Instagram offers a lot of robust marketing plans such as running an Influencer campaign or a paid story ad. But there is also a very underrated and underused Instagram marketing opportunity called as Shoutouts.
What are Shoutouts?
An Instagram shoutout also famously known as IG shoutout or Insta shoutout is exactly what it sounds like. It is when one user promotes another user on their own Instagram account.
It usually takes the form of User A creating a post or story that contains a photo, video or @ mention of User B. In many cases shoutouts fall under influencer marketing.
Shoutouts is the fastest and effective way to build followers on Instagram. However it is not always the easiest way to build followers as it requires networking and willingness to feature the content of other users on your own account.
Shoutouts can go on the users feed, stories, IGTV and even the most recent, Reels.
What are the Benefits of Shoutouts?
📣 Genuine Connections
📣 Brand Exposure
📣 Increase followers
📣 Establish credibility
Type of Shoutouts
⭐ Paid Shoutouts
These shoutouts are a classic influencer marketing tactic. This is when you pay a user to promote your brand, typically with cash or via an exchange for a free product or access to your service.
⭐ Shoutout for Shoutout (S4S)
S4S is a simple trade – they agree to give you a shoutout on their page if you give them a shoutout on yours.
⭐ Voluntary Shoutouts
The Holy Grail of shoutouts. This is when someone is just so darn happy with your product or customer service that they give your brand a shoutout without you even having to ask or pay.
How to get shoutouts that gets the best results?
1️⃣ Find Users with Similar Content
it is very important to collaborate with users who have similar content or similar interest. A user who is a fan or sports gives a shoutout to a food page, the brand exposure will be low, it wont be considered a credible shoutout and chances of an increase in followers will be minimal.
2️⃣ Like, Comment and Follow User Profiles Before asking for shoutout
It is always polite to engage with users personally and on their content before asking them for a shoutout. This way it shows the other user that you are engaging with their content and are interested in their work. Remember, social media is all about engagement and a little interaction goes a long way. But also remember, don't spam the users with comments and DM's. It would make you look too eager and spam don't get noticed or worse, blocked.
3️⃣ Contact the User via Email or Direct Message
Never leave a random S4S comment on their posts. Be professional in your approach. Pen down a nice formal message or email introducing your self, the brand/work, why you follow and like the user and why you should collaborate. It would be preferable to contact the user via email. Many users mention their email ID in the bio or include a email button. If neither is available then send them a direct message.
This may sound like a lot but if you go deeper into the crux of how shoutouts work, they are pretty simple. Give it a try, tag the restaurant you ordered your meal from or the fashion outlet that your dress is from. You never know, they could repost your story or post which will expose your brand/page to a big audience.
WRITTEN BY
Farheen S. Sayed
Farheen is the Managing Director at Social Donut 101 based in Kuwait and India. She is an aficionado of all things social media along with all the best food joints.
You can connect with her on Instagram @farheen_f1s
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