Follow These 5 Instagram Accounts for Retail Inspiration

At any given moment, there are at least half a dozen social media platforms out there. Adding yet another account and figuring out what to post and how to grow your follower account can seem daunting. When it comes to Instagram, the focus is on the photos.

If you’re looking to attract younger customers by expanding into Instagram, but aren’t sure how to get started, check out these five accounts to get your wheels turning.

1. @foodnetwork 
   From new show previews to recipe demos, the Food Network account is a great place to start if you want to see how to walk your followers through a project from start to finish. Bonus: You might also get some new ideas for dinner or dessert.
2. @ultabeauty
   Get some ideas for merchandising and how to highlight new products from this beauty products retailer. You can learn some pointers on cross-merchandising and interesting ways to get your customers excited about the newest line from a highly coveted brand.
3. @travelandleisure
   If you want your followers to be inspired by their local community, get some ideas on photo composition at the Travel + Leisure account and take your phone exploring. Whether it’s an artsy perspective of your back room, the sunset from your parking lot or the view out your window on your commute, there are plenty of breathtaking scenes you can capture in your own backyard.
4. Your Hometown.
   We can’t provide a link to this one because there more than 32,000 independent retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada who each call a different place home. Search your hometown on Instagram to find accounts for your local newspaper, other local businesses or even your customers to see what they are capturing. Be sure to like and comment on the photos to put your business name front and center.
5. @nrha
   For some industry-specific inspiration, check out the account managed by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA). The organization is the only group in the industry that helps independent retailers, regardless of wholesale affiliation, run better, more profitable operations. Whether you’re looking for insights into training programs or want to see what other retailers are up to, there’s a post for you.