5 Ways to Use Instagram for Your Business

As social media platforms evolve and change what they do, marketers are forced to constantly change up their social media strategies. Many add another platform to their plan or completely abandon one for another. Let me give you one platform that should get some of your attention – Instagram.

Instagram is one of the hottest social networks for businesses right now. With over 200 million users, it’s a great way to connect with your community. With over 25% of Fortune 500 businesses using Instagram, they must be on to something. Instagram is a great way to provide quality, fun content to your community. Instagram guru Jenn Herman of Jenn’s Trends gives us 10 reasons why you should be using Instagram. Among her reasons are –

• You can drive traffic to your site from Instagram.
• It’s for all types of businesses.
• There’s no formula to determine what you see, you see everyone’s posts.

The big question is how can you use Instagram effectively. Afterall, it’s just pictures, right?  Here are 5 ways you can use Instagram for your business and have fun with it…

1. Quotes

No matter the platform, people LOVE quotes. They can be business quotes or inspiration quotes. No matter what topic they cover, these graphics get the most engagement. Share a quote each day that inspires you or a funny quote to end the week. Just keep in mind that these need to be relevant to your business & industry!

2. Graphic Announcements

Several businesses I follow take advantage of Instagram for announcements. They may create a graphic to announce a new blog post or a special sale going on. Get creative! Use pictures to show what is going on with your business and let the world know what you have to offer.

3. Products

Instagram is really popular with retail businesses. In fact, over 50% of retailers are on this platform with Victoria’s Secret being the most popular. Most retailers use Instagram to showcase their latest finds and articles of clothing. Restaurants use it to show off their newest dishes. Social media professionals use it to showcase their latest webinar or event.

4. Contests

Everyone loves contests! These are popular on Instagram as well. How you typically run an Instagram contest is have the person screenshot a certain picture and post it on their account with a particular hashtag. This is a great way to expand your brand virally.

5. Show Your Personality

I’m a big proponent of using social media with purpose and keeping it relevant. However, there are times when you just have to show off something your office staff is doing or a great event you are at. Use Instagram to show off your personality! It’s fine to post something off-topic every now and then. You want to relate to your audience and there’s no better way than showing them who you are.

How about you? Do you use Instagram for your business? If so, please share your link in the comments so we can follow you!

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