Rocking Instagram for Your Small Business

Susan Tucker

Have you heard? Instagram is a goldmine for brands. In fact, brands account for 40% of the top 1,000 most-shared videos on Instagram. Engagement is the key to branding, and a 2013 study by research firm L2 found that Instagram offers 25% more engagement than other social media channels. And, with engagement being key to brand-building, connecting with customers and social media ROI, it may be time to see for yourself how to use Instagram for your small business.

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a visual content social media network that’s a powerful tool for brand building and reaching new customers. It harnesses the power of both social media and visual content. Brands can use Instagram to stand out from their competition and build strong, long-lasting relationships with their customers.

Why Use Instagram?

Instagram offers you a way to show rather than just tell. You can show your customers the positive or human side of your business. Some ways in which big brands (and smaller ones alike) are using Instagram to connect is by showing off valued employees or inside aspects of their company. Transparency is a big way to gain trust these days, and Instgram offers the ability to get real, humanize your business, and make it more fun.

As the statistics above state, Instagram is not only popular but also highly engaging for users. It’s a perfect venue for direct interaction between a brand and its customers. A small business can use this popular platform as a way to update your customers with the latest news about your company or things that interest them. It can be a kind of news feed that disseminates information that’s interesting, entertaining, new, or exciting.

Every bit of visual content shared on Instagram gives you an opportunity to create a personal connection with your customers. The visual nature of Instagram even breaks down language barriers. With around 60% of Instagram’s users outside of the United States, it offers opportunities for expanding brand awareness beyond borders.

Although it’s not for all businesses, most businesses have some type of visual content they can share. Obviously, a restaurant, tourist organization, or design company has visual content to share. But if you get creative (and you’ll learn some ways to in this course), any type of business can find good visuals to share.

Are you already on Instagram? What have been your favorite aspects of using Instagram for your small business?

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