There’s a reason why the number of Instagram users tends to grow by leaps and bounds. It’s one of the hottest and most innovative social media apps in the app store. It combines the beauty of all the social media outlets in one app. There’s Instagram Live which competes with Periscope and Facebook Live. There’s the Instagram Stories feature which competes with Snapchat. There’s also the standard ability to share beautiful pictures and content. These reasons also make it perfect for any small business to grow and build a strong platform and brand. There are a few ways to use Instagram to do this.

1. Use images to tell a story.
Instagram is the prime place to share pictures. While there are many people who use their Instagram platforms to share stories with long captions, Instagram is primarily a visual platform. Use it to share beautiful pictures that tell the story of your brand without having to include a ton of words. Let the words be icing on the cake. When the graphics are beautiful, clear and eye-catching, any brand will have a much better chance of competing with other brands for attention.

2. Use the right hashtags.
Many people look at hashtags and steer clear of them because they tend to attract the automation robots. However, it’s also a great way to find a few good and loyal followers. Hashtags are very helpful in allowing your potential clients to find you. As a result, you’ll want to do some research to find out the best hashtags to use based on your niche. For example, if your small business specializes in lawn care services, words such as lawn care and landscaping are good choices. A phrase like landscapers of Instagram will be great to consider using as well.

3. Interact and engage with others.
No man is an island. In this case, no business is an island. Because of this fact, it’s very important to talk and engage with other people in the app. After all, it is called social networking. It’s best to network, mix and mingle with others. Begin following potential clients and people who are in your niche. Like their pictures and leave comments. Watch the Instastories of your people who follow you. When people comment on your pictures, do your best to comment and like the comments. This will show others that you read their comments and appreciate that they take time out to engage with you.

4. Enlist the help of influencers, professional marketers, etc.
Social media influencers are incredibly helpful for taking your brand and pushing it to the next level. One of the most important things to do is reach out to influencers that align with your company’s mission. When they share your brand with their followers, you’ll have an easier time attracting new clientele. As your brand continues to grow, it’s wise to consider hiring a company to manage the social media optimization for you. The techniques that worked when you were a smaller brand won’t necessarily work when you have hundreds of thousands of followers. Don’t be afraid to get help with managing and growing a successful brand.

For these reasons, Instagram is an excellent platform to use for growing a small business and increasing profits in the company. The more you use the app, the more you’ll get the hang of it. Eventually, you’ll be able to perfectly customize your message and communicate with those who want your services.