SOCIAL MEDIA
Insta-Biz I
By Stefan Muehlbauer
nstagram, a relatively new social media app launched in 2010, is primarily photo driven. Users share photos with a description and up to thirty hashtags (for example #learn or #clevertaghere). Instagrammers find each other by searching hashtags and liking pictures, or following users with photos they like.
No other social network has seen such a meteoric rise as Instagram, which now boasts over 200 million users (versus Facebook’s 830 million). The beauty of Instagram lies in its universal appeal. Where language can be a barrier for other social networks, a picture can be understood globally.
In July 2014, it was reported that more than 13% of the internet population uses Instagram, especially younger generations: 51% of 2014 high-school graduates and 36% of 18-29 year olds.
Businesses thinking about breaking
into Instagram should know that while nearly 90% of businesses employ Facebook in their online marketing strategy, only 19% of businesses use Instagram.
What businesses are ideal for Instagram?
Any business is suited for marketing on Instagram, as long as there is a visually appealing way to tell the story of your brand. Some businesses have it easier, like fashion, cars, real estate, restaurants, and other very visual products.
But what if your business is not of a very visual nature? Well, you may have to get more creative. For example, accountants can use a picture of the shiny new boat your accounting client bought with the tax savings you found them.
Getting started on Instagram
Instagram’s success lies in its ease of use. The platform relies almost exclusively around the smartphone and tablet apps so the first step is to download the Instagram App.
Once installed, it’s time to register.
Enter your email address (or link your Facebook account), create a username and password, and you’re ready to go. If you plan on having a personal Instagram account and one for business, you may
want to connect your personal Instagram account with Facebook and use your business email address for a business Instagram account.
One of the key concerns you should have is your username. Pick a username that is:
1. Easy to remember 2. Matches your brand So while it might be tempting to call
yourself Moonflower1988, it is better to pick a username closely related to your business name. Unlike some platforms, you can change your username in the future if you want, as long as the name isn’t taken.
Then create a compelling bio. Include relevant information like location, a quick business description and the shortest elevator pitch you can muster.
Finding your way around Instagram’s app is simple to use
and the most important features can be accessed at the bottom of the screen. From left to right (in the current configuration
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WWW.NAPLESCHAMBER.ORG I BUSINESS CURRENTS™
I NOVEMBER 2014 7
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