The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur members are their own.
In recent years, Instagram has become one of the most popular social networks with over 1 billion active users. For many people and businesses, Instagram verification has become a coveted status symbol as it signifies trust and authenticity. Previously, verification was only available for known accounts, but now anyone can pay for verification on Instagram.
Meta (formerly known as Facebook) recently introduced Meta Verified, a new paid subscription that offers a streamlined and accelerated process for users looking to get a blue checkmark on their Instagram and Facebook accounts. The move left many users wondering if the blue checkmark, once considered a symbol of fame, has lost its meaning due to the availability of paid verification.
While verification is a step in the right direction, it is not enough to create a strong presence on the platform. Optimizing your account by developing a clear brand identity, leveraging Instagram features, and creating a high-quality content plan is critical.
In this article, we will delve into these strategies and provide practical tips to help you optimize your Instagram account after paying verification.
Related: What is Meta Validation? Here’s everything you need to know
Meta Validation Versus Traditional Validation
Meta Verified was first released to the public on February 19, 2023, but only became available to users in the US on March 17, 2023. According to Meta’s latest announcement, this feature is currently only available to users with personal accounts. As such, companies and other contributors whose account names and profile pictures do not match those on their government-issued ID are currently ineligible for paid verification.
In addition to the blue tick, Meta Verified offers copycat protection, additional account support, and enhanced reach and visibility. Traditional Instagram verification requires significant presence and influence in your industry or field. This can be demonstrated through various factors, including:
-
Media presence: Mention of your work or accomplishments in multiple news sources or media.
-
Brand Presence: You have a strong and established online brand presence with a large following and engagement on your social media platforms.
-
Industry Recognition: You have received awards, accolades or recognition for your work or contributions to your industry.
-
Public figure: You are a well-known public figure, such as a celebrity, politician or athlete.
-
Business Presence: You have a successful business with a solid online presence and influence in your industry.
Develop a clear brand identity
Developing a clear brand identity is critical to optimizing your Instagram account. Your brand identity is your unique personality and what sets you apart from your competitors. So every aspect of your profile should reflect your brand personality, from your profile picture to your content, clearly communicating who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart from the competition.
When it comes to your content, consistency is key. Think about the aesthetic you want to convey and use consistent colors, fonts, and filters in your posts. This will help your brand stand out and make it easier for your followers to recognize your content.
In addition to the visual aspects, it’s also important to have consistency in the type of content you post. Your content should be relevant to your brand and communicate what makes you different from others. Also, include any relevant keywords so that people can easily find your account when they search for specific topics.
Related: 15 Ways to Optimize Your Instagram Profile
Create a content strategy
Mere verification is not enough to create a strong presence on your social media platforms. In today’s digital landscape, creating high-quality content is critical for businesses to attract, engage, and retain customers. However, with so much online content and access to verification, standing out from the crowd can be tricky. This is where a well thought out content strategy comes in handy.
The first step in creating a content strategy is to define your target audience. Who are they, what are their interests, what are their pain points, and what content do they consume? Then do market research to identify your ideal customer and create customer personas that help you understand their needs and preferences.
Next, you need to set your goals and determine what you want to achieve with your content. For example, do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, drive traffic to your website, or establish a leadership position in your industry? Setting clear goals will help you create content that aligns with your business goals and measures the success of your content strategy.
Identify gaps in existing content based on your target audience and goals. Look for topics that others don’t cover or new perspectives on a topic. Use keyword research to determine the topics your target audience is searching for and create content that meets their needs.
Take advantage of Instagram
According to the latest Meta report Blog Post, its verified users will be more visible and accessible in certain areas of the platform, such as search, comments, and recommendations. With this enhanced discovery capability, it’s important to use all of Instagram’s features to get the best results for your account.
Instagram offers a range of features to help you connect with your audience and showcase your brand. These include Instagram Stories, Reels, and Live Videos. Each of these features offers a unique way to engage with your audience and showcase your brand in a variety of ways.
Instagram Stories are a great way to share behind-the-scenes content, talk about special promotions or events, or just connect with your followers in person. Videos, on the other hand, are short videos perfect for showcasing your brand’s personality and creativity. Live video is a great way to interact with your audience in real time and create a sense of community around your brand.
Experiment with different formats to see what works best for your audience. Pay attention to what types of content generate the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Related: 3 Simple Things Businesses Need to Grow Instagram
In conclusion, Instagram verification has become a symbol of trust and authenticity, and many individuals and businesses aspire to achieve this coveted status. While the availability of paid verification through Meta Verified may raise concerns about the meaning of the blue check mark, it is important to remember that verification is the starting point for building a solid presence on the platform.
To optimize your account, you must develop a clear brand identity, create a high-quality content plan, and use Instagram features. By following these strategies and staying true to your brand, you can build a strong Instagram presence, achieve your business goals, and stand out from the crowd of blue checkmarks.