You can do this through blog posts, opinion pieces, or interviews with industry leaders.

Case Studies and Success Stories–Showcase real-world examples of how your products or services have benefited your clients. This not only builds credibility but also highlights your expertise in delivering results.

Consistency and Frequency in Content Production

Consistency is key to building brand authority. Regularly publishing content keeps your audience engaged and establishes your brand as a reliable source of information. Develop a content calendar to plan and schedule your content production. This makes sure there is always new content on various topics and formats to appeal to different parts of your audience.

SEO and Content Distribution

Optimizing your content for search engines (SEO) is crucial for increasing visibility and attracting organic traffic. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and headings to improve your content’s search ranking. Additionally, leverage content distribution channels such as social media, email newsletters, and guest blogging to reach a wider audience.

Engaging with Your Audience

Building brand authority isn’t just about broadcasting your message; it’s also about engaging with your audience. Respond to comments, questions, and feedback on your content. Encourage discussions and interactions to build a community around your brand. Engaging with your audience helps establish a personal connection and reinforces your brand’s credibility and trustworthiness.

Leveraging User-Generated Content and Testimonials

User-generated content (UGC) and testimonials can significantly enhance your brand’s authority. Encourage your customers to share their experiences, reviews, and content related to your products or services. Showcase real-life endorsements on your website and social media to build trust with potential customers.

Analyzing and Adjust Your Content Strategy

Building brand authority is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and refinement. Use analytics tools to track the performance of your content and identify what resonates with your audience. Adjust your content strategy based on these insights to continually improve and stay relevant.

Becoming a Trusted Industry Leader

Content marketing is a powerful strategy for building brand authority and establishing your business as a trusted industry leader. To establish a strong brand presence, you should create valuable content. You should also demonstrate expertise and engage with your audience.

Additionally, it is important to consistently utilize SEO and distribution channels. At Root & Roam, we specialize in creating and executing content marketing strategies that elevate brands and drive results. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build your brand’s authority and achieve your business goals.

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The Evolution of Digital Marketing–Trends to Watch in 2024

The Evolution of Digital Marketing–Trends to Watch in 2024

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Digital Marketing, Local SEO, SEO, SEO Strategy, Traditional SEO, Website

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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The Rise of AI and Machine Learning in Marketing

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The Growing Importance of Data Privacy and Security

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The Evolution of Social Media Platforms

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The Shift Towards Visual and Interactive Content

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Voice Search and Smart Speakers

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The Role of Influencer Marketing in 2024

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The Future of SEO and Content Marketing

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The Expansion of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

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The Impact of Blockchain on Digital Marketing

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Sustainability and Ethical Marketing

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Adapting to Change

Digital marketing has changed a lot in the last ten years. It used to be just online ads and emails, but now it’s a complex system of strategies and technologies. Staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and relevant. In this blog post, we explore the key digital marketing trends to watch in 2024 and offer insights on how businesses can adapt to these changes.

 

The Rise of AI and Machine Learning in Marketing

 

Personalization and Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing digital marketing by enabling hyper-personalized experiences. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to understand customer behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to deliver personalized content and recommendations. AI-powered automation tools can handle tasks such as email marketing, social media posts, and customer segmentation. This allows marketers to focus more on developing their strategies.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming essential tools for customer service and engagement. They provide instant responses to customer inquiries, handle common questions, and guide users through the purchasing process. As AI technology advances, these tools are becoming more sophisticated, offering personalized interactions that can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics, powered by AI, helps businesses anticipate future trends and customer behaviors. By analyzing historical data, predictive models can forecast outcomes like sales trends, customer churn, and campaign effectiveness. This allows marketers to make data-driven decisions and optimize their strategies for better results.

The Growing Importance of Data Privacy and Security

Regulatory Changes

As more data is collected digitally, consumers and regulators have a major concern about protecting privacy and security. Laws like GDPR and CCPA have set clear rules for handling data and obtaining user consent. Businesses need to follow these laws to avoid fines and keep customer trust.

Transparency and Trust

Consumers are increasingly aware of how their data is used and are demanding more transparency from brands. To build trust, businesses should be open about their data collection practices and provide clear privacy policies. Implementing secure data storage and processing measures is also crucial in safeguarding customer information.

