The best way to reach out to your targeted customers is to go where your customers play, and they’re playing on Instagram. Instagram is a free mobile app for making, enhancing and sharing photos. With its rising popularity, the photo-sharing app has joined in the good company of Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Sure, it may be trendy to Instagram (the act of filtering and sharing a photo) a foam-art latte or picturesque sunset, but really, anything goes. Which means businesses are also capitalizing on this emerging photo app.

Adding Instagram strategies and marketing campaigns to your social media model keeps your business on the digital map, for one. For the new year, expand upon your business strategies and efficiency solutions, such as QAS.com USPS address verification or Intuit QuickBooks accounting software, by creating an active presence on Instagram. Instagram helps grow your business in the following ways:

Keeps You Relevant

If your audience is on Instagram, also participating in photo sharing not only reaches your audience, it keeps you relevant and up-to-date on what’s trending. Sharing a photo on Instagram is the digital version of face-to-face interaction with a potential customer at a physical store. Utilize Instagram as a tool for promoting special discounts, contests and sweepstakes. You can even offer giveaways on other social media platforms. For example: "Follow us on Instagram and enter to win a free gift card!"

Promote New Products

Instagram is loved because it can make anyone — any object — look better. Filters, selective focus and optional borders enhance Instagram photos effortlessly. Instagram is the latest and trendiest social digital space to easily and aesthetically display your products. With a little bit of creativity, you can promote and market any type of product in a way that will interest followers and consumers. After posting a photo on Instagram, you can cross-share it with other social networking sites and stay engaged.

Establish Your Brand

A picture is worth 100 words, as the saying goes. Photo sharing on Instagram is a form of self-expression. Entrepreneurs and businesses can use this tool for the same technique. Enhance your brand with pictures that support your professional identity, products and services. Do you run a PR boutique? Capture special events, grand openings and networking conferences to share with clients on Instagram. Pictures of any detail can draw in followers and support your brand’s identity, from food and drinks to cityscapes and promotional materials. Use the right filter, tilt at an angle and your photo is artistic brand-expression.

Personalizes Your Business

Like Facebook, Instagram is a community where you can express to followers and customers the personal side of your business, which increases your credibility and trust. Invite followers to see the behind the scenes of your business. Do you sell fresh produce or homemade baked goods at local farmers markets? Take and share pictures of your produce stand with friendly customers or upload a photo of your baking ingredients. Personalization will show customers you care about more than just a profit.

Creates Communication & Dialogue

Instagram is a creative space that can communicate with customers and initiate dialogue. Use hashtags to increase your presence and engage in different Instagram categories. Allot time to respond with followers. Interaction builds customer loyalty, which means returning customers and more sales.