In the world of social media, the old adage “less is more” doesn’t always apply, at least when it comes to followers on Instagram. In fact, building a loyal base of followers across all social media platforms has become an integral part of successful marketing strategies and an important component of establishing your brand. So, when one of the top social media platforms decides to open the doors to businesses and public figures, seeking the coveted badge of verification gets our attention.
Why? Because, that little blue checkmark is not just confirmation that you are who say you are, it’s also an indicator that you, or your brand are a “notable public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity it represents,” in the eyes of the Instagram social media machine and now you can reap the benefits that come with verification. Benefits that can positively impact your business by helping you build brand awareness and credibility. Some of the additional benefits include –
Eliminates the risk of brand identity theft – Because, after all, no one wants their followers following an imposter.
Increases organic SEO – While there’s no guarantee you’ll achieve verification simply by applying, your chances of being successfully verified are higher the more followers you have. And gaining as many followers as possible has the domino effect of potentially increasing your customer reviews, website traffic and ultimately – your business’s organic SEO.
Grow your network with more opportunities to include links – Instagram only allows one clickable link in your profile bio, unless you’re verified or unless you have a business account with more than 10,000 followers. Being verified means being able to include links to websites or blogs in your Instagram stories and is another great way to increase website traffic, which equals – more conversions.
How do I get my business verified?
It’s true that verification has its perks but it’s also true that achieving verification is not automatic just because your business can now apply. But you have nothing to lose by trying and as you build your growing list of followers, you can reapply and keep reaching for that sought-after blue badge of honor that says you’re Instagram worthy.
To submit a verification request, go to your profile page and click the profile button in the bottom right corner and click the settings button, illustrated by the 3 vertical lines in the top right corner. Scroll down and click the “Request Verification” button under the account menu in settings and complete the form fields. Upload a picture of your government issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport, or you can also upload an official business document like a tax return or proof of incorporation. Submit and then wait for a notification from Instagram regarding your request.
Don’t be discouraged if your initial request is not approved. It’s pretty tough to get verified but continue building your presence and followers across social media platforms and keep trying! Because either way, you have everything to gain from simply going through the process.
For more information on how to build a successful Instagram strategy or other social media campaigns, reach out to us at info@celsiusmarketing.com or visit our website at www.celsiusmarketing.com and learn how to drive traffic to your website that results in conversions. And don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn!