The Evolution of Social Media Platforms

Short-Form Video Content

Short-form video content, popularized by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, is dominating the social media landscape. Short videos are interesting, easy to watch, and easy to share, making them great for reaching young people. Brands should consider incorporating short-form videos into their content strategy to capture attention and drive engagement.

Social Commerce

Social commerce, the integration of shopping features within social media platforms, is reshaping the online shopping experience. Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shops let users shop directly from their social media feeds. This seamless shopping experience can drive conversions and shorten the sales funnel.

Niche and Emerging Platforms

While major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X continue to dominate, niche and emerging platforms are gaining traction. These platforms cater to specific audiences and interests, offering unique opportunities for brands to reach targeted demographics. Businesses should explore these platforms to diversify their social media strategy and connect with new audiences.

The Shift Towards Visual and Interactive Content

Visual Storytelling

High-quality visuals are more important than ever in digital marketing. Visual storytelling, which uses images, videos, and infographics, can effectively communicate a brand’s message and values. As attention spans decrease, engaging visuals are crucial for capturing and retaining audience interest.

Interactive Content

Interactive content, such as polls, quizzes, and interactive videos, encourages audience participation and engagement. This type of content not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into consumer preferences. Incorporating interactive elements into your content strategy can increase engagement rates and foster a deeper connection with your audience.

Voice Search and Smart Speakers

Voice Search Optimization

Voice-activated devices, like Amazon Echo and Google Home, are altering how individuals search for information online. These devices respond to voice commands and provide search results without the need for typing. This technology is revolutionizing the way people access information and interact with the internet.

Voice search queries tend to be longer and more conversational than text-based queries. Businesses should optimize their content for voice search by using natural language and focusing on question-based keywords.

Voice Commerce

Voice commerce, or v-commerce, is the process of using voice commands to make purchases. V-commerce, or voice-activated shopping, is growing as consumers get more used to it, even though it’s still new. Brands should start exploring ways to incorporate voice commerce into their sales strategy to stay ahead of the curve.

The Role of Influencer Marketing in 2024

Micro- and Nano-Influencers

Influencer marketing is still effective for brands, but now some are focusing more on micro- and nano-influencers. These influencers, with smaller but highly engaged followings, can provide more authentic and relatable endorsements. Partnering with micro- and nano-influencers can yield higher engagement rates and more meaningful connections with audiences.

Long-term Partnerships

Brands are increasingly forming long-term partnerships with influencers to create stronger relationships and keep messaging consistent. These collaborations go beyond one-off promotions, allowing influencers to become genuine advocates for the brand. Long-term partnerships can enhance credibility and create a loyal customer base.

The Future of SEO and Content Marketing

E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Google’s algorithm increasingly emphasizes E-A-T, rewarding websites that demonstrate expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. To boost E-A-T, companies should make top-notch content, get relevant backlinks, and keep a good online image.

Content Clusters and Topic Authority

The content cluster model is a common SEO strategy. It includes creating a main pillar page on a core topic.

This page then links to related subtopics. This approach helps establish topic authority and improves search engine rankings. Brands should invest in comprehensive content strategies that address their audience’s needs and interests.

The Expansion of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Immersive Experiences

AR and VR technologies are offering new ways for brands to create immersive experiences. Virtual try-ons and tours improve customer experience and engagement in retail and real estate industries. As AR and VR become more accessible, businesses should explore how these tools can enhance their marketing efforts.

Try-Before-You-Buy

AR is particularly useful for providing “try-before-you-buy” experiences. Brands can use AR to allow customers to visualize products in their space or on themselves before making a purchase. This can reduce return rates and increase customer satisfaction.

The Impact of Blockchain on Digital Marketing

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a database that continuously grows a list of ordered records called blocks that are connected by “chains.” The purpose of blockchain is to allow all parties access to information via application.

Ad Transparency and Security

Blockchain can also enhance transparency in tracking ad spend, ensuring that marketing budgets are used effectively.

Decentralized Marketplaces

Blockchain technology is paving the way for decentralized marketplaces, where transactions occur directly between buyers and sellers without intermediaries. This can reduce costs and increase trust in online transactions.

