Instagram boasts more than 2 billion monthly active users who use the app to connect with friends, follow celebrities and influencers, find and follow brands they like, and consume content about topics they are interested in. 

With the addition of more shopping options more recently, it has also become a valuable eCommerce outlet. 

Instagram is used by more than 200 million business profiles. Is it, however, the best platform for your company? 

1. Is it possible to make your company visually appealing? 

First and foremost, keep in mind that Instagram is primarily a visual platform, and users anticipate seeing unique content with eye-catching visuals. 

Is it possible for your product or service to produce captivating images and videos? Could you create a visually appealing product or service? If so, fantastic! If you're not sure, check to see if any companies in your sector or rivals are using Instagram effectively to get ideas. 

If not, you might discover that other channels would be more appropriate. Knowing that not every channel will be a good fit for you and focusing on your strengths is preferable to trying to get on a platform that won't be worthwhile. 
 

2. What kind of company do you run? 

Instagram has historically benefited B2C companies, but some B2B companies may also find it useful. Businesses in every B2C market segment, including apparel, home goods, florists, hairdressers, pet care providers, spirits, landscape gardeners, and more, can succeed on Instagram! 

Instagram can be a great way to reach new customers and engage your current audience because 60% of users look for and discover new products and brands there, and 90% of users follow at least one brand. 
 

3. Who are your clients? 

While 16% of Instagram users are between the ages of 35 and 44, 70% of users worldwide are under 35. Thus, in general, younger people are drawn to this platform. You might discover that your clients aren't on Instagram and would rather use other channels if they are significantly older than this. 

However, keep in mind that there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding user demographics; instead, conduct research on your audience to determine whether or not they use Instagram and whether this could be a good fit for you. To get a sense of platform fit, look at any customer data you have (such as your company's Facebook insights audience), observe how competitors do on Instagram, and even have a conversation with your current clients. 
 

4. Do you have the resources and time to publish frequently? 

Regular posting can increase engagement, while accounts that seem inactive may lose followers. Instagram users prefer to see consistent content from the brands they follow. There are no strict "rules" about how frequently you should post, but you must be able to maintain your accounts and set aside time to post frequently and keep an eye on them. 

The "Head of Instagram" once advised posting "a couple of in-feed posts per week and a couple of stories per day" in reference to frequency, but it's crucial to strike the correct balance for you. Keep in mind that content must be interesting, genuine, and something users want to interact with—it cannot be merely pointless posts. 
 

5. Would you be interested in sharing videos? 

You must produce some video content if you want to use Instagram effectively, as it is a crucial content type. Videos frequently attract more attention than images and automatically play in user feeds. Additionally, a lot of Instagram's more recent features—like reels and stories—are focused on video. 

Keep in mind that professional production is not necessary for Instagram success. With your phone's basic apps and features, you can create some amazing short videos. Time-lapses, product walkthroughs, live videos, and more can all be effective. The most important thing is to produce videos that will pique users' interest and showcase your brand, products, and yourself. Look through Instagram to see what kinds of videos you enjoy watching, then give them a try. 
 

6. Do you have anything exciting to share with your clients? 

Do you have the time to maintain the interest of your content? As previously stated, Instagram engagement is important. 

In addition to posting, you'll need time to curate and produce interesting and varied content. Engagement is crucial, so be sure to use your insights to see what content your followers are interested in. You should also monitor competitor activity and broader Instagram content trends. 

User engagement can be increased by varying your updates and content formats, such as product shots, before-and-after transformations, behind-the-scenes photos or the product's process, or even photos and videos of your employees at work. 

Keep in mind that you must draw in users, motivate them, arouse their desire for your product, and foster a sense of brand loyalty. 

Take a seat, think about the kinds of videos and content you want to post first, and observe how users react. 
 

7. Are you able to stay current with Instagram trends and features? 

You can increase your engagement and acquire more followers on Instagram by utilizing the newest features and trends. 

Make use of any new features Instagram introduces. Instagram invests a lot of resources and time in creating new features that they hope will be popular, so businesses can frequently observe increased engagement when using them. Try using the filters, stickers, and effects in Reels and Stories right now. 

Additionally, follow hashtags and broader content trends to keep your feed up to date.