Using Instagram for Your Brand

Normally, when I have read enough about a particular topic to draw conclusions, I compile an article with links to various sources, and give action steps.

However, with this Hootsuite article, there is not need.  It is 100% ready to rock, action steps and all.

To be fair, I have been using Hootsuite for 5 years now, so I am obviously a fan, however, it has only been recently that I discovered that the speed of change in social media actually outpaces the technology that supports it, so I have begun reading all of the tweets.  Wow.  Worthwhile.

Anyway, on to the article.  Rather than restating why you should read the article (Click here to read the article on Using Instagram for your brand,) this is their introduction:

If you’re reading this post, you’ve already realized one fundamental thing: Instagram is a critically important social network. The photo-sharing app is not only important for retailers, restaurants, or travel companies; as one of the most effective brand-building tools available today, Instagram is increasingly important for every kind of business.

Instagram is now a hub where regular people find (and judge) the visual identity of a business. Without a strong Instagram presence, companies risk being ignored or forgotten, especially among the next generation of consumers. Among American teens, Instagram is actually considered the single most important social network.

If you do take Instagram seriously, it can open up a world of opportunity for your brand. Forrester has named Instagram the “king of social engagement,” citing the fact that top brands’ Instagram posts generated a per-follower engagement rate of 4.21 percent. That means Instagram delivered these brands 58 times more engagement per follower than Facebook, and 120 times more engagement per follower than Twitter.

So, you now know why your business should be on Instagram. Below, we tackle the “how,” walking you through the process of building an Instagram strategy, setting up your account, and best practices for brands. Read on for our beginner’s guide on how to use Instagram for business.

If you want to know more, Click here to read the article on Using Instagram for your brand.