Sustainability and Ethical Marketing

Eco-Friendly Practices

Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. From eco-friendly packaging to sustainable sourcing, brands that adopt green practices can attract environmentally-conscious customers. Highlighting these efforts in marketing campaigns can enhance brand reputation and loyalty.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are becoming a key component of brand identity. Companies that actively engage in social and environmental causes can build stronger emotional connections with their customers. Promoting CSR efforts can differentiate a brand in a crowded market and create a positive impact.

Adapting to Change

Digital marketing is always changing, with new technologies and trends affecting how businesses reach their audiences. By staying informed about these trends and adapting their strategies accordingly, businesses can remain competitive and continue to grow. Brands can use AI, voice search, and sustainability to innovate and succeed in 2024. Many chances for growth exist.

Are you ready to take your digital marketing strategy to the next level? Contact Root & Roam today to learn how we can help you navigate these trends and achieve your business goals.

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Demystifying SEO—A Comprehensive Guide to Search Engine Optimization

Demystifying SEO—A Comprehensive Guide to Search Engine Optimization

by | Sep 25, 2023 | Digital Marketing, Local SEO, SEO, SEO Strategy, Traditional SEO, Website

In the digital age, having a strong online presence is important. Understanding search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for success online, whether you’re a business or an individual. In this blog, we will answer your most frequently asked questions surrounding search engine optimization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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What is search engine optimization, and what exactly does it do?
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Is SEO paid or free?
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What are SEO examples?
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What are the four types of SEO?
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What are the three main areas of SEO?
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What are your top 3 SEO techniques?
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What are the 5 SEO elements?
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What are the five ingredients for SEO?
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How long does it take to rank #1 on Google?
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What are common SEO mistakes?
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Can I do SEO on my own?
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Contact the experts.

What is search engine optimization, and what exactly does it do?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) aligns marketing efforts with the way people search for information online, making it a cornerstone of digital marketing strategies. SEO does this by improving your website and content to rank higher in search results and get more organic traffic. It aims to make your content easily discoverable on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. It involves various techniques and strategies aimed at attracting organic (unpaid) traffic to your website. These strategies make your content more relevant and appealing to search engine algorithms.
 

Is SEO paid or free?

Search engine optimization encompasses both paid and free elements. The primary focus, however, is on organic (unpaid) search results.

You don’t pay search engines to rank higher naturally. However, there may be expenses for SEO tools. Additionally, creating content and reaching out may also incur costs.

What are SEO examples?

Examples of search engine optimization practices include:

  • Optimizing your website’s meta tags, including title tags and meta descriptions.
  • Creating high-quality blog posts and pages with relevant keywords.
  • Building high-authority backlinks from reputable websites.
  • Improving website load times and mobile responsiveness.

These examples demonstrate how search engine optimization works in real-world applications.

What are the four types of SEO?

We can categorize search engine optimization into four main types:

  • On-Page SEO—This involves optimizing individual web pages for specific keywords, improving content quality, and optimizing meta-information.
  • Off-Page SEO—It focuses on building backlinks and enhancing the online reputation and authority of your website.
  • Technical SEO—This aspect improves the website’s infrastructure and performance, ensuring it is search engine-friendly.
  • Local SEO—Tailored for local businesses, it enhances visibility in local search results, crucial for attracting nearby customers.

Understanding these types of search engine optimization helps you develop a holistic optimization strategy.

What are the three main areas of SEO?

The three primary areas of SEO are:

  • Technical SEO—This focuses on ensuring your website is technically sound, including aspects like site speed, mobile optimization, and structured data.
  • On-Page SEO—It involves optimizing individual pages by strategically placing keywords, improving content quality, and optimizing meta-information.
  • Off-Page SEO—This includes activities like building backlinks from authoritative sources and enhancing your website’s online reputation.

What are your top 3 seo techniques?

Three effective search engine optimization techniques include:

  • Keyword Research—Identifying relevant keywords with search volume and aligning your content strategy with them
  • Content Creation—Developing valuable, informative, and engaging content that addresses the needs and questions of your target audience
  • Link Building—Getting good backlinks from trusted sites to boost your domain authority and enhance your site’s visibility in search results

What are the five seo elements?

