In today’s internet marketing landscape, there are a plethora of opportunities to expand your brand awareness. Social media has allowed businesses of all sizes an almost even playing ground to spread their message. However, it can also become a bit overwhelming to small businesses, in particular solo marketers. Trying to keep up with Facebook this, Twitter that, and now Instagram. However, it’s good to know these platforms exist to offer you a greater chance of getting your message out there.

You may not have even heard of Instagram. While it may be somewhat new to you, there are over 90 million users who login at least once per month which means it’s one social media site you want to at least pay attention to. While sites like Facebook and Twitter are your more traditional social media sites to engage with your customers and prospects, Instagram can also be powerful if used correctly.

For example, it’s a photo sharing site thefore is more about visual impact than anything else but, when you add the right kind of photos to your hash tags, you can easily build a following and your fans will share your photos increasing awareness about your business.

A couple of tips when considering Instagram as part of your marketing toolkit.

1) Think of how you can use images (photos or pics of e.g. drawings, infographics, etc.) to engage your audience. Have a photo contest where the most creative photo wins. Or, have your customers send in photos of them using your product and offer a discount to the winner. Plan a weekly or monthly contest and you’ll have content you can share on your other social media platforms such as Facebook.

2) Think of how you can use images to show a more personal side to your business. For example, if you own a small hair salon, consider adding photos of your employees, customers smiling after getting their hair done, etc. Show you’re more than just a logo or website and you’re bound to connect with many more fans and soon-to-be followers.

While Instagram may not be, or ever be, as big as Facebook or some of the other social media sites, with over 90 million users and its unique platform, it’s certainly not one to ignore.