Instagram For Business For Dummies. Eric Butow
a little geek-fest on technical jargon? Okay, a lot of people! We’ve pulled out these paragraphs so you can understand the technical aspects of using Instagram without getting overwhelmed.
Beyond the Book
In addition to what you’re reading right now, this book also comes with a free, access-anywhere cheat sheet that provides a handy list of Instagram lingo, steps for sharing posts directly, and more. To view the cheat sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Instagram for Business For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
Where to Go from Here
The first few chapters dive into how to set up a new Instagram account. If you already have an Instagram account, you can skip the first chapter, but we encourage you to check out Chapter 2 because it contains information on how to set up an effective profile. Don’t worry, you can easily update or edit anything you've already started!
After that, we have a ton of information on creating better content and getting strategic with your Instagram content. If you want to focus on specific areas, look at the Table of Contents for guidance.
If you run into trouble, check out Chapters 21 and 22, which are dedicated to troubleshooting Instagram issues. And if you're looking for inspiration, read Chapters 23 and 24.
It’s time to jump into all the fun of Instagram that we’ve been talking about! Enjoy the book.
Part 1
Creating Your Profile
IN THIS PART …
Install Instagram on your smartphone, tablet, or Windows computer.
Set up your Instagram business profile to draw followers like moths to a flame (or whatever trite saying applies).
Prepare your business goals for your Instagram profile so you can reach the most customers.
Chapter 1
Installing Instagram
IN THIS CHAPTER
The good people at the Instagram division of Facebook realized long ago that many people use Instagram with all their computing devices, not just smartphones. What’s more, they knew that if business owners were going to adopt Instagram as the de facto photo-sharing app, Instagram had to be available everywhere: on smartphones, tablets, computers, and even the Instagram website.
If you haven’t installed Instagram yet, this is the chapter you need to read. We start by showing you where to find Instagram on the web, and then you find out how to install the Instagram app on computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Next, you see how to use Instagram on the web in case you’re using a computer or device that either doesn’t or can't have Instagram installed, such as a company smartphone that allows only company-approved apps. Finally, you launch the Instagram app on your computer or device so you can scratch that itch and start Instagramming.
Moving Instagram to the Launch Pad
If you don’t have Instagram installed on your smartphone (or your computer), search in one of the following locations to find and download the app:
iPhone or iPad: App Store
Android smartphone or tablet: Google Play Store
Windows: Microsoft Store
Mac: App Store
In the iPhone example shown in Figure 1-1, the brightly colored bar at the top of the page indicates where you can download the app.
FIGURE 1-1: Get the iPhone Instagram app by clicking Get at the top right.
Installing on a Computer
Instagram was designed for a smartphone, but in a business setting you'll be more likely to view it at your desk while you’re working. Otherwise, you'll have to keep looking from your computer screen to your smartphone.
Fortunately, the Instagram app is available for Windows and the Mac, so you can view, like, and comment on photos and videos from other Instagram users. However, you can’t use your computer’s webcam to take pictures or shoot video.
Installing on a Windows PC (sort of)
The Windows version of Instagram is a Windows 10 app. As any Windows 10 user knows, Microsoft is trying to make Windows the best of both worlds by offering apps that can run on both Windows on computers and the Windows Mobile 10 operating system. (Good luck trying to find anyone using Windows Mobile 10 on a smartphone.)
Windows PC users can install the Instagram app from the Windows Store or the Instagram website. Here’s