How to Use Instagram: A Beginners Guide to the Popular Social Media Platform

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If you’re a millennial or Generation Z-er, you probably have an Instagram account. In fact, there are more than one billion active users on Instagram. That's because this photo-based social media platform is about so much more than just selfies and filter effects. You may not think of Instagram as a business tool, but it has become one of the most popular and effective ways to promote products and services online.

How to Use Instagram: A Beginners Guide to the Popular Social Media Platform

 The app has also become a key marketing channel for businesses that want to target Millennials. If you’re reading this as an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner, then you need to know how to use Instagram for personal and professional growth. Read on for more.

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a popular mobile app and social network that lets users create and share photos and short video clips. Users can “follow” other users to view their posts, and “like” and comment on posts they enjoy. The app has a variety of filters and editing tools that let you modify your photos, and you can also share your location and connect with others via “direct messages.” While Instagram is best known for its photo-sharing functionality

 it also lets users create and host videos of up to 60 seconds in length. If you’re just getting started with Instagram, you’ll want to create an account and start posting content right away. There are many ways to make the most of your Instagram account—and they don’t end with taking photos. You can also use Instagram to engage with followers, boost your brand and increase your online visibility.

How to Create an Instagram Account

First, download the free Instagram app on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Next, fill out the “Create An Account” form with your desired username, email address and a password of your choice. You’ll also need to provide your full name, 

bio and a profile photo. You’ll also be prompted to select a few account “preferences,” like whether or not you want to receive notifications when people comment on your posts. Once you’ve created your account, you’re free to start posting photos and videos to Instagram.

Managing Your Brand’s Instagram Account

As the person responsible for managing your brand’s Instagram account, it’s important to think about your overall strategy for the platform. Ask yourself: How will you use Instagram to grow your business? How will you set yourself apart from other brands on the platform?

 This may sound like a big undertaking, but you don’t need to do it all at once. Simply create a plan (or revisit your old one) that outlines your goals and how you’ll achieve them using Instagram. Once you’ve done this, you can focus on managing your Instagram account as a whole. Here are a few things you should consider as you put your social media strategy into action: - Post frequency 

 How often should you post on Instagram? You should try to post at least one photo or video per day. If you post too much, you run the risk of annoying your followers and driving them away. If you post too little, you won’t stay top of mind. - Posting time - When should you post on Instagram? As with most social media platforms, the best time to post is on weekdays between 9am and 5pm, when your followers are most likely to be online. 

 Content type - What type of content should you post on Instagram? Most businesses post photos on Instagram, but you can also post short videos. Be sure to include a call to action in your posts so that your followers know how to interact with you on Instagram.

How to Grow Your Following on Instagram

Now that you know how to manage your Instagram account, it’s time to grow your following. To do this, you’ll want to follow the advice listed above and put a few extra strategies into play. Here are a few ways you can grow your following on Instagram: - Post engaging content - Remember: You want to post content that appeals to an audience and inspires them to interact with you. 

To do this, make sure your posts are relevant and specific to your brand’s voice. - Use hashtags - You can also use hashtags on Instagram. This is a great way to connect with others and make your posts more discoverable. Just make sure you’re not abusing hashtags—if you post a photo with 10 hashtags, it will look spammy. Two to three hashtags per post is enough. - Interact with other Instagram users - Interacting with other Instagram users is a great way to build your following

. Comment on posts you love, like the photos of users who are following you and interact with people in various communities on Instagram. - Connect with your followers - Make sure to connect with your followers on Instagram. You can do this by responding to comments and messages, and thanking people who interact with your posts.

Using Instagram for Marketing

Once you’ve built a following on Instagram, it’s time to start marketing with the platform. Before you start, keep in mind that the main purpose of Instagram is to share photos and videos. 

You can’t (or shouldn’t) turn it into a pure sales platform. While you can link to your website, you can’t put a URL in your bio or on each individual post. To market with Instagram, you can do two things: create compelling content and use Instagram Stories.

Bottom line

Instagram is a social media platform that has proven to be an effective marketing tool for brands. You can use it to promote your products, engage with customers and show off your culture or lifestyle.

 You can also use it to build relationships with potential customers, provide customer service and share your expertise. Instagram is a great way to show off your brand’s personality and get your name in front of new people.