The five essential search engine optimization elements are:

  • Keywords—Selecting and strategically using keywords relevant to your content and target audience
  • Content—Creating high-quality, user-focused content that satisfies search intent
  • Links—Building authoritative backlinks and internal links
  • Technical Structure—Ensuring your website is technically sound, with fast loading times and mobile optimization
  • User Experience—Enhancing the overall user experience on your website, making it easy to navigate and engaging for visitors

What are the five ingredients for SEO?

Effective search engine optimization requires five key ingredients:

  • Quality Content—Content that is informative, valuable, and user-focused
  • Keyword Optimization—Strategic use of keywords in content and meta-information
  • Backlinks—Building high-quality backlinks to establish authority
  • Technical Optimization—Ensuring your website is technically sound and optimized for search engines
  • User Experience Enhancement—Providing a positive user experience on your website

How long does it take to rank #1 on Google?

The time to rank #1 on Google depends on competition, industry, and the quality of your SEO efforts. It can range from several months to over a year of consistent optimization and content creation.

What are common SEO mistakes?

Common search engine optimization mistakes to avoid include:

  • Keyword stuffing—Overloading content with keywords
  • Neglecting mobile optimization—Not optimizing for mobile devices
  • Ignoring technical SEO—Neglecting website structure and performance
  • Failing to create quality, user-focused content—Prioritizing quantity over quality.

Can I do SEO on my own?

Yes, individuals and small businesses can perform search engine optimization on their own. You can learn and implement basic SEO techniques, such as optimizing on-page elements and creating high-quality content. However, for more advanced strategies and in competitive industries, consulting with search engine optimization experts or agencies will be beneficial.

Contact the experts.

Search engine optimization is a dynamic and essential aspect of online marketing. By learning and using effective strategies, you can make your website more visible, attract more visitors, and achieve your online goals. Are you ready to get your business search engine optimized? Contact the experts at Root & Roam today!
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What Are Heading Tags and Why You Should Use Them?

What Are Heading Tags and Why You Should Use Them?

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Analytics Reporting, Audit, Creative Services, Digital Advertising, Digital Marketing, Local SEO, SEO, SEO Strategy, Social Media, Traditional SEO, Website

It’s hard to believe at times, but the internet has rules. There are protocols and conventions that, when followed, tend to make things easier on all of us. They also make the content we create more accessible to more people! One of the foremost jobs of a digital marketer is knowing these rules and knowing how to use them to do better work for their clients. Heading tags fall under this category. This post aims to explain what heading tags are, why they’re important, as well as how they function.

What are HTML heading tags?

Heading tags serve several different purposes.

Let’s start with the content creator or the web designer, the person writing and determining each heading tag. Here, heading tags act similarly to an outline of the content being created. They establish how the information and the content surrounding that information are to be structured. 

To search engines such as Google or Bing, heading tags act like labels or signs. They help point search engines to the specific places within web pages to quickly locate the content that people are searching for. Heading tags inform the search engine robots about the hierarchy of the information that they’re processing – a heading tag helps delineate what is the most important content and where it is located. 

Finally, to someone visiting a website to read the information or content, heading tags are topic signifiers and points of interest – by reading the “What are HTML heading tags?” above the previous paragraph, a reader can easily determine what the overall topic being presented will be and can deduct what to expect in the post. Heading tags are also an important accessibility feature that helps accessibility software like screen readers parse and categorize the most important information on a page. 

heading tags are also an important accessibility feature

How are heading tags structured? How many heading tags are there?

Heading tags are numerical, starting with H1 to denote the most important section heading. This is the heading that a search engine gives the most weight. Most HTML (the markup that most pages are built with) supports six levels of headings, with H6 denoting the heading with the least importance. Within that markup language they look like this:
heading tags are also an important accessibility feature
But what about the page’s title? The title tag is used to denote what your page is titled, and it’s what displays as the preview for your page in search engine results and social media snippets. The page title tag is not the same as a heading tag, but a page title tag and the H1 tag are often mirrored. This is largely because best practices have shown that Google typically gives more authority to pages that are formatted in this way because it views those pages as being more accurate.

