The dos and don’ts of using Instagram for business

As the world’s largest photo-sharing platform, Instagram is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. With over one billion active users, there’s a huge potential audience for businesses to tap into.However, as with any social media platform, there are certain best practices that should be followed in order to make the most out of Instagram for business.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the dos and don’ts of using Instagram for business.

Do: Use high-quality images

This should go without saying, but it’s important to use high-quality images on your Instagram account. This is especially true if you’re using the platform to promote products or services.

People are visual creatures, and high-quality images will help to make your posts more eye-catching and engaging.

There are a few things you can do to ensure your images are of the highest quality:

• Use a good camera: If you’re serious about using Instagram for business, then its worth investing in a good quality camera. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy the latest and greatest DSLR – there are plenty of great quality cameras available at more affordable prices.
• Edit your photos: Once you’ve taken your photo, it’s important to edit it to make sure it looks its best. There are a number of great editing apps available, such as Light room, Snap seed, and VSCO.
• Use the right hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to get your photos seen by more people. However, it’s important to use relevant, targeted hashtags, and not just popular ones.

Don’t: Post low-quality images

As we mentioned above, it’s important to use high-quality images on your Instagram account. Low-quality images will make your account look unprofessional and could turn potential customers away.

So, what constitutes a low-quality image? Here are a few things to look out for:

• Blurry images: Blurry images are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to low-quality images. If an image is too blurry, it will be difficult to make out any details, and it will look unprofessional.
• Dark or poorly lit images: Another common issue with low-quality images is that they’re either too dark or poorly lit. This can make them difficult to see, and again, can make your account look unprofessional.
• Unflattering angles: It’s important to take photos from flattering angles, as this can make a big difference in how they look. Avoid taking photos from below, as this can often result in unflattering shots.

Do: Use Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are a great way to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business. They’re also a great way to promote products or services, as you can include links in your Stories.

To use Instagram Stories effectively, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Keep them short and sweet: People have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep your Stories short and sweet. Aim for around 15 seconds per Story.
• Make them visually appealing: Just like with regular posts, it’s important to make your Stories visually appealing. Use high-quality images and videos, and make sure they’re properly edited.
• Use relevant hashtags: Hashtags can be a great way to get your Stories seen by more people. Again, make sure to use relevant, targeted hashtags.

Don’t: Overpost

When it comes to posting on Instagram, less is more. You don’t want to bombard your followers with too many posts, as this can be overwhelming and off-putting.

A good rule of thumb is to post no more than once per day. This will give you enough time to come up with quality content, without bombarding your followers.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule – if you have a big announcement or something special to share, then you can post more often. But in general, stick to once per day.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a few things to keep in mind when using Instagram for business. Just remember to focus on quality over quantity, and to use the platform to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business. If you do this, you’ll be sure to see success.