Instagram is all about Business

Untitled design-3You may think Instagram is there to share selfies from your weekend in Vegas. Or the last great meal you ate. Maybe its your adorable pet. These are all part of the DNA of Instagram but it’s not all they want to be known for, they are embracing businesses. .

 Businesses have been an integral part of the platform’s ecosystem since we began, and with the launch of Instagram ads worldwide, more and more businesses will use the platform to tell their business’ story.

How is Instagram embracing business? They have started the @instagramforbusiness account. This is an account that will profile brands doing great things on the service. It is set up as an inspirational account to see how other businesses are using the service. This is great because there isn’t just one way to use Instagram. Each business category is different. What works in brick and Mortar retail will not work for a Non Profit. Its about finding what connects to your followers.

I love that they are doing an account based around brands. This could directly benefit small businesses. Many out there could feel overwhelmed in making the perfect picture. Seeing what is considered “Best in Class” can give people great ideas. Social media is all about seeing what works and making it your own. You don’t want to copy some one directly. You want to get inspired and putting your own spin.

The business community in all capacities—from major brands, to small businesses and creative agencies—has been an important part of Instagram since the beginning. Today, we’re introducing the new @instagramforbusiness as a place to celebrate and inspire with unique stories from our business community. On this account, we’ll highlight the work major brands, small business and creative agencies are doing on the platform. And share stories from all different kinds of businesses in all four corners of the world. To kick it off, we’d like to spotlight global brands—one of which pioneered the way for companies to share incredibly engaging content that’s authentic to their brand. Every mouthwatering photo @benandjerrys shares embodies an aspect of their values—whether it’s their commitment to the environment, their stance on social and economical issues, or the high quality ingredients that make their ice cream so good. Since joining in 2011, Global Digital Marketing Manager at Ben & Jerry’s @mhayes says it’s their community that makes Ben & Jerry’s so successful on Instagram. “For us, it’s all about our amazing fans and being able to connect with them and celebrate what we’re made of. That’s everything from our generous chunks and swirls, to our commitment to ethical sourcing. In addition, we try everyday to love our fans more then they love us.”

A video posted by Express Your Business’ Story (@instagramforbusiness) on

The first picture posted is focusing on a brand is Ben & Jerry’s. Why did they choose Ben & Jerry’s? They are a brand that has a strong presence for their brand. Not to mention they were one of the first brands to advertise on Instagram. In a post on Instagram’s Business blog, Ben & Jerry’s says:

“From a very early stage, we realized how powerful Instagram was in connecting with our fans and telling our story. We want to talk to fans where they are, whether that’s at a music festival or on social media. As more of our fans joined Instagram, we leveraged advertising to reach even more of them.” Said Mike Hayes, Global Digital Marketing Manager of Ben & Jerry’s.

If you are worried that the series will feature big brands and Agency works, don’t be. They stress it will feature small businesses as well. Small businesses can be some of the most creative people on the planet. It is my hope they will start posting at least one, if not two pictures a day. There are so many brands doing great things. Unless we are following them, we won’t ever see it.

The @instagramforbusiness account is live. You can search for it in your App or on the web and follow the account. Make sure you visit it often for inspiration and to see what others are doing for business on the service.

Tim is the founder of Element33. A social media agency specializing in education, management and strategy for small businesses. He comes from a traditional marketing agency but has embraced all things digital. He considers himself a marketing nerd and believes that all marketing is tied together. This means no matter what silo you are in, social, email, seach, etc, changes in one will affect the other!

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