Instagram has grown beyond being a mere photo-sharing app and has now become a thriving platform for businesses and communities alike.
With the right strategies and practices, Instagram can become a goldmine for engagement and visibility.
Let’s dive into the best practices for creating a community on Instagram, when to post, and strategies for gaining visibility fast.
Building a Community on Instagram
Building a community on Instagram isn’t just about accumulating followers; it’s about fostering engagement, nurturing relationships, and generating value. Here are some key steps:
Engage, Engage, Engage
To create a sense of community, interaction is vital. Respond to comments on your posts and engage in discussions. Conduct polls or ask questions through Instagram Stories to get your followers involved.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC is a powerful tool for creating a community. Encourage your followers to share photos or stories related to your brand and feature them on your profile. This not only fosters engagement but also makes your followers feel valued and appreciated.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Collaborate with influencers or other businesses in your niche. This exposes your brand to a new audience and helps foster a sense of community.
Engage with other accounts
One of the best practices on Instagram, and all the social media in general, is also to engage with other accounts in your niche.
Create an engagement group, follow other accounts in your niche, comment on their post, react to their content and interact with them as much as possible so that the algorithm understands your niche faster and shows you to the right people.
An engagement group also helps boost engagement with your posts.
When to Post on Instagram
Timing matters on Instagram. According to studies, the best times to post on Instagram are around 9 am and 11 am (EST) during weekdays.
We found that Instagram users are the most likely to interact with content during work hours mid-day and mid-week. And that makes sense — it is a perfect time to take a break from work or school and do some scrolling. (And liking. And commenting.).
Weekends are typically the worst days to post and don’t tend to have much Instagram engagement. We suspect that’s because people are out and about in the real world instead of scrolling Instagram.
However, these times can vary based on your specific audience. Use Instagram Insights to find out when your followers are most active and schedule your posts accordingly.
Strategies for Gaining Visibility Fast
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at strategies to skyrocket your Instagram visibility:
Optimize Your Profile
A well-optimized profile is your first step. Use a recognizable profile picture, write a clear and concise bio, and add relevant links.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags increase the discoverability of your posts. Use a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but studies suggest nine hashtags strike a balance between engagement and spam.
Instagram Stories and Reels
Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts that use all its features. Regularly posting Stories and Reels can increase your chances of being discovered.
Instagram Ads
If you have a budget, consider using Instagram Ads. You can target specific demographics and increase your reach significantly.
Engage with Other Accounts
Don’t just wait for people to engage with your content. Comment on posts, reply to stories, and follow relevant accounts. This will help increase your visibility.
Remember, Instagram is about consistency, creativity, and community. By implementing these practices and strategies, you can establish a strong Instagram presence, build a community, and boost your visibility. Happy ‘gramming!
If you’d like help to improve your online visibility, manage your social networks or enhance your branding, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
A member of our team will be delighted to advise you and help you achieve your goals.