Instagram for Small Business

Sometimes the power of social media amazes me. I was looking for a winning business from the Boston A-List that is active on Instagram to feature in this month’s newsletter. I tweeted and posted to Facebook asking if any businesses on the A-List have Instagram, and what do you know? More than one winner responded, and they all do such a fabulous job and I decided to profile not one, but two businesses this month.

The first business is Jennifer Phelan Pilates, winner of BEST Pilates on the 2012 Boston A-List. The owner, Jennifer, is clearly very engaged in social media as she responded to both the A-List’s tweet and Facebook post. When I asked her why she uses Instagram for her business, she had some great insight.

“I am no different than my students. I know how hard it is to work all day and struggle to find the energy to make time for you. But I believe that every person with the desire to achieve a balance between physical fitness and mind/body connection is capable of doing so. My goal is to be your motivation.” 

Her Instagram feed (JPPilates) certainly provides motivation for her students and followers. Not only does she post Pilates-related pictures, but she also shares pictures that give a peak into her life and lifestyle. Her photos are varied and include workout clothes, healthy food, her adorable dog, life around Boston, and last but certainly not list her Boston A-List Winner’s Certificate! Jennifer Phelan Pilates has only been on Instagram for several months, but she can already tell that it is going to be a prominent social media effort as it allows her fans and followers to become closer into her life.

Blue Tierra Chocolate Café is the winner of BEST Chocolatier for the second year in a row. While the chocolate cafe has only been on Instagram for a week (bluetierrachocolate), they already have an array of mouthwatering photos. They do a great job of giving Instagrammers an inside look into their business with pictures of chocolate making including the different phases from something simple such as cooking bacon or nuts to the delicious end product. The owner, Jen, can already see the impact that Instagram has on her business. Customers will come into the store requesting products that they saw posted merely hours before.

Jen shared some insight as to why Blue Tierra Chocolate Café uses Instagram, “They say you eat with your eyes before your mouth and this is very true, which makes Instagram the perfect platform for us to promote our products.” Also, as a small business owner, Jen doesn’t have a great deal of time to focus on her social media efforts. Instagram is the perfect tool as it is easy to use and share across social networks which helps her reach consumers quickly and efficiently.

Do you use Instagram for your small business? Let us know your username and some of your best practices in the comments!