You’ve heard all the reasons why Instagram is a great tool for small businesses. Maybe you’ve even signed up for Instagram for personal use.
But do you know what it takes to set up an Instagram for your business?
Here are 10 things you need to do first:
1. Download the app
Instagram is different from other social networks in that it is primarily a mobile platform.
Once your account is set up, you will have a page that can be viewed on desktop, but the majority of your activity will take place within the mobile app.
Click here to download the app.
2. Choose a recognizable username
You can sign up for Instagram with an email address or a personal Facebook account.
Once you sign up, you’ll be asked to choose a username.
Your username will display publicly, and will be what people see when they find you on Instagram. Make sure the username you choose is recognizable, and is as close to your business or organization’s name as possible.
When signing up, Instagram will also ask for your full name. Here, you can put your full business name which will make it easier for people to find you through Instagram’s search function.
3. Update your profile
Instagram lets you fill out a 150 character bio about your business. Because of the text-limitations, you’ll want to be clear and concise about who you are and what you offer. If you serve a local customer base, you’ll also want to add your location.
Constant Contact uses the bio to share our mission, and let people know what types of photos we share from our Instagram account:
You can also add your business’s website, which users will be able to click to visit right from their mobile device.
4. Add a recognizable profile picture
The perfect Instagram photo will be 160×160 pixels.
But what’s most important is that the photo you choose is recognizable to people who know your business. In most cases, the best choice will be your business’s logo.
Your profile photo can only be updated on a mobile device. If you don’t have your logo saved to your smartphone or tablet, Instagram has the option import it from Facebook or Twitter.
You can also take a new photo with Instagram.
5. Get set up for social sharing
If you chose to import your profile photo from Facebook or Twitter, you’re one step ahead.
But if you haven’t yet, you should take steps to integrate your Instagram account with your other social channels.
On the mobile app, click the gear icon in the top right corner and choose Share Settings.
Once you integrate with Facebook, you’ll have the option to share Instagram photos on your personal Timeline, or on a Page that you manage.
6. Post your first photo
Okay, now that your profile is set up, it’s time to take your first photo.
Here’s a quick run through of how Instagram works:
First, click the blue icon on the bottom in the middle of the screen.
You can either snap a photo by pressing the circle in the middle of the screen, or click the photo preview in the bottom left to upload a photo of your own.
Note: The icon on the right enables you to take a video up to 15 seconds long.
If you’re uploading a photo, you will have the option to crop it first. After that, you’ll have options for different enhancements.
You can choose from a number of filters that scroll across the bottom of the app. (Double tap the filter to add a border or alter the strength of the filter.
You can also alter the brightness or click on the wrench icon to access a number of other photo editing features.
Once you’re happy with your photo, hit NEXT in the top right of the screen. Here, you’ll be able to add a caption.
You can also tag people and name the location.
Before you hit Share, consider step #7.
7. Setting up your location
When you click, Name this Location you will see a list of previously used locations in your general area.
If you have a brick and mortar location, you may see that someone has already named your location. If your store, restaurant, or office hasn’t been named, you can name it yourself.
After your photo is posted, you will see the location name in blue. When you click on your location name, you’ll be able to see every photo that has been tagged there. This can be a great resource for seeing what people like and want to share about your business.
8. Tell people you’re on Instagram
Leverage your existing channels to let people know your business is on Instagram.
You can post about it on your different networks and link back to your account, or share photos directly from the app.
If you have an email list, you can send out an announcement and ask readers to follow you.
Instagram also has badges that can easily be added to your website or blog.
9. Follow others
Instagram’s search function makes it easy to find people and brands to follow.
You can search by username, or choose a hashtag that may be relevant to your business.
Following more people and businesses is a great way to make new connections and can also provide inspiration for your Instagram account.
10. Get social
You’ve set up your account, learned the basics, and found the right people to follow; now you’re ready to start building a presence for your business on Instagram.
A key component of building an audience on Instagram is engaging with the people who follow you. When someone likes or comments on your photo, you will receive a notification.
You can respond within the comments of a photo by including the “@” symbol, followed by their username.
You will also receive notifications when someone tags you in a photo. You can view all of the photos you’ve been tagged in, on your Instagram profile.
Need help getting started?
On Thursday, June 18 at 3pm ET we’ll be hosting a Facebook chat dedicated to Instagram for Small Business and Nonprofits. Our social media team will be moderating the chat, and will be available to answer any questions you have about using Instagram for business.
To participate in the Facebook Chat, just visit the Constant Contact Facebook Page.
You can also RSVP ahead of time, to make sure you don’t miss out!
Can’t make it to the chat? Post your Instagram questions in the comments below!
The post 10 Things You Need to Do When Getting Started on Instagram appeared first on Constant Contact Blogs.