How Instagram Can Be Used By Start-up Businesses

1.  Create Your Own Hashtag
Hashtags matter on Instagram. Photos that include hashtags as part of their descriptions on average receive more likes than those that don't.  So you should definitely consider developing your own hashtag and then encourage your fans to use it whenever they are posting their pictures.  

Dirtbag Darling, which is an outdoors website, makes very good use of #DefendersOfFun, its custom hashtag, for encouraging its followers to share their own outdoors pictures.  This audience participation and customization helps the brand continue to develop and capitalize on the free marketing opportunities on their fans' Instagram feeds.        

2.  Post Behind-The-Scenes Photos 
One of the great things about Instagram is the extent to which the platform enables marketers to establish and develop their brand personalities.  Instagram isn't only about obtaining follows or likes; it also involves telling your brand's story and creating a small glimpse into what you and your startup are all about. 

Camp4Collective, a commercial and film startup, does an excellent job of showing impressive behind-the-scene moments.  The company has been known not only to show the majestic mountains from which they film, but the emotional and physical damage associated with them as well. 

They have even posted photos of bruises and cuts on their very own children, who they really miss when they are gone on a shoot. 

This kind of behind-the-scene method, particularly when emotional appeals are added, can really help the startup's story be told and shared. Why not add some likes to your Instagram behind the scenes photos to make them seem more popular and get more people engaged. 

3. Offer Instagram Products         
One thing you know is that your followers love Instagram.  Therefore if your startup creates its own products - like clothing or mugs - see if you find a way of incorporating Instagram products into your mix.  For instance, Blurb transforms its customers' Instagram photos into items like photo books and calendars. Coastermatic makes stone coasters out of photos, NailSnaps makes custom nail wraps and Ink361 creates temporary tattoos from them.  Just keep in mind that not all of the creative Instagram experiments and techniques that you come up with need to stay inside the platform.  Thinking outside of the box is always a great idea.

4. Post Something Tasty
The power of food should never be underestimated.  Start-up food-delivery services, grocery stores, restaurants and cafes can benefit greatly from just focusing on the products they provide. 

The Melt, which is a sandwich shop, does a great job of combining photos of their delicious meals along with pics of people, who are the personality backing their shop. 

Although it is a newer account with a fairly small following, close-up pics of a gourmet sandwich or cheese fries frequently gets hundreds of likes. 

This is proof that beautiful shots of delicious food really can be a big hit on the Instagram platform. 
   
5.  Capitalize on Nature 
It isn't just outdoor gear companies that can capitalize on gorgeous scenery and natural light. 

The organic juice company Greenheart Organic, takes pics of its juice bottles on beaches, on canoes, and in flower fields, to name a couple of the outdoor location it uses.  Despite the fact that it is a food company, it capitalizes on the great outdoors. 

By focusing on plenty of contrast and colorful shots, this approach really works for the company, and could be a great option for your business as well.