I admit that I haven’t been a person who embraces the latest social media platform immediately. Even when I have created an account on a social media platform, I took my time before becoming active. Things were different with Instagram. I created my account (follow me @fostercoburn) earlier this year and I have been actively posting ever since.

Instagram is one of the most visual social media platforms. As many of you are in the world of graphics or photography, a visual medium is a great way to show off your projects and your life. One of the side benefits is that you can choose to have your Instagram post automatically cross-posted to other platforms like Facebook and Twitter. No, you don’t have to cross-post though it can simplify putting a photo on multiple platforms.

One of the features of Instagram is that you can apply a number of filters to a photo during the posting process. Sometimes these filters are a benefit and sometimes they should be avoided. As with any flashy feature, don’t overuse it.

Sure, you can use Instagram for personal posts/photos. But you can also use it to post graphics and photos related to your business. I have chosen to only have a personal account for now where I do occasionally post business-related items. My preference is photos related to the desert.

A very important way to expand the reach of a post is to use hashtags. They are far more prevalent on Instagram than on other platforms. Not sure how to use hashtags? Read Use #Hashtags In Social Media To Increase Exposure.

Even though I’ve been on Instagram for much less time that the other platforms, I’ve found it is the one that I enjoy the most. Not only sharing my own photos, but exploring the photos of others I follow and some I stumble upon.