More than 75 million people check their Instagram accounts everyday, and more than 40 percent of them are between the ages of 16-24. As Instagram's numbers have grown, so, too, has the presence of brands looking to connect with consumers on the photo-sharing platform. Appreciating the value of Instagram's user base is easy. Creating an account that is authentic, relevant and engaging—that's a little harder.
Whether you're just getting started on Instagram or fine-tuning your approach to the platform, take a look at some quick dos and dont's for using Instagram, courtesy of Kristin Montalbano, director of digital communications for National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD.
DO
- Do include a bio with a link to more info
- Do post content that is unique to Instagram
- Do use hashtags—strategically and sparingly; two to three is plenty, any more starts to feel spammy
- Do link your account to other social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to expand reach
- Do use captions to provide context to your content
- Do highlight user-generated photos that embody the spirit of your brand
DON'T
- Don't add logos to your photos
- Don't repost photos without giving photo credit
- Don't use Instagram to repost ads
Follow Kristin Montalbano on Twitter: @KMontalbano
Follow Brian Greene on Twitter: @bw_greene