5 Instagram Marketing Strategies for 2022
Did you know that as of Q1 2021 that Instagram has over 2 billion active users? Yes, that’s billions with a B. This makes Instagram one of the most used social media platforms right behind Facebook with approximately 2.65 billion active users according to Statista. This also means that businesses that want to get their message out there should leverage Instagram as a social media marketing platform to promote their business.
But what do you do with Instagram? There are many strategies to leverage Instagram for your business or brand. Below you’ll find our top 5 Instagram Marketing Strategies for 2022 and also going into 2023.
1. Optimize Your IG Profile
One of the basic yet important parts of utilizing your business Instagram properly is optimizing your profile. This is what separates your profile from a normal persona online. This is the first thing your audience sees when they land on your profile, so it’s best to make it look great.
The first thing you want to do is make sure you have a great profile picture. Our typical recommendation is to design your profile picture in a 1080×1080 space while keeping in mind that it will be cropped to a perfect circle. You could accomplish this by downloading an app like Phonto on your phone or utilizing graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Need help designing your profile picture? Send us a message!
The next step to optimizing your profile is to have a strong bio. This is the time to describe what your company is all about. Don’t be afraid to use some relevant emojis!
The last step would be to make sure you have a Call to Action along with a link to your website or specific landing page. Don’t miss the opportunity to drive people to your website!
2. Utilize Reels
With the meteoric rise of TikTok, Instagram introduced its own take on the feature called Reels. Reels allows you to post short-form vertical video on their platform which replaced their long-form video feature called IGTV. Because this is Instagram’s newest feature, they are promoting and showcasing creators using this feature by landing them on the explore page and suggested posts in the feed. We strongly recommend you up your video game and start utilizing Reels on Instagram.
3. Utilize IG Stories
Although Reels is all the new trend, IG Stories still holds up as one of the top features inside of Instagram. Stories allow you to post an image or video on your Story that will last for 24 hours. This was introduced years ago, mimicking Snapchat’s tech and its features. The majority of views on any of Instagram’s built-in tools are on Stories.
Stories are also at the top of the platform when you open the app, making it the first thing you see, therefore making it most likely the first thing users interact with. Stories also implements the idea of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) because of its 24-hour lifespan. Because of this, users tend to click and watch the story before it disappears. Stories is great for capturing in the moment, fun, and call-to-action type of content.
4. Get Going with Graphics
Because Instagram is heavily image-based, we always recommend upping your graphics game. Whether it be downloading design software or focusing on taking better photos, taking the time to post quality images should be at the forefront of your IG strategy.
The recommended aspect ratio for Instagram would be 1:1 or 1080×1080 pixels. Although, be ready, because IG announced this year that they will slowly be introducing a 9:16 aspect ratio or 1080×1920 pixels to the feed. The 9:16 aspect ratio is currently reserved for IG Stories and Reels.
Whatever the aspect ratio is, we recommend you up your graphics game. If you’re looking to do a little more design, again we recommend downloading the free Phonto app for your phone or taking the time to learn and master Adobe Photoshop.
5. Partner with Other Brands
Our last piece of advice is to partner with other brands by cross-promoting/posting on each other’s profiles. Instagram now how has this cool feature where you could post a feed post, and it automatically gets shared on your partner’s profile.
In order to do this, follow the steps below:
I. Start by creating an IG Post as you normally would and select the image or video you would like to post.
II. Go through the last part of the posting and enter your caption and other details then click on Tag People.
III. After this, you will see two options. Click on Invite Collaborator.
IV. You will then be prompted to select your partner. Type their name in, find them, select them, then hit Done.
V. Once you’ve completed the last part go ahead and click on Post to post it!
VI. Your collaborator will then be prompted to approve the collaboration, once they click on approve, it will now show up on both of your feeds with both of your IG Handles.
In Conclusion…
A few people have asked us if Instagram is still relevant for businesses, and we absolutely believe that it still is. With the number of active users that it has and the demographics of this platform, it is still highly recommended by marketers after Facebook. Consider leveraging Instagram in your marketing efforts today!
Good Luck and Good Marketing!