Your essential guide to Instagram - Webfactory

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a free app that allows users to transform the look of their pictures and videos by applying a range of filters. They can then be shared to followers, or linked to Facebook, Twitter and many more platforms.

Who uses Instagram?

Instagram has a fast growing user base; however the core demographic is a younger audience of 18 to 29 year olds. To take full advantage of the Instagram for your business, bear this in mind.

Is it suitable for your business?

More and more businesses are discovering Instagram as a marketing tool and it’s not necessarily restricted to one specific type of business, however understandably it does work better for some than it does others.

Some larger businesses that are using Instagram effectively are Adidas, Burberry, Sharpie and Redbull. Instagram works great for very visual types of businesses such as for those selling clothing or holidays. Businesses such as Sharpie employ their artistic side in line with their product, demonstrating what could be achieved with them, using customer submitted images. Redbull use another technique again, in line with their association of extreme sports and the slogan Redbull gives you wings,” you can expect to find plenty of action shots from surfers to skydivers. Each company has found a way into using the app effectively for their products.
Use Instagram to show your product or services in use, being worn, played with and enjoyed. You could also take photos of things which are associated with your brand values as Redbull does to sell not only your product but the life style it promotes. Instagram is all about visuals so exploit that and don’t be afraid to experiment.

How to get started:

• Download the Free App from Apple App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone store, depending on your model. Note, it’s also available on the iPad.
• Once you have access tap Register email, create a username and password, fill out your profile information and tap done, easy-peasy.
• You can also register though Facebook.
• Then go ahead and share your pictures
• You can also upload brand new photos direct from the app.
• Select a filter or not, maybe add a frame and you’re good to go.

Top Tips:

• Regular Posts: The more you post, the more exposure you’ll get, it makes sense.
• Use Hashtags: Much like with Twitter, Instagram uses Hashtags. Use these to be found in searches and to search out hot topics. So for example you post a picture of a new piece of jewellery, then a in the description you can add #jewellery #accessories. Anyone searching theses keywords will find your post, simple.
• Follow link minded businesses and people: See what your competition, potential customers and followers are posting and liking to keep yourself in the know.