Instagram’s statistics are pretty impressive: 200 million monthly active users, an average of 60 million photos uploaded per day, and while it’s “roughly one eighth the size of Facebook, Instagram has 15 times the engagement and twice the engaged user base“.
So if you haven’t joined this network, it may be time for you to consider it! While the summer months can sometimes mean a slow-down in general business activity, you may find it’s a great time to start using Instagram (or stepping up your current Instagram use).
Why is summer the perfect time of year to put a serious Instagram strategy in place?
1. Nicer weather during the summer months provides more opportunities to shoot great photos outside
Whether you’re at the beach, showing off plants in your garden, or just relaxing out on your back porch, you can take lots of great shots with natural, outdoor lighting.
2. Travel offers unique ways to capture beautiful images
You may be travelling to an exotic location this summer or enjoying day trips in your local area. But no matter where you travel, you’re bound to find some interesting people, places and things to include in your photos.
3. A slower pace at home means more time to spend on Instagram
If you have kids, then you all get a break from the school year schedule: homework, events, meetings, etc. Or maybe things slow down a little for several weeks at your office during the summer months.
It’s easier to learn something new when you’re not feeling stressed, so if your summer includes a major shift in your regular hectic pace, then take some time to learn more about Instagram.
4. Instagram’s new editing tools make it easier to get the best out of your photos
These just-released editing tools help you share better images. And you don’t have to learn how to use an additional App; you can stay right in Instagram and use these new tools to polish your photos.
It’s as easy as taking a photo, using the editing tools, selecting a filter, and then publishing your Instagram post.
Note: I find it easier to use my phone to take the initial photo, and then I access my photo albums later from Instagram.
You can learn all about each editing option in this post from Social Media Today.
How can you maximize the summer season on Instagram?
1. Use summer themes to build up a Following
Nature photos tend to be very popular on Instagram, so choose a theme – sunsets/sunrises, beaches, summer flowers/plants – and start sharing several photos based on your theme each week.
Or if you want to keep your Instagram account strictly business, use the summer to highlight seasonal events, products or activities that relate to your business.
Instagram is a social network that showcases the personal, “human” side of a business, so share your employees’ summer memories, trips, and adventures…along with the business-related posts you normally upload.
2. Post photos of current events taking place this summer in your local area
For a local business (or business person), sharing photos of fun events around town – your local Fourth of July parade or summer concerts in your local park, for example – can be a fun and effective way to get people in your area to learn more about your business.
3. Include “summertime” Hashtags
Use tools like Iconosquare (formerly Statigram) or TagsFor Likes (an App to load directly to your phone) to look at popular summer-related hashtags. Then make sure to include them on your relevant posts.
Look for summer photo “challenges” or themes to join – like #100daysofsummer – or start your own summer photo challenge. Use Tagboard.com to first search for existing hashtags before using one in your own Instagram challenge.
4. Spend some time improving your photography skills
If your summer schedule means you have a little more free time, then learn how to take better photos with your iPhone or Android phone. You can google “Instagram photography tips” or “iPhone photography tips” or check out our Pinterest board, where I’m adding new resources on a regular basis to help you with Instagram. Click here to visit the Pinterest Board.
So use these tips and spend more time on Instagram more this summer. If you need some help setting up or optimizing your Instagram account, then contact me for more information about a custom strategy session.
And let’s connect on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/socialmediaLCS or http://instagram.com/TerryLeague
Photo Credit (derived from): beaumontpete via Compfight cc
About Terry League