Instagram is an ever-evolving social sharing platform that is largely based on the visual. The platform encourages users to engage with content in many ways: by liking and commenting on pictures, watching videos, and participating in polls. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, it’s unique in that captions can’t include links. It instead utilizes and encourages the use of hashtags like #linkinbio. Businesses are forced to get more creative in order to drive people to their storefronts.

FUN FACT: Instagram has over 800 million accounts as of September 2017 and continues to grow daily.

Companies can utilize Instagram in a number of ways. Engaging customers outside of the normal communication avenues, offering a behind the scenes and sneak peeks into product launches and what they are working on next, and allowing the customer to find out more about the brand and it’s personality to name a few.

There are a few things to consider when creating an Instagram for your business. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do a majority of my clients, customers, patients use the platform?
• Will I keep up with it? Or have someone to keep up with it for me?
• Can my brand/company gain something from using this platform?

Most businesses can confidently say yes to most, if not all, of these questions. And if you're one of them--GO YOU! But let’s break it down a bit further.

Do a majority of my clients, customers, patients (current and potential) use the platform?

With over 800 million accounts as of 2017, the answer to this questions is most likely YES. Your target audience is also probably on Facebook. And since Facebook owns Instagram, your ads running on Facebook show up on the ‘Gram too. Due to the difference in nature of these two platforms (although similar), you can post similar, but different sides of your brand on each platform. Exhibit A: Our Instagram + Facebook feeds.

Will I keep up with it? Or have someone who will gram for me?

This question is huge. Really think about it. The worst thing for a marketer and/or consumer to see is an account with three total posts with the last post being a few months ago. Hint: this is NOT an active account. You likely won’t receive the following you’re looking for if you don’t post at least 5x a week. Consumers like consistency.

Can my brand/company gain something from using this platform?

Absolutely. You will find that your customers are more willing to engage on Instagram--through likes, comments, direct messages, and story views. If you use certain kinds of e-commerce sites, your customers will be able to shop from the app, as well.

The benefits of using Instagram are not just limited to companies that sell B2C. B2B companies can utilize Instagram too. Just take a look at ours! All in all, if you’re thinking about creating an Instagram for your business/brand/company, do it. Show the people a different side of the company they already love.