Why are you reading this post? Probably because you realize this simple fact: Instagram isn’t just an app for sharing pics with friends, it's the largest social media marketing platform. And that’s what this ultimate guide for Instagram content is all about – right sales strategy.
Like, did you know Instagram has the most active users, in comparison with other social media apps? As to PewResearchCenter, about 59% of them visit daily and spend at least 7 hours a week browsing, interacting with friends, and checking out brands.
Instagram can boost your brand awareness and help launch new products. Every month, 130 million users engage with shopping content. You can promote your brand and products in a fun, authentic way without being pushy.
But these are just the numbers, right? We know, getting started with Instagram SMM can still be tough. That’s why you're reading this ultimate guide for Instagram marketing!
Once again, why Instagram?
Did we say that Instagram has over 2 billion active monthly users? Yes, it's the third most-used social media platform, globally. And if you have a business… Your customers are definitely on Instagram!
People love Instagram. In a survey about favorite social platforms, Instagram ranked second. Users spend an average of 12 hours a month on the app. But what are they doing there? Shopping. As to this study, about 44% of Instagram users shop weekly on the app, and 62.4% follow or research brands, products, or services.
How to Set Up Instagram for Marketing?
Creating a professional Instagram account gives your brand legitimacy and access to business tools like analytics and advertising. Here’s how to switch to a business profile:
Tap the menu in the top right corner
Select "Settings and privacy"
Scroll to "Account type and tools"
Tap "Switch to professional account"
Follow the prompts and choose the category that best describes you or your brand. You may need to specify if you’re a Creator or a Business. Both have access to analytics and advertising tools.
The Ultimate Guide for Instagram Marketing
Okay, ready to make your Instagram content plan? Keep up with these rules!
1. Know Your Audience
Here’s the first rule: you need to know who you're trying to reach to make your content plan work. Knowing your audience helps you make material that speaks to them. While planning, set goals for your growth on Instagram.
Start by analyzing your current followers. Check their demographics, interests, and behaviors. This data can be found in Instagram Insights or tools like Sprout Social and Hootsuite.
Next, research potential customers within the same demographic who may not know your brand yet. Look at similar accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for ideas.
Create detailed buyer personas, including:
Age range
Gender
Location
Interests/hobbies
Job title/industry
These personas help you target your content effectively.
2. Post at Optimal Times of Day
When you post on Instagram can really affect how many people see and interact with your content.
Yes, there are general tips on when most users are online… But the best time for you depends on your audience. So, check Instagram Insights to see when your followers are active. Plus, try posting at different times to see what works best.
Keep it consistent! Once you find the best time, stick to a regular posting schedule.
Like, if your posts get the most engagement on Mondays and Fridays between 8-9 PM, share your best content during those times.
Just log in to your Instagram Business account and check your analytics to start out.
3. Put Hashtags and Location Tags
Hashtags and location tags help new users find your profile. Hashtags categorize your posts by topic, and location tags attract local customers or visitors.
Find hashtags that fit your content and show up in popular posts. Using trending hashtags helps your post get noticed in searches and on the Explore page.
Mix popular tags with niche ones that match your content. Like, if you're into gym products, use broad tags like #GymMotivation and specific ones like #HomeWorkout to reach both a wide audience and your target niche.
4. Get to Know the Instagram Algorithms
What appears in feeds, who is promoted on Explore, and what gets lost are all decided by Instagram's algorithms.
Those algorithms basically look at content (like Reels, feed posts, and Stories) and user data (like hobbies and how they use the app) to make sure that the right content is shown to the right people.
Each algorithm looks at details about the post (like how relevant or popular it is), who posted it, your interaction history with them, and your overall activity on Instagram.
5. Make User Content
User content is a powerful form of social proof that shows a genuine view of your brand.
Ask your followers to share photos or stories with your products or services and then repost these. This builds a sense of community and gives you trustworthy content that new followers will believe.
Like, if you're into gym products, ask customers to share photos of themselves using your stuff with a specific hashtag. Share these pics on your Instagram to show off real-life use of your products.
6. Measure Performance and Analyze Results
Finally, don’t forget to track your performance. This helps to improve your strategy consistently.
Set goals and keep an eye on KPIs like engagement rate, follower growth, and website traffic. Use analytics to see how your content is doing.
Look at the data to spot trends in user behavior. If videos get more engagement, make more videos. Find out which hashtags work best to boost your future posts.
Try out different types of posts, caption lengths, and interactive features like polls and tests. Don’t forget to use A/B testing to see which version of a post gets more clicks.
7. Pay Attention to Popular Content
A 2023 Statista study found that half of Instagram users are into funny content. Almost as many, 46%, look for creative posts, and 41% enjoy informative ones. Other hits, with about 36% of users, are relaxing, inspiring, engaging, or trendy posts and Stories.
In 2022, the most liked posts were mostly from celebrities (except for one mysterious egg).
Interestingly, the celeb posts that get the most engagement are the personal ones—pregnancy announcements, dramatic makeovers, wedding photos, or funny moments with friends. They're not selling tickets or promoting movies. They seem real, and fans love that.
Bottom Line
So, there you have it, one of the best Instagram guides. With these tips, you'll be famous in no time, or at least your brand will be. Just remember to stay authentic, post consistently, and always use those hashtags. Now go forth and conquer the 'Gram — your followers (and future customers) are waiting!
