There are so many social media platforms these days, it can be hard to keep track with them all. Today I share with you 5 reasons why I love using Instagram, my personal favourite social media platform.
1. It is image based
I am a very visual person. I like to see things for myself, in the flesh so to speak. Instagram therefore suits me perfectly for this, and I can instantly see what an account is about when scrolling through it.
An Instagram account is similar to an art gallery.
Everyone will have their favourite accounts to follow. I enjoy following accounts that I can personally relate to, and feel inspired by. As a result, my account @emeraldandjadeloves is centered around our gites business, but also shares our daily family life in France, as well as our travels. I am therefore drawn to similar accounts.
When I used to be an events florist, my account @emeraldandjadeflowers mostly followed various suppliers in the wedding industry, from other florists, photographers, celebrants to dressmakers and cake makers. Other suppliers would also follow me, but mostly, I had lots of brides and grooms following me, as effectively, my Instagram page acted like my portfolio.
Indeed, the fact that it is image based makes it perfect for creative businesses, as you can mostly let the photos talk for themselves (although some content is needed too, you don’t need loads of it). I received many enquiries from my Instagram page, especially as a florist, as it gave potentiel clients an instant idea of what my work looked like and whether it might work for them.
2. It’s easy to build a community
Possibly one of the things I love the most about Instagram, is how easy it is to build a community there.
You follow accounts you feel drawn to and inspired by. Mainly, accounts that you share something in common with. As a result, when you start engaging with other accounts, leaving comments, liking their posts, responding to their stories, you will start to build relationships with the account owners.
Since our move to France, I have connected with many people through Instagram. Some have become great friends. I still remember when I first met my friend Katie from Love French Style in her restaurant, we started chatting away like old friends, leaving my husband vey confused when we said we hadn’t actually met before, we had just been following each other on Instagram!
From a business point of view, it is a little like networking. You can connect with people you admire and would like to work with, whether as collaborators or future clients.
I also share aspects of daily life, whether as a florist or a gite owner, a “behind the scenes” side to my business. These are usually popular with my followers as it shows that I am in fact a real person behind my business, and this can help connect with people better. As a florist, this would include trips to the flower market, and as a gite owner, the multitude of washing that comes with the business.
I have alsways found that staying true to myself works best. As a small business owner, you are the most important thing of your business. Clients will connect with you, and then seek business with you if they like how you come accross. So get connecting with other accounts.
3. It’s free
It says it all really. As a small business, anything that is free and helps our business is always amazing. There are no hidden costs. Whilst you can pay to promote posts if you wish, there is no obligation to do so.
4. It’s easy to use on the go
I love that I can use my phone and post on the go. I find taking photos on my phone first, and then uploading them to the app, works better. Photos taken directly from the app just don’t seem to be as good.
So all you need is a smartphone, and you’re ready to go once you have downloaded the app.
I would recommend having fun with the photos. Experiment and go from there. My Instagram feed has changed a lot since I started using it, and I’m constantly changing it too. It is all about having fun with it.
The more you post, the more you’ll get a feel for what you like and don’t like.
You can also link your website into your bio, which will show on your main page. So if people like what they see on your feed, they can check out your website for more. Alternatively, they can message you privately via Instagram, or comment on your post. So even when you are out and about, people can find your business online.
5. It is connected to Facebook & Twitter
As well as being easy to use on the go, you can also choose to automatically post to Facebook and Twitter. Saving time is always a favourite of mine.
I choose not to automatically share my Instagram posts on Facebook, but I do have it set up so I simply need to click a button to share it.
A simple function, but it means you don’t have to copy and paste the same post onto other platforms. Making time to spend on more fun things.
So there you go, five reasons why I love Instagram. Are you already on Instagram? Is there something else you love about Instagram that I haven’t mentioned above? Let me know, and come say hello to me on @fionalafonbusiness.
If you are not yet on Instagram, or if you are feeling a little lost with your account, get in touch with me today for a one to one consultation.
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