Instagram is arguably the most visual of all social media platforms. It’s a place where people can post photos and videos that show the world what they see, think, and love. However, it’s also a business platform with over 700 million users . Brands that have an Instagram account have a great way to connect with customers and build their audience. If you are thinking about establishing your brand on Instagram and launching your own profile, here are some tips for how to use Instagram for business and how to become an Instagram influencer.

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Photo by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social media platform that allows users to create and share images and 15-second videos of their daily lives. Users can apply filters to their photos, add a location, and select between a square or landscape view. On the business side, brands can create an account, post photos and videos, and interact with a targeted audience. While Instagram is free to use, the business side offers additional features such as analytics, business tools, and shoppable posts. Instagram is owned by Facebook, so all of your business posts will also be posted to your Facebook page. Instagram offers insight into the demographics of users and how your content resonates with them. It also offers information on the best times to post and engagement rates and helps brands understand how to use Instagram as a business tool.

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How to use Instagram for business

Setting up your Instagram account is only the first step in making it effective for business. Here are some tips for how to use Instagram for business. First, create an account. Before you can post, you must have an account. There are a few ways to do this: Instagram Username - Create a username that is short, memorable, and relates to your business. Email Address - Create an email address purely for your account. This will help you stay organized and keep your personal and business emails separate. Facebook Page - You can link your Instagram to your business Facebook page. This will help your posts get seen by a more targeted audience.

Create a branded profile without a logo

Instagram is not just a social media platform, it’s a full-fledged media channel. This means it has all the same characteristics as other media sources such as TV, radio, or print. A basic rule of thumb is to create a branded profile even if you don’t have a logo. The goal is for your Instagram profile to be instantly recognizable and reflect your brand. Instagram profiles without logos are called “earned media”, meaning that people see your posts and associate them with your business without any paid advertising. Your profile is your 24/7 billboard. A profile without a logo creates an immediate association with your brand. Make sure your profile picture is consistent with your branding and represents your business accurately.

Host a contest with Instagram Live

Instagram Live is a real-time video streaming platform that allows you to interact with your followers in a new way. Whether you want to host a contest, announce a new product or service, or provide sneak peeks behind-the-scenes, Instagram Live is a great way to interact with your followers. You can use Instagram Live to provide behind-the-scenes access to your business and build a more personal relationship with your customers. By hosting a contest on Instagram Live, you can attract new followers while also retaining your current followers. And if you want to get even more out of Instagram Live, consider adding a voting option. This will allow your followers to vote for the winner of the contest by sending a message or leaving a comment.

Use video and photo ads

Instagram isn’t just a social media platform—it’s an advertising platform. With video and photo ads, you can create highly-targeted ads that will appear in your followers’ feeds. This is an easy way to promote your business and snag some new customers. Be sure to check out the Instagram Business tool to learn more about creating and running ads on the platform. Video and photo ads work best when they’re relevant and timely. If your business sells surfboards, don’t run an ad about snowboards during a snowstorm. These ads are highly customizable, so you can target your customers based on a number of factors, including the number of followers they have, the age or location of the people following your page, and their interests.

Bottom line

Instagram is a visual platform that allows brands to be creative and tell their story. It is a great way to interact with your customers and build a community. When using Instagram for business, make sure your profile is branded and consistent with your other marketing materials. You can also use Instagram Live to provide behind-the-scenes access and host contests to engage your followers. With video and photo ads, you can easily promote your business and draw new customers with targeted ads. Now that you know what is Instagram and how to use Instagram for business, go ahead and create a profile and start posting!