When we say we cracked the code, we mean we cracked the code i.e. rather than having a bunch of hypotheses, theories, tidbits from articles and a big budget, we broke down what was already working for both accounts we loved and accounts we ourselves had grown. We found similarities across all of them that must make up the secret sauce to Instagram growth success.
Here are my (Maya’s) favourite accounts to follow and the reason WHY I follow them:
@perfectsayings – really relatable, makes you think of instances and situations where this has happened
@garyvee – reality check, motivation, answers questions when you feel confused about achieving something
@justbanter – just funny, slapstick funny stupid, childlike – takes you back to schooldays, nostalgia
@culturefemale – clothing, see what styles are there, what to pair it with – fitting in to society
@tiktok – entertaining in really short, variety show binge of all different genres
The first shared commonality that jumps out: they are massively authentic (they are abundant and not going for likes/followers), not caring who’s watching, not being afraid to speak your mind, not bandwagoning – do it cos you genuinely like it and believe it MOST of the time i.e. of course, we all play to our audience, our friends, our workplace but make sure to do so without losing our identity. However, this is a double-edged sword and that is, make sure you’ve got enough self-awareness to know how you’re perceived on camera. Get real feedback from people you can trust on this.
The rest are this:
-
Relatable
-
A girl who talks about similar problems other girls have BECAUSE SHE HAS THEM (now think about this, this could be YOU and very EFFECTIVE if you’re in the makeup, beauty, hair, wedding or fashion space)
-
What we call “The Vibe” that the account produces for the demographic they’re intended toward – Gary Vee swearing really fits in as a 40 year old to the 21 – 30 year old demo. (Also plays into contradictory elements – one is confusing, the other is relatable – multi-millionaire middle aged businessmen who swears, listens to hip hop and likes sports)
- Key to this is BE AUTHENTIC. We see people make a business because they think it’s going to appeal to a certain demographic even though they themselves don’t relate to that demo. In that instance, get a nephew, niece or customer to become the face of the brand. Email obidomedia@gmail.com if you want to understand this more and we’ll chat to you about it for free.
-
-
Reality check
-
do you have enough expertise in your area to educate and motivate people with authority? Then showcase that on your account.
-
-
Answer questions nobody else has:
- Or answer questions better
- How can you work this out?
- What are clients constantly asking you on the phone?
- What did you want to know when you first started this business?
- What’s the number one thing people come to you for?
- Google it.
- See what your competitors are answering or offering. Give advice on it.
-
Just funny
- If you’re naturally humorous, don’t be afraid to showcase this personality
-
Nostalgia
- Relate to your demographic by bringing up music, films and iconic moments from their era or yours
-
Fitting in to society (Male v Female)
-
Be entertaining
-
Be short
-
Relevance
-
N.B. be careful not to look like you’re trying to just play off social culture. Authenticity is key i.e. even though you could go viral being relevant for every trending topic (many YouTubers do this), do it too much and you lose brand integrity. Too little and you’re irrelevant.
-
Take a balanced approach or take a different angle on a trending topic for e.g. “Tik Tok got banned in India so I made my own app” as a title if it fits into your narrative and you’ve done something along those lines or had the idea.
-
– Maya
Additional tip from The Chief:
Observe the great Will Smith @willsmith pulling the above off very well. And he’s a famous Hollywood actor AKA he doesn’t need to do social media but by doing it, he’s now even more likeable, more relevant, more on people’s mind than the other actors and therefore when he does a movie, sitcom, his kids release an album = HUGE MARKETING DONE ALREADY. He also should be a huge indication to you on whether or not you need to hire a social media marketing agency for your business in case you’re still debating it 🙄
Will’s already amassed a following which was easy for him cos he’s famous but the difference is, they’re engaged celebrity followers – the likes of Diddy, Timberlake etc. follow him and write on his posts. This is rare in the celebrity world. This makes you a star no matter what industry you’re in. This post is pure gold. Stuff we shouldn’t be giving away for free if you really read between the lines. Steal it before we take it down.
– O
our oath: obi does media better. 