Instagram for marketing your business

A recent article stated that now over 115 Fortune 500 companies have embraced Instagram for their marketing campaigns.  So what is your business doing?   Instagram which started out offering only picture uploads now
accepts video with up to 15 seconds of content. This app (similar to Vine) has become a favorite for both consumers and businesses alike.  So what do you get out of using Instagram?  Demand generation, real-time (or close to it)
branding of your product offerings or services, and much more.  Instagram allows you to post your products on sale, a service you offer, or an event you may be creating.  It is simple to do.  With your smartphone now a studio within a phone, you have your camera, your sound and if you need, you can even download editing software for your pictures or video.  Most of these too are free.  With ever shrinking advertising budgets, marketing your brand with Instagram is a very inexpensive  way to promote. 

Using hash tags with Instagram is also increases your search engine hits.  Using a minimum of 4 to 10 hash tags will generate hits for you via search engines and increase your views.  #Sale @ Bobs or #big sale are
simple examples.  As to when to post, remember that social media applications are 24-7.  Do not think that just because your business is 9 to 5 that you only post pictures or videos the same time.  People today are very social media savvy and will check Instagram evenings and weekends as
well.  Always keep that in mind.   Try Instagram with your next marketing project and see what this neat app can do for you. Facebook now owns Instagram and yes you can post direct to  FB landing page with Instagram.