Why Instagram Is A Great Tool for Online Businesses

Instagram? Instantgram? I didn’t even know the difference. I barely knew how to download music from iTunes and now something new again? Yesterday I took the plunge. Not wanting to waste countless hours learning the steps, I asked my in-house savvy teen social media specialist (my daughter) to teach me all about it.

Viola! Here are some of my creations…

There are so many options, tint and extra features to play with, not to mention how addictive it could be. Putting off learning a new skill or tool could hurt our business. Implementing and taking steps to learn all the necessary apps and tools for our online businesses are keys to online business success. 

For now, I would say, I’ve just discovered one essential tool for our online business presence. 

Why Instagram?

It gives your blog the ability to hold your readers' attention longer. Pictures somehow draw people to sites and they stay longer. That means longer average time on site, which will help with your stats.

It creates conversation between you and your audience. Take a look at this picture:

Your audience may start asking questions like, what in the world is this?

Your answer: terompah

Your audience: what language is that?

Your answer: Malay for wooden clogs

Sounds basic but there is more to it than these initial conversations.

It helps promote your products or services. I was just having a conversation with a local realtor who is doing really well in his business but he is leaving a lot of money on the table because of the lack of blogging and social media tools. 

One huge difference between his company and The Corcoran Group in New York is in the usage of images and a variety of social media and writing platforms. Take a look at this screenshot from Corcoran Group's Instagram gramfeed with 161 photos and their local New York City tips on Tumblr: 

And look at this screenshot of their Instagram photo on Facebook:

If you like New York City apartment lifestyle, won't you be drawn to look more and research further after looking at this beautiful photo? (there are more on their wall). I ended up spending hours finding out about The Corcoran Group and knowing them better online. If a friend were to be looking for an apartment in New York City, who do you think I would say to check out? The Corcoran Group of course.

My friend who is selling residential homes in Florida just has standard photos on a beautiful cookie cutter website. He is without Instagram, a blog or an updated Facebook Fan Page. We are not even talking about the other social media platforms.

In today’s challenging economy and information overload world, if you are a realtor wanting to stand out, Instagram, blogging and engaging with your prospects through social media platforms are not just necessary, they are must-have tools.

I can't wait to see my realtor friend's expressions when he receives a complimentary proposal including Instagram strategies. To receive your complimentary proposal, please contact me by filling up the form on my consultation page.