Online Networking – using Instagram…

In case you missed it we recently announced that we would be taking part in the A to Z Challenge in April. This year our theme is the A to Z of Networking using Instagram.

You may typically think of using LinkedIn (the traditional professional social network) and Twitter to network with others online. But have you thought of using Instagram?

What is Instagram?

Going back to basics (so that you are ready for the challenge). Instagram is a social networking service which is owned by Facebook and is used for sharing photographs and videos. The emphasis is on mobile and creating and posting content “on the go”. You can post content and like other social media platforms you can follow, comment, like, tag and send private messages. But more on all that during the A to Z Challenge.

If you haven’t already got an account with Instagram get signed up using your facebook account.

Instagram and Blogging

Instagram in many ways is like short-form blogging. Many Instagrammers are called “bloggers” even though they don’t have an actual blog – but Instagram can be a great way to build and develop a following if you are a visual blogger – after all, some content just works better on Instagram. There is also some content that works better in a long form blog. However, if you can you should embrace using both.

Instagram and Networking

For networking on Instagram content and community are king (like all social media platforms). Of course, the key difference is that Instagram is as much about the visual appearance as the written word and you have to dress to impress.

Networking on Instagram is not for everyone, but it is a visual and creative platform – so depending on the nature of your business (and your target audience) Instagram might be just the type of place you need to be hanging out. It is a brilliant space for visual and creative individuals and businesses and a great place to build a community/network of like minded people.

Instagram can be a place to find new leads and/or people with common interests that are open to a conversation with you and like other social media platforms you can post content, comment and like content, tag others and send direct messages.

Even if you don’t know how to use Instagram for professional purposes or it is not appropriate for the industry you work in – some of the A to Z Challenge tips will still be useful in your personal Instagram usage (or in your general networking activities on social media) so do join us for the challenge to find out more on how to use Instagram to network.