Instagram was originally created in 2010 as a way for friends and family to communicate and socialize online, but it has become so much more than that. Today, the main use remains to be interacting with friends and family, but it’s also an opportunity for brands and consumers to connect.

A study from U.K. furniture maker Knightsbridge in 2019, states that 73% of people aged between 18 to 34 years old, check the hotel’s social media feed before booking. In fact, 33% would be put off booking altogether if a hotel had no social media presence.

So if you’re new to social media, what you need to understand as a business owner is that Instagram is a place for people to connect with friends, family and brands alike. And as it continues to grow at an explosive rate you’ll want to take advantage of it for your business, it shouldn't be a choice but a necessity.