Instagram, as a dynamic platform, frequently rolls out new features designed to enhance user experience and engagement. Whether you’re sharing a photo on your feed, a story, a reel, or an IGTV video, each format offers unique opportunities for engaging your audience. It is crucial to learn how Instagram content is distributed to establish a community. Gone are the days of chronological feeds; Instagram now uses sophisticated algorithms that prioritize content based on user preferences, engagement history, and relevance.
For business, the best way to use Instagram is to produce high-quality, interesting content and to intelligently share it across the social media platform.
4 Steps to set up an Instagram business account
Before you can begin promoting your business on Instagram, you need to create a business account. Here are the steps to follow:
- Create a personal profile: If you don’t already have one, start by creating a personal Instagram account.
- Switch to a business profile:
- Go to your profile and tap on “Edit Profile.”
- Tap “Switch to Professional Account.”
- Select a category that best describes your business and hit “Done.”
- Review contact information: Add your business email, phone number, and address (if applicable). This adds credibility and makes it easy for potential customers to reach you.
- Complete your profile: Make sure your profile is optimized by adding your business logo as the profile picture, writing a catchy bio, linking to your website, and including clear contact options.
4 Ways to grow your Instagram followers
Follower count can influence your reach and engagement, so it’s crucial to grow your audience steadily. Here are a few strategies for doing so:
1. Engage with similar accounts
Comment on and like posts from users who share similar interests or fit your target demographic. This can attract attention to your profile and encourage others to follow you.
2. Use relevant hashtags
Hashtags are essential for increasing visibility. Use a combination of broad and niche hashtags to make your posts discoverable by a wider audience. You can also experiment with trending hashtags for greater reach.
For efficient hashtag creation, consider using a hashtag generator for Instagram to identify the best hashtags for your posts.
3. Collaborate with influencers
Influencer marketing is a powerful tool for reaching new audiences. Partner with influencers in your industry to expand your reach and gain credibility.
4. Promote your Instagram account
Cross-promote your Instagram account on other platforms, such as your website, email newsletters, and other social media networks, to attract new followers.
How to create an Instagram marketing strategy
1. Define your goals
Start by identifying your Instagram marketing goals: brand awareness, website traffic, lead generation, sales, or community building. Focus on one or two primary goals to avoid spreading yourself too thin. Write them down and use them as your guiding focus.
2. Identify your target audience
Create personas based on your ideal customer’s demographics, interests, and behaviors. Use Instagram Insights to understand your current audience, and tailor your content to meet their preferences.
3. Research your competition
Analyze your competitors’ Instagram strategies. Look for strengths to emulate and areas to differentiate yourself, such as better customer engagement or content variety.
4. Optimize your Instagram profile
Ensure your username, bio, and profile picture are clear and on-brand. Include a clickable link, call-to-action, and easy contact options. Keep your profile aesthetically consistent to reinforce brand identity.
5. Choose your content themes
Select key content types like captivating photos, videos, Reels, or image macros that align with your goals and audience. Maintain a consistent visual style to strengthen brand recognition.
6. Create a content calendar
Plan posts ahead using a content calendar to maintain consistency. Track your audience’s active times and schedule posts accordingly to boost engagement.
Best practices for Instagram marketing in 2025
1. Make posts interesting
Your Instagram should feature engaging, creative content, not just ads. FedEx, for example, shares user photos with their trucks and planes, focusing on the surroundings instead of the vehicles. Get inspired by brands similar to yours for content ideas.
2. Vary your content
Mix up photos and videos to keep followers engaged. Using different types of posts, like animals, people, and seasonal content, prevents your feed from getting repetitive. Experiment with various Instagram post ideas that reflect your brand’s identity.
3. Encourage engagement
Craft engaging captions that include calls to action (e.g., “Tag a friend!”). This helps expand your reach and boosts interactions. Encourage followers to use a branded hashtag for more engagement.
4. Create branded hashtags
Use unique, simple hashtags for your brand and campaigns. Consistently use these hashtags to help categorize posts and increase brand recognition. Engage with users who use your hashtags.
5. Use trending hashtags
Incorporate trending hashtags (like #TransformationTuesday) to increase visibility. Make sure they align with your brand to avoid irrelevant content.
6. Cross-promote social media
Promote your Instagram on other platforms, like Facebook, to encourage cross-following and expand your audience.
7. Don’t overpost
Avoid overwhelming followers by posting too much. Find a posting frequency that balances engagement without oversaturation.
8. Include clear CTAs
Always include calls to action, guiding followers on what to do next, such as visiting your site or commenting on your post.
9. Interact with followers
Respond to comments and messages to build relationships and trust with your audience. Address concerns to maintain a positive brand image.
10. Track performance
Monitor Instagram analytics to understand what content works. Use the data to adjust your strategy and improve engagement.
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s ever-changing functions provide unparalleled potential for businesses to connect with audiences and build brand awareness. Through understanding the platform’s proprietary algorithms, producing high-quality content, and disseminating it in a variety of formats companies can efficiently target their target audience.
Establishing a professional profile, growing a dedicated following, and developing a clear marketing strategy are essential steps to success on the platform. Adherence to best practices including highly engaging content, regular posting, the use of branded and trending hashtags, and cross-promotion will aid Instagram community building.
