4 Reasons Why Using Instagram Has Become a Marketing Necessity

If you're not already an Instagram expert, make yourself one ASAP.

Is your business active on Instagram? Are you leveraging it to build your personal brand? While it was once one of many possible social media platforms to market your product or service, you now need to allocate a large percentage of your social media effort toward it. Instagram is no longer an option -- it’s a necessity.

When Mark Zuckerberg acquired Instagram for $1 billion back in April of 2012, many were left scratching their heads, as the app was less than two years old. Looking back, Zuckerberg stole it. It’s now valued at $50 billion, and Instagram’s co-founder and CEO Kevin Systrom is now a billionaire -- thanks to the stock’s growth, his estimated net worth went from $280 million to $1.1 billion.

Most social media platforms eventually slow down and some disappear into the sunset. Twitter stock has been a rollercoaster, with the majority of the ride descending, and some networks, like MySpace, are all but distant memories (RIP).

Instagram is a completely different animal -- it’s not going anywhere. It’s owned by Facebook, has a massive user base that continues to grow and makes money. Instagram’s 2016 ad revenue is estimated to double in 2017. Here are the reasons why it’s time to go all-in with Instagram marketing.

1. Longevity and security thanks to Facebook.

Facebook isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It could very well be worth $1 trillion in the future. It’s such a vital part of this world’s culture that, rather than disappearing, Facebook will continue to evolve and innovate.

What Facebook develops into is yet to be seen, but I can promise you that it will always be around. Since Instagram is owned by Facebook, expect to see them in the picture for the long haul as well. The time and effort you invest into Instagram will not go to waste -- think of it as a long-term strategy.

Read the full article here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/293854