Social media platforms

Top tips for using Instagram for business

Guide

Instagram is an online photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service. It is used by businesses as a marketing tool.

Read our six tips to help make Instagram work for your business.

1. How can you set clear goals for Instagram?

Consider how Instagram fits into your overall marketing strategy. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, shift perceptions, or reach a new audience?

2. How do you build a community on Instagram?

Grow your following by linking your Facebook account, cross-sharing photos, engaging with others, and using relevant hashtags. Share selected images to your Facebook page to help those unaware of your Instagram presence find you.

3. How should you balance business and fun content?

Aim to post a mix of business-related and fun images. Track engagement to see what resonates most with your followers, using the 80/20 rule—20% business promotion, 80% engaging, interesting content.

4. Why should you use industry-related hashtags?

Hashtags help new users discover your content. When attending events, use specific hashtags (e.g., #DigitalDNA) so event organisers and attendees can find and engage with your posts.

5. When should you consider paid advertising on Instagram?

Instagram offers various ad formats like photo, video, and carousel ads. Use paid advertising to drive traffic to your website, promote app downloads, or increase brand awareness.

6. Why is it important not to over-advertise?

While showcasing products is important, avoid turning your feed into a series of ads. Instead, creatively incorporate your brand into content that users will enjoy and want to share.