Instagram For Business by Judi Gray
Blue Bird Internet Marketing & Social Media.

Instagram Overview:
Instagram is a mobile phone based app for iphone products & android systems. Instagram allows users to create a profile and share images that predominately taken on their phones, uploaded to Instagram, then cropped to a square shape with the options of editing the images.  Users view a home page of images provided by those they have followed or friends of theirs.  The Instagram App is free to download from the Appstore or GooglePlay.  Instagram was purchased by Facebook in April 2012 and has since made some improvements, for example, the photo feed is now available to view on your PC.

Creating An Instagram Profile:
You will require a username (similar also to Twitter).  I recommend if you are using Instagram for Business Purposes, you use your Company Name if you are representing the company, alternatively for personal use, use your personal name or a varient of.

Instagram Privacy:
Users create their profiles I recommend private for personal usage, which only allows your Instagram friends to view your profile and images & open for business usage so everyone can view your pictures.

Image Hash Tags:
To create interest, users use #Hashtags attached to all of their posts (similar to Twitter) (See More on Hash Tags Here).  For Example a business would always tag themselves e.g. #mybusiness and to tag someone else in the post, eg someone you want to link to your image you use the @symbol - much the same as Facebook. 

Get Creative:
Photography is fun!  If you don't like taking images or generally don't notice the beautiful things in the world around you - hand this job to someone who does, someone with a creative eye.

Business's may wonder what type of images they should post to Instagram.  Consumers always love to see your products, but don't overload them with them.  


A few ideas to get you started:
1.    Behind the Scenes - show your work office, the set-up of a photo shoot, the creative process in making a product, not always just the finished result.  Users will feel like they get an "inside look to how your business works"
2.    Introduce your employees - images of your employees do not need to be boring - showcase their favourite desk items, pair of shoes, or projects they are working on.
3.    Preperation - are you preparing for a project?  Show the finished product of your work along with the work involved.
4.    What are you doing?  - Are you attending a conference, meeting someone new from another business - why not showcase their businesses as well?  Take a photo of your favorite funky coffee shop and share.  Food Images are always popular also.  Always remember to add the information of where the image was taken so credit can be given to the photographed business.
5.    Sneak-Peek's - offer consumers a sneak-peek into your upcoming product launches or projects. Let them feel like an insider!

Let Us know how you go!  List your links in the Comment's Below.

Judi Gray
Blue Bird Internet Marketing & Social Media

I first started using Instagram regularly for personal use last year after taking a family trip to Western Australia.  I wanted a way of sharing photos of the places we had visited, without sharing them with everyone on my Personal Facebook Page.  For me, Instagram was the perfect option.  It was easy to take images directly on my phone, upload them with a short description or tag the location the image was taken at.  My Instagram account was only available for view by my closest friends and family and it was so easy to use.  

Since this, I have enjoyed Instagram as a "stress free" viewing option in the evenings.  Instagram is easy to flick through on my phone and view beautiful images & interesting stories all within a photograph.  Pictures really do tell a thousand words and the more creative you can be, the more Interesting Instagram can be. 

This is the first installment on Instagram from Blue Bird Internet Marketing & Social Meida.  It will be followed by further articles on how to use Instagram for Business as well as other tips hints and a new Monthly Blog Post which will be titled "Inspire Two" which will feature two images and users that I have been following on Instagram and one of their recent images/stories that has caught my eye.

So click click click away! 

Have any recommendations of Users you love on Instagram or favorite #hashtags?  Let us know in the comments below.

Judi
Blue Bird Internet Marketing & Social Media

Starting a New Business involves a mammoth amount of planning and organizing and while you as the business owner, are arranging council permits, furniture and employees, it can be easy to forget about the "little things" and think that you will organize them latter, but this is where business owners can go wrong. 

Below are my top tips of the little things that often get forgotten when launching your new business.  All of these items are imperative, so that your business creates a good impression instantly. These Little Things are all representations of your company.  If you aren't organized with these, it will show and will turn people away, afraid that your business practices may be unprofessional also. 

Remember that there isn't always enough time in the day to manage everything your new business will need, so don't be afraid for ask for help and get professionals in to help you out so you get the result you need with a quick turn around, great product and most of all, less stress for you. 

1.    Business Cards.  It may seem like a "no-brainer" but it is suprising the amount of business owners that overlook this vital tool of business.  Make sure your business Card is profressionally printed, has all of your contact details, address, phone numbers, websites/blogs and social media sites listed.  Don't forget to include a recognizable image on the card (i.e. Your Logo).

2.    Price Lists / Menus.  So you have the products and the ideas, what will you do when some one asks for a copy of your menu leading up to the opening of your cafe, or a price list of your services prior to your opening day?  Have these ready to go and in a one page PDF where possible, so you can email them easily to interested clients. Have printed copies on-hand also to give out when requested.

3.    Appointment Book.    Don't over look this one, especially if you will be taking appointments for clientelle or bookings for a cafe/restaurant.  Have the book ready to go weeks prior to opening so you can book people in in advance. 

4.    Website or Blog.    If you don't have the money for a website, set up a blog prior to your opening date. Include all contact information, a blurb about your business, your location etc.  Make sure that clients can contact you and most importantly that they can sign-up for further information/updates by way of an email newsletter.  Blogs don't cost anywhere near as much as a website, and can do pretty much the same thing.  Getting your own domain name is advisable, if not create one to match the business name with your free blog provider.

5.    Google Places Address.    Ensure Your new business premises can be found on Google Places. This can take some time to set up so I would advise doing this as soon as you make a decision about your business location.  Ensure that your map pin is correct when setting it up.

6.    Adequate Signage.    Tiny signs will not be seen. Ensure that your business signage is recognizable and easily seen from the road.  (See My previous Post on this subject).

7.    Email Address.    Organize a profressional email address.  Do not use your personal one or home one for business purposes as customers won't recognize it at all. 

8.    Social Media.    Set Up All Social Media Pages.  The main ones to consider are Facebook & Twitter (I would recommend setting up both). If your business is a brick and mortar one, set up a Foursquare account, if you are a restaurant, hotel or tourism business, set up a Tripadvisor Listing.  If your business could benefit from sharing videos of your product, create a YouTube Account and upload your first introduction video.  If you think that managing all of these pages is overwhelming, and it can be, hire a profressional for a small amount of money a week to manage these pages for you.  Social Media is a great way to be found quickly online.

9.    Get Your Message Out There.      Organize an interview with your local newspaper or magazines.  Send our a press release of your upcoming opening dates.  You may be surprised just how many people read the local free paper.  If you don't have the time to write a press release, there are some great small businesses who can do this for you.  Remember don't be afraid to ask for help.

10.    Mail Send Out.    I know it may seem old fashioned, but people love to get an invitation in the mail.  Send out an opening day invitation to your family, friends and include an extra invite for them to give to someone they know.  Organize an opening party and invite other local business owners and community groups to attend.  Make the opening "invitation only" and also use that email list that you have compiled from your blog/website if you have some signed up.


In my future blog post, read about my ideas for your "Business Opening Party/Event".

Remember... Don't forget the little stuff!

Judi.
www.bluebirdinternetmarketing.com