What Type of Content is Best for Instagram?
Jessica L?tze
Founder of Barrk Marketing | Delivering increased brand visibility & ROI for service businesses | EO Accelerator Marketing Chair??
Getting started on Instagram can be overwhelming, especially if you're using the platform to market your business. However, when you post engaging content and see the results, it's totally worth it.
Keep reading to find out not only what type of content you should post, but also where to post it on Instagram.
Best Content Types for Instagram:
1. Instagram Feed
The main feed is where all the posts of the people you follow appear. Your current followers will find your posts here, and potentially new followers can discover your content on the Explore feed. You can post images, short videos, and GIFs here. Here are some content ideas for your feed:
- Product shot / demonstration
- Video explaining your services
- Repost user-generated content
- Sneak peek
- Behind the scenes
- Meet the team
- Testimonial / review
- How-tos
- Motivational
- Giveaway / competition
- Influencer collaboration
All these posts will also appear on your account grid. So, if you want certain posts to be permanent, or you want to create an overall design theme on your account, then choose Instagram Feed.
2. IGTV
IGTV is Instagram's app for creating and sharing longer videos. You can decide to keep these videos on your feed, or on IGTV only. Long-form videos are perfect for:
- Introducing yourself/brand
- Tutorials
- Weekly series
- Office tour
- Interviews
- Day in the life
- Thought leadership
Your videos should be formatted for vertical view, so keep that in mind when you're filming and creating your thumbnail.
3. Stories
You'll find Stories at the top of the feed. Here you can upload images and videos, and use various Story tools, however, they disappear after a mere 24 hours. Stories tend to get loads of views though, so don't overlook this feature! Here's what to share:
- Behind the scenes videos
- Polls
- AMAs (ask me anything)
- Sales
- Promote blogs
- Share your own posts
- Influencer Story takeover
- Go live
4. Instagram Live
If you want to communicate with your followers in real time, then live is for you. You'll find this feature in Stories, and once you click Go Live, you're live - so make sure you're well prepared beforehand. Use Instagram Live for:
- Q&As
- Sharing news
- Recording talks/seminars
- Interviews
Live videos appear at the front of the Story feed, so your followers will see yours first. You can also feature other Instagram users in your live video, which means you don't have to be in the same room as someone else to interview them. Bonus, you’ll also reel in a bigger audience, as the influencer’s followers will be watching as well as yours.
5. Here are some final tips:
- All content should be visually pleasing
- Posts must be in the best quality you can manage. No blurry posts!
- Be authentic
There you have it! Stick to these tips and your business will thrive on Instagram. Let us know below if you found these tips helpful. Until next time ??