Is it worth getting an Instagram account for a small business?

[milkyman]

I run a small business and have a Facebook page. I do events and have been 're gently been told that lots of people now use Instagram to locate and find out about events. I know nothing about Instagram - why is it better than FB and what's the difference?

recently not 're gently...

I use a combination of instagram, FB and Twitter, i am going to a course next week to develop my instagram skills!

I have both. Insta is much easier to quickly add a photo and a short description. I've got loads of followers who have appeared out of nowhere. I think it's easier to scroll through Insta and quickly see posts. Follow people and businesses that you like and quite often they will start following you.

There's so much out there these days that it is worth being on all social media if possible.

Yup - use Insta, take Insat-style photos selling the lifestyle you are trying to sell.

Yes, get thee on Insta. You can automate between your social media accounts if you don't fancy creating individual content for each platform - though I'd recommend you do. It certainly helps to build a 'brand' identity as it were.

Instagram is worth using if your products are photogenic x

Yes. Why the hell wouldn't you?

Yes if you have something visual to communicate e.g. Photos of a product. Harder to be creative if you just want to spread information.

Hi - yes is very visual and I mainly use social media to let people know where I will be next - it's a children's activity. Can anyone suggest a course as would love to know more.

Before leaping in and booking courses you need to have a plan. What are you hoping to achieve with social media - is it awareness raising or getting sales?

So many companies know that they should be "doing social media" so go about it half-arsedly, occasional random tweets, instagram photo and a competition on FB with no idea what they're trying to achieve.

Good point - mainly to raise awareness and increase attendance at events.

Everything helps. :)

Have a look at Hilary Rushford at Dean Street Society. Her free course will help you get you started. Its very American and perky but if you can get over that she is quite helpful. IMO to begin with it’s not worth spending money on an Instagram course.

It depends on who you're targeting tbh. If it's blokes in their 50s, maybe not

Have a think about your target audiences, your objectives and then put a social media strategy together.

Good luck OP