New to Instagram? Here's how to get started and a few steps your business can take to get the most from the platform. We've included support links for each step in case you need any further explanation of how something works.

1. Sign up for an Instagram account and choose a username that clearly represents your business, such as your business' name.

2. Add a profile photo, a biography and a link to your website.

3. Switch to a business profile. From your profile, tap the gear icon in the top-right corner and select and then tap to switch to a business profile. Note: Your business must have a Facebook Page to switch to a business profile.

4. Link your account to other third-party sharing sites on which you have an account. This will do the following:

• It'll allow you to share photos to those services.

• It'll also create a news story on Instagram for anyone who follows you on Facebook and has linked their Facebook account to Instagram.

5. Announce to your Facebook followers that you're on Instagram. Let them know your Instagram username and show non-iPhone/Android followers where they can see your Instagram photos.

6. Use and search tags to connect with your audience. Try these tips for using hashtags.

7. Start sharing photos on Instagram and across your other networks. Take a look at the Instagram for Business blog for examples of how brands use Instagram.

8. Review insights on your business profile to better understand your audience and the types of content they respond to most.

9. Start promoting your high-performing posts directly from the mobile app.