Instagram was launched in 2010 as a photo-sharing app. Since then it has evolved and came a long way, and now a lot of them use Instagram for business purpose

I wouldn’t deny the increased use of other social media, but I feel Instagram is the most effective and innovative tool to connect with a wide audience.
And fun fact: you can earn money through Instagram too!!

(Interesting statistics of Instagram for business)

Here are effective ways of using Instagram for business-

1. Brand building

90% of the brands have their presence on Instagram. They build their brand image and stay connected with their loyal audience.
Also, there is so much opportunity to build a brand on Instagram for a small business or start-up to become well known, ‘Instagram famous’ brand.

Interesting read: Branding opportunity

2. Talk to your audience

This app has a lot of tools to interact with your consumers. Brands can conduct fun surveys and get feedback from them. This can help brands to improvise on their customer experience and service

3. Run a business

Yes, you can start your own business on Instagram. This app has given a platform for many home running businesses to sell their products. Homemade chocolate makers, handicraft items, clothes, handmade soaps and other utility products are sold via Instagram and Facebook. So if you have a talent to create something, then you can generate income out of it.
You can open an account on Instagram for business. It gives you access to all the business features but makes the transition seamless for your existing followers

4. Becoming an influencer

If you have a passion for something and you know about it more than others do, share it with the world. Instagram gives you an opportunity to connect and influence like-minded people.
This can lead to creating a business around your passion and solidify your target audience.
There are a lot of bloggers from travel to food, from fashion to health care, who have converted their passion to influence and make business.

5. Self-branding

Perhaps more than any other social media platform, Instagram offers you the opportunity to really create a buzz.
You can tell your stories using unique creative tools. Talk about yourself, your talent, passion, etc. It gives the individual an opportunity to tell their friends about their day, what they like and who they are.

So in a nutshell, Instagram is used for various reasons and sometimes a combination of reasons. And it has proven to be useful for all kinds of audiences.

Share your ideas, if you use Instagram with innovation for any other purpose!!

– Shreya Doshi

Shreya is currently part of a Marketing team at School of COmmunication and REputation, Mumbai (SCoRe). She has completed her Masters in Marketing and Advertising from Mumbai Educational Trust (MET) University. She believes that learning should never stop in life. Hence, learning something new every day is her moto. She loves to travel, enjoys the thrill while performing adventure sports, music and dance takes her to different world.

She can be reached on Twitter and LinkedIn