'Build your business from your phone using Instagram'

Instagram can be an excellent business launch pad and a great platform for building a brand, said Cole Rise, a San Francisco based photographer and one of the most engaging persons on the social media platform. Speaking at the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit today, Cole said successful users have managed to share and create a community around their brand and give it more value and strength by keeping the idea of the brand simple and focused.

“Users have been able to build an identity without a shop; launching a successful business from their phone,” Cole said.

Describing his involvement with Instagram, Cole said he was one of the first users to pilot the application, being user number 75. Involved in the design of the App logo, he was introduced to the developers of the application in August 2010, and went on to design many of the photography filters used in the platform today.

Cole said phone cameras have assumed the status of primary camera, making it possible for users to look back at their photos, 50 years from now, and see an honest and unedited image.

According to Cole, one of the main reasons filters were introduced to photography applications at first was because of the low quality of early phone cameras. However, with the current generation of phone cameras being of the highest standard, it has become possible to take impressive high quality photos, reducing the reliance on such filters.

The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit brought together more than 1500 social media experts in the first event of its kind in region. The event, held on March 17 and 18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, involved the participation of all segments of the society to strengthen the role of social media in various aspects of life. It enabled young Arabs to employ their innovative ideas to serve the Arab community through optimal use of social media channels.

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