Instagram is a wildly popular mobile phone app that lets users share and add effects to pictures they take with their mobile phones. Since this app is closely integrated with Facebook and Twitter, sharing photos and telling your friends about your photos have never been easier. Instagram makes a lot of sense because people often have the urge to share right after they take pictures.
Compare this with the normal way people share photos on Facebook: they take a photo with their mobile phone, tap the picture to share on Facebook, caption. Instagram makes for a faster and more seamless way of photo effects and sharing. For businesses looking for the latest and greatest social networking and social media technologies to spread the word about their products and services, Instagram packs lots of promotional benefits. Here are the top 3 reasons why your business should be on Instagram.
Reason #1: You get to control your image online
If you do business with the public, it is only a matter of time until your image or brand gets online. The problem with letting the public at large handle your image is that you are not in control. For one thing, users might have an imbalanced or partial impression of your business. Worse, they might have a totally negative view of your brand and you’re powerless over the direction your brand takes online. To avoid these issues, you should post images of your products and brand online. You don’t have to be pushy about it but you should do so in such a way that it enables you to put your best foot forward The more you tag and share with your followers, the deeper the roots you plant about your business, your mission and vision, and the values your brand represents.
Reason #2: Leverage the viral impact of the Most Popular board
Instagram has a “most popular” section. Pictures that get popular get featured here and guest what? They get even more popular! There is a cascade effect. Put your best foot forward and show off the best side of your business in your photos. Should your photos get popular, your branding efforts become even more effective because your brand is seared in the minds of many influential online taste makers.
Reason #3: Leverage the power of social networking
Instagram was bought by Facebook for $1 billion. It is not a proud member of Facebook’s network. Prior to this, Instagram was already seamlessly integrated into Facebook. The more popular your pictures get on Instagram, the higher the chances your images will also be shared in Facebook. This can literally explode your brand’s reach as friends share with friends, other friends can share your photos and their friends can share in turn. And so on and so forth. It is not uncommon for obscure brands to gain traction online thanks to Facebook and Twitter.
