Instagram is where the action is at online these days. Whether you’re using it for your personal life or your business, it’s important that you’re a part of it.

The image is more powerful than the written word these days. Image + Text being the most powerful way to convey a message. As much as I love blogging, I also love updating our Instagram feed to show you quickly what’s really happening in the store in real time.

Quality matters. Gone are the days of grainy phone pictures. With bigger and better phones (I’m obsessed with my iPhone 6 Plus), cameras are sharper than ever. And with more and more editing options, there’s no reason that a picture should be dark. My favorite is VSCO cam.

Look at the power of this before and after edit photo from CoutureGirl’s blog:

Pictures should be planned. Sure, some people just find that perfect Instagram picture walking down the street, but most take a little thought. Especially with retail, products should be arranged thoughtfully and really showcase a brand. Make sure there’s good lighting, an artful arrangement, and a good view of what you really want to show.

Keep it real. Original content is king in every aspect of social media. Real snaps and real people make the best posts. Reposting from others seems easy and won’t keep followers sticking around. You’ve got to have your own point of view and your own pictures to really make the magic happen. Below is our sneak preview of our spring editorial shot on location at Pittsburgh’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel Monaco.

Now what are you waiting for? Check our our chic new website and follow us on Instagram for top-notch content.