Prevent inaccurate article titles

We use our crawler to scan your article pages and determine the correct headlines for your content. Follow our best practices to help us display the correct title from your content:

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Place the title of your article in a prominent spot above the article body, such as in an <h1> tag.
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Match the title of your article page (in the HTML <title> tag) to the title of your article (in <h1> or equivalent).

Google HTML Rules

Heading tags and SEO best practices

Although using heading tags alone may not have a substantial impact on overall SEO from the standpoint of a search engine (the keywords used on each page take precedence), it does have a substantial impact on the readability of your content. When utilized properly, this impacts the time that is spent on a page and the overall webpage traffic. Both have a substantial impact on your search rankings. When correctly utilized alongside your page title, meta-description, and target keywords, your heading tags play a key role in improving search rankings for those specific keywords. A few best practices directly from Google:
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Match the anchor text that points to your article in your section pages to your article/page title.

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Avoid using the article title, or a substring of the title, as an active hyperlink on your article page.

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Do not include a date or time in your article title.

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Article titles should be at least 10 characters and between 2 and 22 words.

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Do not include a leading number in the anchor text of the title to make sure your article title displays properly on mobile devices.

A few more SEO specific best practices include:
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Use only one H1 tag per page.

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Keywords should be aligned by the rank of importance corresponding to your tag hierarchy.

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Keep your heading tags concise and keyword specific.

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H1 headings should be approximately twice as large as your body text.

Why should you use heading tags?

There’s plenty of reasons to use heading tags, and it mainly comes down to structuring your content in a way that makes it coherent and legible for every interaction with them. They are also an important part of your overall on-page SEO efforts, especially when you consider how it impacts your entire audience’s ability to find and digest the information you put out there. A quick summary of why using heading tags is important:

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Heading tags structure your content

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They help make your content more accessible

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They are an important part of SEO best practices

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They enhance readability and improve accessibility

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They play a part in enhancing the overall user experience

Here at Root & Roam, we have a team of passionate people with decades of experience utilizing all aspects of available technology to help communicate value to customers. Our company has experience working with all forms of media through all available channels, platforms, and mediums. Our mission is to help businesses connect with customers, and we take pride in our ability to do just that. We know we can help you grow your business, so schedule a free marketing consultation to see what we can do for you today.
Determining how to structure your page and its headers to best benefit your business and its goals can be tricky. Root and Roam has a passionate team with experience in Content Creation and Web development to help.
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How to Sell on Instagram: Everything you need to know about how to sell products on Instagram

How to Sell on Instagram: Everything you need to know about how to sell products on Instagram

by | Jun 28, 2021 | Creative Services, Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Root & Roam Blog, SEO, Social Media, Website

As of 2021, 1.074 billion people are on Instagram worldwide making it the perfect place to sell your products. Instagram has all of the tools you need to get your product in front of the consumer and make them remember it. Selling on Instagram takes hard work, dedication, and marketing skills. This guide will show you how to sell on Instagram.

Set up an Instagram business account

 

To sell on Instagram, you will first need an Instagram business account. An Instagram business account will give you access to all of the great Instagram business features, including a “contact” button, analytics, sponsored posts, and Instagram shop. Follow these steps to create your Instagram business account:
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Begin by creating a new account that does not contain any personal information.

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Go to your Instagram page settings, click – Account
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Click – Switch to Professional Account
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Follow the steps and input the necessary information.

Voila! You are now ready to start selling on Instagram.

Build your Instagram shop

 

Once your Instagram business account is set up, you will need to set up your Instagram shop. To do this, you will also need a Facebook business page. Create your Facebook business page in two simple steps:

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Connect your Instagram business account to your Facebook business page.
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Log into Facebook, go to your ads manager, and find Commerce Manager in the hamburger menu. Follow the instructions to upload your catalog.

Your catalog can be uploaded three different ways:

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You can bulk upload your items using an excel spreadsheet. You will need to create a spreadsheet and input the item name, description, and price. Then follow the instructions to upload your spreadsheet to your shop.

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You can opt to manually input each item into your Instagram shop. If you choose this option, you will need to fill in the required blanks within the shop upload form to upload each item individually.

