3 Reasons To Use Instagram to Market Your Small Business

Navigating the evolving world of social media and digital marketing can seem complicated and time consuming to a small business owner who’s main concern is to run their company. It’s tempting to foist the task upon a family member or employee who may be familiar with how to use various platforms for personal enjoyment, but doesn’t have the first clue how to use social media to market a business. Instagram is a great solution for a business that has a brick and mortar store, for someone who makes handmade things, a restaurant or for a contractor with a gallery of work to share. Here are a few reasons why Instagram is an excellent tool that can become an effective way to spread the word about your small business online.

1. Statics show Instagram’s success is growing.
Instagram is one of the most successful photo-sharing apps in the world. They have over 500 million active monthly users and the service continues to evolve and grow in popularity. Users currently share an average of 95 million photos and videos per day. It’s been projected that this year, 70.7 percent of U.S. companies will use Instagram for marketing, edging out Twitter for the first time.

2. A platform for the silent type.
As a photo sharing app, Instagram is useful for the business owner who isn’t persistent about blogging because they aren’t sure what to write. Blogging is important, but rather than be completely silent, you can share photos and add a short description or a tagline, a link back to your website and a few hashtags to the post for maximum impact. Don’t waste an opportunity by skimping on hashtags. Hashtags help Instagram users discover content and accounts to follow. The right hashtag, or combination of hashtags, will expose your brand to large and targeted audiences. By making yourself more discoverable on Instagram, you have a better chance of attracting new followers, getting more likes, and increasing engagement.

When users like, follow and comment on your posts, reply and thank them for their compliments and comments. Be sure to check out a few of their profiles and show them some love too by liking and commenting if what they are posting is relevant and appropriate. This will expose your profile to a wider audience and provide credibility and personalization to your account.

3. Instagram might be all they need to inspire a purchase.
I suggest installing the app on your smart phone and posting often, at least 4 times per week. Snap a picture of a dish at it leaves the kitchen on the way to a customer’s table. Post a photo of a new bag or piece of jewelry that’s just been put out on display. Showcase that tile job in your client’s remodeled bathroom or a candid shot of the yoga class as everyone is getting warmed up. As a result, you will see performance rates increase because 75% of Instagram users take action, such as visiting a website, when they see an Instagram advertising post.