[The Three Social Networks You Should Master]

Social media may sound like one thing, but there are many different kinds. As of March 2017, the main social networks in widespread use are:

★ Facebook
★ Twitter
★ Instagram

— those three.
In our first article we covered The Three Social Networks You Should Master: Facebook Edition,
and in the second, The Three Social Networks You Should Master: Twitter Edition.
In this article we bring you the Instagram Edition.

While Facebook, which enjoyed an enormous boom for a time, is seeing its user numbers decline, Instagram is the platform whose share is growing.
Even if you feel that you "don't really know how to use it yet" or "signed up but can't really make the most of it," once you get the knack and use it well for business, it is a free social network that can boost your sales and bring in customers.

[Instagram's Features and Tips for Using It]

Unlike the text-based social networks that came before it, one of Instagram's defining features is its focus on photos (likes and comments are possible too).

The largest user group is people in their 30s, followed by those in their 20s, then 40s, 50s and 60s. However, there is a considerable gap in numbers between the second-place 20s and the 40s, 50s and 60s that follow.

In other words, Instagram's main users are people in their 30s and 20s.

Another characteristic is that, in terms of gender, there are more female users. According to a survey conducted in 2015 by the marketing firm Trenders, Inc., 40% of respondents were women who had been inspired by an Instagram post to make a purchase.

So what exactly were they seeing that led them to buy? As mentioned earlier, Instagram is a social network specialized in photos, so you can post images as they are or, of course, after giving them a stylish edit.

It could be miscellaneous goods, lunch, people—anything. For example, someone posts an edited photo of a beautifully designed mug; another person is drawn to how stylish it looks, wants one too, hunts down where to buy it and purchases it.
And 40% of people have taken that kind of action. When you think about it again, Instagram really is impressive.

Instagram's user numbers have been growing recently, and with survey results like these, it is a golden opportunity for anyone running a business targeting women in their 30s and 20s.

If you're not on Instagram yet, it's free to use, so start today.