Instagram is more than endless selfies and made-up hashtags. Using Instagram for business can be a successful sharing platform that has merit for any brand with a visual component. While this is a must-have channel for retail brands like Nike, Adidas and Vans; others like the NFL, NBA and MTV also have mastered Instagram for business. Here are some great resources to use so your brand can master Instagram too. Schedule One complaint marketers have regarding Instagram is the lack of scheduling ability. Many believe Instagram is a platform that must be updated in real time because post schedulers are not yet available through many popular social media management tools. Postso has the ability to post and schedule to Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and VK.com. The program allows you to check-in at any location when posting to Instagram and includes photo-editing abilities in addition to filters.

OptimizeIconosquare and Simply Measured both offer excellent free Instagram analytics. Learn what time your posts perform the best, and what type of content your fanbase is most likely to engage. Iconosquare offers an overview of your Instagram activity, while Simply Measured offers more in-depth analytics. Track followers, likes, and comments with Iconosquare’s key metrics. Use Simply Measured to find information like which filter performs the best and how effectively your brand engages on Instagram.

Captivate Create captivating content using Canva. Canva’s easy to use interface simplifies design with eye catching easy to use graphics. In addition, Canva ensures that all designs are compatible with Instagram’s dimensions when the social media template is selected. Consider adding a small brand-related hashtag in the bottom right corner of your designs to encourage dialogue.

Engage Reach your audience and earn likes and followers with LikeBooster. LikeBooster is an app that allows you to favorite photos of fans in a similar demographic, to earn likes on your own photos. Earn hundreds of new likes and engage with an entirely new audience all while establishing a presence on Instagram.

A #NoFilter Guide to Instagram for Business