Like Pinterest, Instagram is a photo-based social media site. Recently purchased by Facebook for a BILLION dollars, Instagram is one of the top
photo-sharing, mobile-only social media apps. Instagram offers filters to make your photos look a little prettier before being shared to sites like Facebook or Twitter.
How can you use Instagram to promote your business? First you must determine if your target customer is on the site.
A recent study found that 12% of online adults use Instagram, which is dominated by young adults. Twenty-seven percent of the Internet users between ages 18-29 use Instagram. Launched in October 2010, the company boasted 80 million users and four billion photos shared by July 2012. Less than two months later, and following the purchase by Facebook, it was reported that Instagram was up to 100 million users.
Although many people share their personal pictures consisting of sunsets, pets, or the dinner they are about to eat, a business could easily promote
products on Instagram with a clever marketing campaign. A clothing store
can post photos of upcoming fashion trends. A bike shop with a resident
puppy can share the day’s adventures. A restaurant can post photos of
the chef’s latest creations.
Here are some tips for businesses who want to incorporate Instagram into their social media regimen:
- Encourage your customers to follow you on Instagram and follow them back
- Use hashtags (like Twitter)
- Hold contests
- If fans are sharing your photos, share their photos on your profile
- Instagram photos of customers in your store and some of the day-to-day workings of your company
- Share a few personal photos as well so that your followers get to know you
There are a lot of words and information floating around on the Internet. To be seen, you must stand out and one way to do that is to share photos.
Have you tried using a program like Instagram for your business? Tell us how it went!
