Instagram is quickly becoming one of the most beneficial platforms for businesses. If you're still up in the air about it, these stats might change your mind. 

Thirty-two percent of all online adults use Instagram. Within this audience, 59% of online adults between the ages of 18 and 29 and 33% of online adults between the ages of 30 and 49 use Instagram. According to surveys, these users want to see content that's current, creative, and useful.

When accounts post less than one time per week, they average 1,056 likes on their posts each month. When accounts post between one and six times per week, they average 4,383 likes on their posts each month. Those numbers skyrocket all the way to 13,677 likes per month when accounts post seven or more times a week.

* Note: These numbers aren't accurate for every account. If you don't have the time or resources to create seven pieces of content every week, focus on consistency rather than quantity. Also, if you try posting more and notice a dip in your engagement numbers, it might mean your audience is getting annoyed by you posting so much. Again, focus on consistency instead of quantity.

If your business has been ignoring Instagram Stories, it's time to dedicate some time to it. I can't stress this enough.

Research it. Practice it. Start utilizing it. Period.

*See note about Instagram Stories above. ↑

*Again, see note about Instagram Stories above. ↑

Do some quick hashtag research on Instagram in order to find relevant hashtags and then start including them in your posts. This will make your account more discoverable and boost your engagement numbers.

Similar to hashtags, including a location tag with make your account more discoverable and boost engagement. Also, if you include a location tag in a story, your story will be featured in that locations story in the Instagram Explore tab.

Prompting people to use a specific hashtag that's unique to your account is a great way to gather user-generated content. Why do people like seeing user-generated content? It makes your brand seem more personable and approachable. It might take some time to garner traction for your hashtag, but once people start using it, your engagement numbers, followers, and sales will increase.

Overall, there's little correlation between the length of captions and engagement numbers, but there is somewhat of a dip when caption length exceeds 475 character.

Currently, the average engagement numbers of images is still higher than the average engagement numbers of videos. The trend seems to be shifting, though, as the average engagement on videos is growing faster than the average engagement on images (53 percent increase vs 46 percent increase).

Do what you want with these stats, but I'm imploring you: get your business on Instagram now!

Lacking leads? This FREE ebook is for you. You'll learn some of the most effective lead generation tips, tricks, and ideas for FREE! Click below to download.