Even as you read this, thousands of users are posting pictures on Instagram. It is fast becoming one of the most popular sites not just to share images but to promote photo de profil as well. Launched in 2010 by co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram is available to Android and iOS smartphone users.

There is no denying that Instagram pictures get noticed. The tools available at Instagram turn even average looking pictures in to something artful.

Some of the ways to promote your business effectively on Instagram include:

Be flexible and creative

No matter what products or services you offer, you can promote them through images. For instance, if you own a bakery, you can post images of the delicious confectionary you prepare.

However don't restrict yourself to end user products only. Once in a while you can post pictures that show what goes on behind the scenes. For instance, you can post pictures of a workshop in progress or show your chefs at work in the restaurant preparing delicacies. Or if you own a web design and development company, you can show your web designers brainstorming new ideas for a website in a meeting.

Use a hashtag

Use (#) hashtags, while writing captions for your Instagram photos. It helps others to locate your picture while searching for the particular keyword. For instance, if you own a hotel in Delhi, write the caption along with hashtags of your hotel name and location. Anyone who is planning to visit Delhi might find your hotel's image on Instagram and decide to check out your hotel.

Hold contests

Starting a contest is an effective way to boost online visibility of your business. After all, everybody loves to win free stuff.

Encourage users to post images related to your products or services. For instance, if your own a restaurant, you can start a contest asking users to post the images of foods and beverages they have enjoyed at your restaurant with a creative caption title.

And you can offer the lucky winner a free coupon for a meal at your restaurant. The whole point of holding a contest is to engage your customers and build your online presence stronger.

Be interactive

Be an active user. Post images and post them often. Customer engagement is very important. After all, what is the point of being on the social media site if you are not social on it? Check out what your customers have to say and always reply to their comments.

Location

Besides make sure to create a location page for your business. This will enable you to find other posts from your location.

Share on other sites

Instagram allows its users to share their pictures on other social media sites. Upload your picture son Instagram and share them on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr or Tumblr and gain maximum exposure.

Author's Bio: 

rahul