Instagram for Business
Frequently, I am asked this question -"Why should I join Instagram for Business? I don't know what it is or how to use it. Why do I need Instagram? I have a Facebook page, isn't everyone on Facebook?" (In the past 2 years Facebook has lost 15 million users!)
"How much time will I need to spend with Instagram?" Consequently, these are some of the questions that come up from clients I work with on their social media management.
Well, let's start with: What is Instagram?
Instagram Definition
Instagram is photo sharing app which allows users to assign filters to photos and share them with followers. Since Facebook owns Instagram, you can also message others with Instagram like Facebook.
Instagram is a mobile app but you can be access it via desktop. However, note you cannot post new photos from a desktop. Your mobile device must be used for posting new photos videos and stories.
Instagram Stats
Here's the latest scoop on Numbers for Instagram: As of September 2018, there were 1 billion - yes, 1 billion users on Instagram according to Omnicore Agency.
- Out of the 1 billion Instagram users, there are 500 million active users who use it daily.
- The stories feature of Instagram has 400 million active users as well!
- 6 million Instagram users are from the US.
- Females dominate Instagram at 68% of users.
- 59% of internet users between the ages of 18 and 29 use Instagram and 33% of internet users between the ages of 30 and 49 use Instagram.
- And 72% of teens, the up and coming market use Instagram!
Why Instagram for Business?
So, getting back to that question above: Well, I began to say, Instagram is a younger audience. But is that it? No, there are at least 5 reasons for you to get started on Instagram for business today!
- Large audience that is active.
- Younger female audience.
- You can use their ad platform with a business account.
- Engage with Your Audience.
- Increase your online visibility.
Larger Audience with Instagram
You have a large captivating audience on Instagram. They are scrolling daily to get the latest photos, quotes and more from other others including businesses.
Younger people are leaving Facebook or not spending time on that network by large numbers now. However, they are spending more time over on Instagram. This younger audience engages more with brands here than on any other network. As a result, brands need to take advantage of this!
Younger Female Audience
If your business has a female target, Instagram for Business is surely a must for you to grow your business now and in the future.
Did you know women reinvest 90% of their income into their families and communities, compared to men, who reinvest only 30-40%? via socialtoaster.com That is a stunning factoid to be aware of when looking at your target market.
Also, did you know that Millennials are making one-fourth of the home purchases across the United States and single women are outpacing single men as homeowners? YES! (Fact from Biz Journal.) If you are a realtor that's a fact to make you take a second look at Instagram!
Ad Platform with Instagram for Business
Don't always have time to post to Instagram? Then, why not use their ad platform? Instagram owns Facebook and offers all different types of ad targeting like Facebook. Therefore, it's quick and easy to use.
Not only are ads available for Instagram business accounts but great insights into your stats! These are very helpful to understand your audience. For example, where they come from, what day they are most active and what time they are on Instagram. This will also help grow your followers organically as explained by Moss Clement at his blog post.
Generating organic followers is best as paid ones may cause you to be banned from Instagram.
Engagement is Crucial with Instagram for Business
To generate business from Instagram you need to be engaged with users. Engagement is made easier with the stories features and messenger app.
Not only do you need to do stories and use the messenger app but responding to comments and commenting on other's Instagram posts is key with Instagram success. Therefore, you can no longer post and run away. You have to engage on this network.
Shane Barker talks about this in his recent post about Instagram problems. One thing to be aware is that you can't post a comment on Instagram with 5 or more tags in it!
Now ,you can use a listening tool like Awario that monitors Instagram for you. This makes it easier for you and can save you more time.
Increasing Your Digital Visibility via Instagram
Moreover, being on Instagram gives you a different audience. Hence, if you post on this network it will increase your website or brand's visibility online. You will reach that younger audience that has left Facebook.
Using the right hashtags on Instagram and you can use up to 30 of them is key! Therefore, you can use a hashtag tool like Rite-Tag or Hashtagify to help you select and use the right hashtags. I've read in a few different places using around 12 hashtags per post is the sweet spot 🙂
A Large Following Is NOT Always Necessary on Instagram
Many people think having a large following is a must on Instagram. It is NOT if you do not have an engaged audience! Gary Vaynerchuk spoke about this engagement years ago but it still holds true today.
What good are Instagram followers if they don't engage or click on your bio link or stories? You would be wasting a lot of time uploading photos and creating hashtags.
Trust Insights recently did some studies and you will see exactly how the following ratios matter for influence on Instagram. (Having a large following on Facebook and Twitter has even less of an effect than on Instagram!)
So paying for followers may be a waste of money for you as well as being useless, or worse, get you banned from the network! ☹
Your Turn
Are you using Instagram for business today? I'd love to know more in the comments below if you ARE or are NOT using Instagram for business.
I'd also love to know how it's working out for you and if would you recommend others jump on the Instagram bandwagon today.
Finally, please share this piece on social media. 🙂