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The third option is to integrate your instagram shop with your ecommerce website. To use this option, you will need to have already set up an ecommerce shop with any of the website platforms that Facebook integrates with. Your options are Shopify, Channeladvisor, Feedonomics, Admixt, Quipt, Woo Commerce, Bigcommerce, CommerceHub, CED Commerce, Data Caciques, and Zentail. The integrate option will automatically pull the inventory listed on your ecommerce website into your Facebook and Instagram catalog.

Once you have created your catalog, you will then need to set up the Instagram shop. Click the shops icon on the left hand side of your mobile screen. Follow the instructions to create the shop. You will be able to organize your Instagram product into categories, choose your shop colors, button styles, and fonts. When you are satisfied with your setup click – save, and publish. 

It may take some time for Facebook and Instagram to process your shop for approval. Keep the platform’s bylaws and rules in mind when adding products to your catalog. Once your shop has been approved, your customers will be able to shop directly from your Instagram business account.

Reach your Target Audience and Gain Shop Awareness

 

Reaching your audience is more than just posting content. Take the time to develop a strategy that shares content that grabs your target Instagram audience’s attention, and pair it with keywords, hashtags, and timing.

Strategically build your Instagram shop awareness and audience with Instagram’s paid and unpaid advertising options. Take advantage of various posting methods such as posting, stories, reels, IGTV, post promoting, and Instagram paid ads to get the word out about your Instagram shop. Devise a strategy for what methods you will use and how you will measure success. Continually adjust your strategy as you find what works best. 

Reaching your audience is more than just posting content. Content that grabs the views paired with keywords, hashtags, and timing are what makes a perfect post.

Timing is Everything

 

Instagram’s algorithm is designed to show the most recent posts at the top of the news feed. The Instagram insights feature shows you the time and days when your audience is most active. Post your content during the most active time for a better chance of getting in front of a larger amount of your audience and bringing in new followers.

Optimize your Instagram post with keywords

 

Optimize your Instagram shopping posts using keywords just as you would optimize your website. Keywords are also necessary for your Instagram post to be discovered in a Google search. Research keywords relevant to your niche and use them to strategically plan your next post.

Hashtag it

 

Hashtagging is not just a trendy activity. It could mean the difference between reaching additional audiences who would not discover your business otherwise. When you add a hashtag to your post, your post will appear in that hashtag’s feed. This means that anyone who follows the hashtag has the potential to see your post. 

There is quite a bit that can go into your hashtag strategy. A few dos and don’ts when using hashtags in Instagram:

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Use just a few relevant hashtags in each post that you upload to Instagram, regardless if your post is in your Instagram feed, a story, or a reel.

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Make sure the correct audience finds your posts by ensuring that the hashtags mean what you intend.

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Pay attention to the amount of posts within a hashtag. When you search a hashtag on Instagram, you will see the number of posts with that hashtag. If there are a large number of posts, the likelihood that your post will be seen decreases. Instagram’s algorithm currently shows the most recent content first. When many posts are being added to a feed quickly, your post will get rotated down quicker. If you are just starting or are a small business, we recommend using smaller hashtags.

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Do not use hashtags that are irrelevant to your post, products, or services.

Create a shoppable Instagram feed

 

Build a shoppable Instagram feed by tagging your catalog products in your posts. When consumers tap the image, they will be able to follow the tag directly to that product in your Instagram shop and purchase within Instagram. Creating a shoppable post only takes a few simple steps:

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Create a new post

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Choose your image

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Tap Products – find the product in your shop catalog and tag it. If there are multiple products in one photo, be careful to place the tags in the correct place to avoid confusion.

Creating a shoppable Instagram story is similar:

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Create a new story

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Choose your image

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Under links, choose – product

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Search and tag the product in the story

Use this method every time you post product photos, and you will have created a completely shoppable Instagram feed.

Let’s sell product on Instagram!

 

To achieve the results that you desire, everything you do with your Instagram business page and Instagram shop should be strategically planned. Remember to always develop a strategy prior to starting any social media project. Keep your goals in mind and plan your actions accordingly. Selling on Instagram is the way of the future.

Here at Root & Roam, we understand that even with all of the tools available, selling on Instagram can be time-consuming and quite overwhelming. If you have any questions on how to sell on Instagram, we are here to help. Contact us today for more information on our Social Media services. Let’s move your product on Instagram!

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