As far as social media platforms go, Instagram ticks most of the boxes. It’s visual so it satisfies the short attention span of the audience. It’s creative so it pulls us in and invites us to explore our own artistic merits. And everyone’s on it so your posts and your message gets further. But how do you make the most out of your Instagram account?

When using social media for your business you need to make sure that your message is getting to as many people as possible and you want to make sure that it is as engaging as possible.

Originality – People don’t want to see the same things again and again. Take original photos that pertain to your message and your business. If you have a cake shop, take shots of your cakes, put the filters on and make them extra colourful and mouth-watering. If you want to show people what inspires you and motivates you –capture it and share it.

Get involved – Social media is a two-way conversation. It’s all very well putting your message out there and hoping people will read it but its like standing in a very crowded room and shouting to yourself, hoping to be heard above everyone else. Talk to people, follow people and connect with them. Comment on photos you like and share and like posts as well, people will thank you for it and return the favour.

#Hashtag – Instagram, although owned by Facebook runs on the same principles as Twitter. Use hashtags to help people find your photos. Hashtags describe the subject so to return to our cake photos you could use #fairycake #icing #MyBakery #sugarsugar #sugarflowers #cupcake and so on.

Network with the big boys – the top photographers on Instagram have millions of followers. It’s worth taking the time to look through the things they post, research their followers and start following them as well. Starting a dialogue with people like this will help you to get a leg up into the world of Instagram.

Instagram is a wonderful, innovative tool for businesses that really allows you to tell the story of your business and let your customers see who you are, what you like and allow them to really engage with you to establish quality business relationships.