Will IG’s ‘Best Practices’ Stick?

Instagram’s New Best Practices: A Game-Changer

Instagram has recently unveiled its new Best Practices feature, and it’s poised to be a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their social media presence. Hidden in the professional dashboard, this tool offers valuable insights that could transform your Instagram strategy. As someone who’s been navigating the ever-changing landscape of Instagram for years, I can say this is the kind of information we’ve all been waiting for. Let’s dive deep into what Instagram is sharing and how you can use these insights to improve your approach.

The Reel Revolution

Instagram is doubling down on Reels, and for good reason. They’re suggesting users post 10 Reels per month, which might seem like a lot at first glance. When I first heard this recommendation, I was skeptical. However, after implementing this strategy for a month, I saw a significant increase in my engagement. The sweet spot for Reel length is between 30 to 90 seconds. This duration allows you to deliver valuable content without losing your audience’s attention. In my experience, Reels around 45-60 seconds tend to perform best, striking a balance between depth and digestibility.

Hashtag Strategy Overhaul

Instagram has thrown us a curveball with their new hashtag recommendations. They now suggest using only five relevant hashtags per post. This was a tough pill to swallow for many of us who were used to maxing out our hashtags on every post. However, when I switched from using numerous hashtags to just five targeted ones, I was amazed to see my reach actually improve. The key is to be extremely selective with your hashtags. Forget about broad tags like #reels or #explore – it’s all about niche-specific tags now.

Engagement is King

Instagram is putting more emphasis than ever on genuine interaction. They suggest replying to comments within 48 hours, but in my experience, the sooner, the better. I’ve made it a habit to spend time each morning responding to comments, and I’ve seen my follower loyalty improve as a result. Don’t stop at just replying to comments, though. Consider asking questions in your captions to encourage comments, using Instagram’s interactive stickers in your Stories, and hosting regular Q&A sessions. Remember, the goal is to build a community, not just a following.

Content Recycling: A New Lease on Life

Good news for content creators: Instagram has given the green light to reposting our own content. This is a huge relief, especially for those of us who put a lot of effort into creating high-quality posts. I’ve started resharing my best-performing posts every few months, and I’ve noticed they often perform even better the second time around. Just remember not to go overboard. A good rule of thumb is to keep your recycled content to about 20% of your overall posting strategy.

Automation: Proceed with Caution

Instagram is starting to discourage the use of automation tools, especially for comment baiting. Those posts that say “Comment ‘YES’ if you agree!” are falling out of favor. It’s a grey area, and the landscape is constantly changing. If you do use automation tools, it’s important to avoid anything that looks like comment baiting and to prioritize genuine interaction over automated processes.

Visual Consistency and Quality

While not explicitly mentioned in the Best Practices, accounts with a consistent visual theme tend to perform better. This doesn’t mean every post needs to look the same, but there should be a cohesive feel to your feed. Investing time in improving your photography or graphic design skills can pay off. Using consistent filters or editing styles and opting for high-quality images can make a significant difference in how your content is received.

Leveraging Instagram Stories

Don’t forget about Stories! While the Best Practices focus a lot on feed posts and Reels, Stories are still a crucial part of a well-rounded Instagram strategy. They’re great for sharing more casual, behind-the-scenes content, driving traffic to your latest posts or Reels, and hosting polls or questions to boost engagement.

Analytics: Your Secret Weapon

Make friends with your Instagram Insights. This data is invaluable when it comes to refining your strategy. Pay attention to which types of posts get the most engagement, when your audience is most active, and how your Reels perform compared to static posts. Use this data to continually refine your approach. What works for one account may not work for another, so it’s crucial to let your own analytics guide your strategy.

Conclusion

Remember, these Best Practices are guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. The Instagram algorithm is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay flexible and keep experimenting to find what works best for your unique audience. Start by focusing on one or two areas at a time, measure your results, and adjust as needed. With consistency and authenticity, you can significantly improve your Instagram performance. Keep creating, keep engaging, and watch your Instagram presence grow.