For a very long time, I underestimated the power of Instagram. I saw Instagram as a personal social network where people would just post pictures to friends. Everything changed when I responded to some people on Twitter, and after receiving a response, said how happy they were that I was not a bot.
I guess a 16 year old entrepreneur with over 100,000 Twitter followers is a rare sight that seems too good to be true, but it amazed me to think that if I did not respond to these people, they would have thought I was a bot. It’s amazing what you don’t know and what you learn by interacting.
Therefore, I have taken a stronger interest in Instagram. I still see it as a personal social network, but now I see Instagram in a new light. Not only that, but I would go as far as saying that everyone should have an Instagram account. That’s a big jump from someone who never thought of using Instagram. Now you are probably curious why I changed my mind so dramatically about the social network. Here’s why:
- Instagram allows people to know you at a more personal level. In other words, what do you do when you are not wearing the tie, buttoned down shirt, and writing blog posts. Most people only know me for writing blog posts and books. I want people to get more into who I am as a person. I run outside, play video games, and do other fun activities. Now I am using Instagram to share some of that.
- Instagram allows you to look back at where you were and what you did. On Instagram, you have the power to look back at great memories. You can go back to accomplishments, special days, and places you went to every day just by scrolling through your Instagram pictures.
- Instagram pictures get a lot of engagement. I have seen some people with 500 Instagram followers who get over 50 likes for their photos. It is easy for a photo to spread far and wide on Instagram. All you need to do is take good pictures and have a story behind each picture.
Instagram allows you to capture a part of you that most people don’t get to see: your personal life. You don’t have to take a picture of yourself 24/7 or show people the bad parts of your life. Just take enough pictures so you can look back at them, show people who you are when you are not working, and get more engagement all at the same time.
Do you use Instagram? I am a newbie just taking picture after picture. What are your thoughts about that social network?
Good information and interesting points. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to read the post.
You had 100,000 Twitter followers at the age of 16?! That’s quite impressive! Anyway, I love Instagram; I would say it’s my favorite platform to use nowadays to connect with people.
Instagram’s growth and engagement continue to amaze. They recently surpassed 1 billion users and IG TV will likely have a big impact on video. It’s a great social network to commit your time towards.
Thank you for the great information.
My pleasure Amira.
Good analysis! I like Instagram, although I’m a newbie. ellynpeirson
I am happy to hear that you liked the analysis Ellyn. I am happy to hear that you like the social network because one of the components to becoming successful on any social network is you enjoying that social network.
I use it as a way to engage (hopefully) as I wasn’t using Twitter much & websites you sell thro charge an arm & a leg. So Instagram was a quick way to engage not to mention I can use the pics to upload to my website for selling etc. I haven’t seen it yet develop into a sale but I keep hoping and I actually enjoy it more than Facebook and blog posting. You get to engage with people of similar interests and get to play photographer ?
I like this nature of Instagram. It is a wonderful social network. You are at an important phase right now that is important to becoming successful. You enjoy Instagram even though you don’t make any money on it. That means you are not lured to Instagram just for making the sales.
Eventually, by experimenting with your own methods and learning what works for other people, you will make those sales on Instagram. Then not only will you enjoy it so much but you will also make a profit.
I’m fairly new to Instagram, but I think it’s great. Engagement is much better than on Twitter, to put it mildly. Plus, getting engagement is easier than on Facebook. I definitely intend to point this one out to clients. I see plenty of opportunities for businesses. Much like on-going story telling, which is of course a great content marketing tool.
Storytelling is a great marketing tool, and Instagram can be used to tell a great story. It’s a great social network to use.
Hi Marc, great blog again! I have been wondering about using Instagram for a little while and your blog has given me a good reason for this, where you say about people seeing you in your out of work clothes and enjoying your hobbies, really seemed to make sense as this makes you more human and your connections see you in a different light making you feel familiar before they get to know you.
I am going to sign up to instagram today!
Thanks
Carole
I am happy to hear that you are going to sign up to Instagram and I look forward to hearing about your journey. If you include a link to your Instagram account, I’ll be sure to follow you.