Influencer marketing continues to grow, with brands partnering with popular Instagram accounts to reach new audiences.
However, when you buy Instagram followers, it won’t authentically grow your community. A thoughtful Instagram takeover strategy can introduce your brand to interested users when done right.
This comprehensive guide will discuss the crucial steps for planning, executing, and optimizing an Instagram takeover, including goal-setting, guest selection, content planning, and analyzing results.
Follow this proven framework to flawlessly run engaging takeovers that deliver quality exposure and leads for your business.
Importance of Instagram Takeovers
Instagram takeovers allow brands to leverage an influencer’s existing, engaged following to share educational, inspiring, or entertaining branded content. For the company, it helps expand its presence to communities with shared interests.
For the host influencer, it provides opportunities to partner with aligned brands. When done authentically rather than transactionally, takeovers improve following and engagement metrics.
But their value lies in introducing your organic efforts to a warm new audience. When mutually beneficial for both parties, takeovers also strengthen influencer relationships and trust.
Most importantly, entertaining takeover content converts casual viewers into loyal brand ambassadors with the human touch and authenticity an influencer brings.
Tips To Plan and Execute A Successful Instagram Takeover
It can be challenging to successfully complete an Instagram takeover without knowing the right steps. Below, we discuss all the right approaches to assist you in getting it done hassle-free. Read on.
1. Pre-Planning Phase
The pre-planning stage determines a takeover’s success, so dedicate adequate time. Set clear, measurable objectives aligned to your branding and business KPIs. Are you looking to acquire new followers, boost engagement or generate awareness?
Identifying these goals and key metrics like lead generation helps evaluate impact. Next, scout for the right guest with an engaged, interested following whose values, expertise and interests seamlessly blend with your specialty.
Carefully outline the takeover duration and timeline with start/end dates, content drafting stages, and more. Proper planning is pivotal for coordinating logistics seamlessly while wowing the audience.
2. Content Strategy
Developing the content strategy transforms your takeover vision into reality. Select a unique theme that encapsulates your brand and resonates with the guest’s community.
Define content types to include on the carefully crafted calendar, balancing posts, stories, IGTV videos, reels and live sessions. Stories are engaging, but posts have more significant reach potential.
Determine how the content will align with your brand voice and guests’ interests while addressing audience needs. The theme, content variety, and relevance will keep viewers engaged throughout.
Scheduling content in batches allows for creativity yet consistency while giving both parties flexibility with pre-planned backup options.
3. Execution Phase
To generate buzz around the immersive experience, promote the upcoming takeover a week in advance using your networks and the influencer’s reach. Provide guidelines addressing brand guidelines, best practices, relevant hashtags, and other etiquette for the host.
Discuss security protocols before granting access to assets and approved content. During the takeover, monitor participation and address any issues promptly. To maximize involvement, leverage unique Instagram tools like Stories polls and question stickers.
With many eyes watching, takeovers require vigilance yet should appear effortless. Real-time interactivity builds anticipation for future activations.
4. During the Takeover
On takeover days, engage personally with comments while the host infuses the content stream with their personality. Monitor continuously to ensure brand alignment and guest satisfaction, addressing hiccups upfront.
Encourage participants to interact through branded hashtags and tagged questions. Capitalize on ephemeral Stories by cross-posting interactive content from the host. Leverage IGTV for in-depth host-led tutorials or interviews.
But allow organic sharing to unfold freely. Have your guest go Live for a behind-the-scenes experience. Capture engagement rates across platforms to quantify success for future prospects.
5. Post-Takeover Activities
Takeovers don’t end after the last scheduled post – there is more impact potential. Review results against stated KPIs and note key learnings. Extract meaningful insights from community sentiment and engagement patterns.
Compile highlights and influencer testimonials into a recap sharing successes. Express gratitude through customized thank you notes incorporating community feedback. Continue engaging with followers sparked by the experience.
When executed cohesively from planning through execution and follow-up, your visibility and potential for repeat partnerships multiply. Proper post-takeover activities cement your expertise for ongoing success.
Final Thoughts: Execute A Successful Instagram Takeover!
Instagram takeovers offer a dynamic way to authentically grow your community through the lens of a relatable host.
Have robust planning covering logistics, clear communication of guidelines, and an attentive execution to leverage Instagram’s interactive features. Create impactful partnerships that foster long-term brand affinity and relationships.
Make the most of any opportunity by thoughtfully considering each stage—this will translate to quality customized experiences for your followers and new fans.