Amid all the conversations about liking on Facebook and tweeting on Twitter, Instagram has quietly been growing, 26% of online adults use this platform and are learning a lot about promotion. Instagram is one of the strongest social networks to get noticed if you are a new small business. This app popped onto the social networking scene five years ago and enabled its users take and share pictures and 15-second videos through the app. And looking at the statistics, Generation X represents less than half of the users on Instagram. Millennials (18-29) show at 53% and even that number has grown from 37% in only a few years.
New learning curve terms this week: filter, borders, #hashtag, caption, feed (news, activity, following), gallery, album, post, and @mentions
Site references: Lynda.com
The training courses I took were the Instagram Fundamentals and Instagram for Business on Lynda.com – which taught me how to use the application and how it’s used for business.
As a fearless, lifelong learner who just started a freelance writing business, this is what I have learned so far, how to:
- Update my profile.
- Only add a hyperlink to your profile comment.
- Add images both related to Hyper Writer (my business) and that of regular pics.
- Post during peak times such as any weekday but Friday from 6am until noon.
- Post to Facebook and Twitter simultaneously.
- Add @mentions and #hashtags
- Follow a lot of interesting people and brands
Instagram is the place to showcase your wares whether its photography, clothing, chefs, travel, comics or technical writing. Tap into the 300 million users for business by engaging them in contests or giveaways and feature your products or services. Instagram also allows you to see who your competition is and search for current products.
This app is not just a place for personal photos, but a great place to share your business ideas. And as a nice new entrepreneur, I plan to use social networks like this as creatively as possible. Most of all, Instagram allows you to document your personal life and business goals through inventive pictures and numerous filters. And you will have no idea how imaginative and inspirational it can be until you start posting!
Follow me on Instagram @stefwriter