They say that a picture paints a thousand words. But in this day and age, it can get you a thousand customers.

Instagram, the multi-billion dollar photo-sharing site first started by photographers Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, has over 100 million users to date. As a matter of fact, Instagram has 10 times more user engagement than Facebook and Twitter!

Why is Instagram so popular? And for that matter, why are brands like Starbucks, Top Shop, Time Magazine, and even homegrown talents and local entrepreneurs setting up their own Instagram accounts?

Simple. These brands understand the power of visually compelling images—and what it can do to a customer. Social Media scientist Dan Zarrella points out that photographs yield more likes, shares, and comments compared to texts, videos, and links. Likes don’t necessarily guarantee sales, but they can increase visibility among your followers and their networks. The more people know you, the more people will be talking about you; the higher the awareness, the greater the chances to profit.

Here are more benefits to Instagram:

(1)  You don’t need to be a professional photographer

 And neither do you need an expensive camera. Just use Instagram’s filters to add more drama and life to ordinary images.

(2)  You can get creative

Promoting your signature cupcake? Use Instagram to tease your customer’s senses! Make your shots enticing—so enticing that your followers are driven to visit your online store in the middle of the night, drop by your bakery first thing tomorrow morning, or share these images with their friends. Who knows, your pictures might even go viral! You can also create a buzz among your followers by giving them a sneak peek on your upcoming offers. Better yet, why not involve them in a guess game as to what the picture is all about?

A dollop of butter cream seals the deal. Cupcakes by Sonja, a local cupcakery in the Philippines, was started in 2006 by passionate baker Ms. Sonja. Photo grabbed from @cupcakesbysonja/ http://instagram.com/cupcakesbysonja

https://www.instagram.com/p/aA8stYNb8D/ https://www.instagram.com/p/ZajQVjNb7V/

Singapore-based WLC SHOP showcases their DIY arm candies through Instagram. (Photo grabbed from @wlcshop)

 

Trendy clothing retailer Forever21 gives a splash of color on their Instagram account. (Photo grabbed from @forever21).

(3)  You can present your brand in a different light

You don’t have to limit yourself to product shots when promoting your brand. How about giving your followers an insider’s look? Snap photos of your offices or your employees hard at work, or have candid and behind-the-scene shots. Why not share quotes or other images that represent your brand? If you love joining bazaars or fairs, share your experiences, too. Instagram presents you new ways to share your brand and to interact with your followers.

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Left: Hot off the oven! BreadTalk started off in Singapore and is now all over the world. Here, the chef is caught in the act with one of the bakery’s delightful treat. (Photo grabbed from @breadtalk)

 Right: Gabe Willis from Oklahoma just wanted to make his own skateboard. But people saw the pictures and wanted one, too. Now, Gabe has four full-time employees and sells in stores and web retailers.  (Photo grabbed from @strght)

 

 

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A post shared by Fofo Lifestyle Co. (@fofo_lifestyle)

Filipino entrepreneur Francis Galura makes sure his booth and his new collection, FoFo Lifestyle, which sells silly stuffies, clothes, shoes, and what not, will stand out among the crowd. (Photo grabbed from @fofo_lifestyle)

(4)  You get free advertising

Let’s take Starbucks as an example. Using the hashtag #Starbucks, they encouraged their followers to take photos of them with the brand’s coffee. This resulted to 2.1 million photos…and counting! With little to no effort at all, Starbucks was able to generate publicity for their brand.

You can do the same, too. Have your followers tag you while wearing your brand, have them post their favorite products or services, come up with contests and promos, give goodies to lucky followers who shared your images, reward the best photo, launch a campaign…the possibilities are endless! Remember, your customers are your best advertisers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/a7_Fl9wENT/

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A post shared by Topshop (@topshop)

Left, Middle: Brand in action! Starbucks followers post their drinks. (Photo grabbed from @newyorkjunkies and @chiarapoma)                                 

Right: A fashionista blogger shows off the latest collection of Top Shop. (Photo grabbed from @topshop)

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Singaporean company Y3SG celebrates their 10th year generously with their followers. (Photo grabbed from @y3sg)
 

(5)  You can extend your reach

Linking Instagram to your other social media accounts allows you to do more with your brand (since these accounts have their own strengths as well), and to establish stronger connections. Your followers can like you on Facebook, Tweet you on Twitter, or pin you on Pinterest. You’re everywhere—making it easier for people to find you anywhere.

So snap and click away! Instagram is a creative way to get in touch with your customers and gain new clients—all through the power of a single picture.