Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or just starting out, you cannot underestimate the impact social media can have on your organization.  Social networking has helped level the playing field for many small business owners. While Facebook and Twitter has always been the giants, the world of social networking is constantly evolving and smaller networks such as Instagram have some great opportunities to offer.

If you don’t know already, Instagram is a photo sharing app with a social networking component. Since pictures are easy to take and have a low barrier of entry, they also make it a wonderful tool for promoting your brand without a ton of work. Here are some effective ways to use Instagram to promote your services:

• Show off your products. Instagram is perfect for promoting products with visual appeal. For some brands, Instagram is used much like a catalog. All you find on their profile are photo products. While that can be effective, a better approach is to demonstrate your products in action. For example, cosmetic companies could showcase customers using and wearing your products. These photos help the customer visualize themselves using your products.

• Demonstrate the end results. With some products, it’s all about the visible results they create. Weight loss products and the classic before and after are the perfect example here.
• Liven it up with your personality. If you have a business that provides a service or something that isn’t easily photographed, that doesn’t mean you can’t use Instagram. Take and use photos that showcase your human side. These can be photos of you and your team in action. It doesn’t have to be serious all the time either. Add a fun or thought-provoking caption to these photos. Also, when you engage in charitable work, post those pictures! Finally, don’t forget to post photos of your employees or clients along with brief profiles, with their permission of course.

• Get your community to help. Still stuck? How about a photo contest? These are great for getting noticed on Instagram. First, come up with a theme. Next, ask users to post images using a unique hashtag. Whether you offer a price or feature the best photos on your site is up to you. Although one would think you’d get better traction with a prize. Can’t afford to run a contest? How about a simple email to your customers asking them to show you a photo they took using your product. Give them a mention and shine the spotlight on them. This helps create a better connection between you and your customers and takes almost no time nor money.

Unlike many other social networks, Instagram is among the few that doesn’t require a large amount of time or commitment. Do you already use Instagram? Show us how you do it. Share your best photo!