There is little doubt that Instagram has been a huge hit in terms of social media and while it may not have the sheer number of Facebook, it does provide a very popular, easy to use platform and a low advertising cost for businesses wanting to take advantage of their services.

Another advantage that Instagram offers is that it is primarily a mobile service which means that it reaches customers who use smartphones and tablets. This means that their ads are geared for the fastest growing customer base on the internet. Since it is optimized for such devices, you can break into a whole new field of customers if you have been primarily appealing to laptop and computer owners.

In addition, there are three popular methods that you can use with Instagram that will help you increase your overall sales.

Improve Your Product Feed
One issue that many new online business owners are facing is using standard stock images for their products. While it works to a certain extent, Instagram provides you with a means to publish original images that will help separate your business from the competition. This generally means showing off the products in a realistic manner that personalizes your business.

The good news is that you can either photograph the images yourself or get them from your customers. Either way, Instagram is the perfect means for collecting unique photos and putting them up for your current customers to share which hopefully will tap into more customers for your business. However, you can also share the photos through Instagram ads which will increase your market potential.

Maintain Relevance
In other words, it pays to be up with the times and engage your audience in a manner that they see as relevant. You can start with your Instagram ads that tap into the type of audience that responds best to the products and services you offer. By adding contests, discounts, or emphasizing particular products, you can increase your relevance to the right audience which will generate better leads.

In addition, you can use your sales fluctuations during the year to your advantage by emphasizing Instagram ads that help sell more products, inform customers about what you offer, and provide good information on current trends in the industry. In many ways, using this social media platform in conjunction with other efforts will result in maintaining standing with your customers.

Start Targeting Your Audience
Instagram is a natural place to create better targeting methods to reach new customers. This is particularly true when you combine it with other areas on the internet such as blogs for example. By utilizing the information that you have, you can better target your audience and find the right type of prospects that have a strong interest in the products or services that you provide.

In the end, the low cost of Instagram advertising costs combined with its mobile platform reach provides you with an easier way to reach new potential customers which may expand your business.