What did we do before social media? No, seriously, think about it. How’d we share our photos with each other? We usually texted them or maybe even e-mailed them in the absence of an app that allowed us to share photos and double-tap for a “like.” Facebook came onto the scene in the late 00’s as a multi-functional sharing platform, but Instagram created an app to let people do just that – to show each other what they’re seeing and let others know they like it. In case you didn’t know, Social Spice Media recently launched our Instagram, and we’re the talk of Old Town! We’ve been getting noticed more ever since we opened our Insta account. Don’t believe us? Take a look at our booming page, and make sure to follow us! We’ll #followback.

So what makes Instagram so important for businesses? The #InstaBusiness has been a hot trend and it’s continuing to grow as Instagram’s numbers grow. Because you can link your Facebook business page to your Instagram, you can also see insights and data from your Instagram posts and take advantage of in-channel advertising, placing your ads between posts in a user’s feed. These advertisements say sponsored in the right corner above the photo to distinguish them among others, but a well-designed ad will blend seamlessly into the user feed.

It’s no question that Instagram is continuing to gain popularity. Compared to Twitter, their numbers are outstanding. Let’s examine the importance of this social channel and why digital marketing experts (that’s us!) are supportive of the migration to this visual social app. First, let’s take a look at the stats:

• There are over 500 million monthly active users on Instagram
• Over 300 million users log in and engage with the app daily
• More than 80% of users are outside the U.S.
• Instagram boasts an average of 4.2 billion daily likes
• Over 95 million photos and videos are shared per day

Pretty impressive, right? We think so. Several sources also agree with us, including Hootsuite who tells us, “Instagram will bring in $595 million in mobile ad revenues worldwide this year and $2.81 billion by 2017.” It’s a profitable social app that is making changes in response to user feedback , increasing their desire to continue use of the app. (This can be taken in contrast to Twitter, whose grudging expansion of their restrictive platform came too late to right the ship.) Hootsuite also reveals that it’s considered the most important social network by more American teens than any other social network. Some businesses are trying to discover new ways to reach younger audiences – this is it. You have the ability to reach customers outside of the U.S., which can be extremely beneficial for those conducting business in international markets.

You have to be strategic about your ads in order to create that seamless affect we mentioned. It’s almost like donning camouflage so you can connect with the audience as a personable business rather than turn users away with an obvious advertisement just looking to pitch a product. Show your Insta users that you care. We don’t want to give away the secret recipe – so you’ll have to contact us to learn more about the strategy.

This increases a business’ chance to be seen on Instagram and to boost user engagement. Instagram also demonstrates a casual, more intimate approach to business and takes away the stiff, buttoned-up look some businesses can project. Let’s face it: Instagram is not a home for stock photos, reposts of your logo, and constant blog updates. It’s a place for you to show users the human faces behind your brand, demonstrating a personable company that people will want to interact with. This can be done several ways, and creatively, through Insta’s many features and a growing army of third-party apps.1. Instagram Stories

Similar to Snapchat, Instagram launched “Instagram Stories” for users to share photos that only last for only 24 hours and don’t appear in your feed or on your homepage photo grid. They allow you to use different pen colors to feed creativity and share moments throughout your day.

2. Boomerang

It’s an app where you create a moving snippet, otherwise known more commonly as a .gif. Does someone in your office have a quirky habit that would be fun to capture on Instagram? Download Boomerang to start showing off your employees hard at work while having a little bit of fun.

3. Hyperlapse

Have you heard of the hyperlapse photography technique? It’s where you capture video with a much quicker speed than you are actually moving. Hyperlapse allows users to share these types of videos. Thought they may seem at home on a business traveler’s feed who is always on the go, we think they’d look slick on any Instagram feed.

4. Layout

There are several apps that can be found in any app store to create collages on Instagram. Layout is one of those, which gives you the ability to share more than one photo in that Insta square. This ideal for users who don’t want to clutter their page with multiple posts that can instead be condensed into one aesthetically pleasing image.

5. Videos

Instagram started out as a social channel that allowed users to post only photos, but now it gives us the ability to post videos. The app announced in March this year that they wanted to allow users up to 60 seconds of video for their postings. Even though a picture is worth a thousand words, 60 seconds of video could be worth so much more!

If you’re interested in developing a social media presence, especially on Instagram, we’d love to help you get started and expand your influence. Get in touch with us so we can launch your #InstaBusiness today.