Instagram 101

Should I post multiple times a day on Instagram? What about Stories vs. Reels vs. Posts? Since a Story disappears, does that make it worthless? And what about other social media platforms!?

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Feeling lost when it comes to the nitty-gritty of Instagram? Let us break down some basics so you can feel confident in your social media marketing strategy.

Metricool analyzed nearly 400,000 Instagram accounts to provide real data on how businesses (large and small) are using the platform.

Stories Are Used the Most

Makes sense, right? Stories are quick to post, allow direct links, and let you add fun countdowns, icons, and animations. Their visibility has recently increased, with reach often matching that of posts. Plus, you can save Stories as Highlights so they live on after the 24-hour expiration.

Reels Have the Most Reach

Ever find yourself scrolling through Reels only to realize 45 minutes have flown by? That’s the power of an Instagram Reel. Add a little music, pair it with a compelling message, and you could reach three times your follower count. Short-form video is dominating right now and Reels are a fantastic way to expand your audience.

Carousels Get More Engagement

When creating a post, try adding two or three images to encourage that side-swipe interaction. The longer someone spends on your post, the more likely Instagram is to recommend your account to non-followers. Only have one image? Repurpose your caption into a graphic using a tool like Canva to create a swipeable post.

Posting Frequency

Posting more doesn’t always mean more engagement. The general recommendation: aim for at least once per day, but no more than three posts per day.

Key Takeaways

1. Quality is King
   With multiple ways to reach your audience, creating quality content matters most. It doesn’t need to be an award-winning production, but it should be engaging enough to make someone stop scrolling.

2. Use All of Instagram’s Features
   Don’t lean too heavily on just one format. If you only post Stories, your profile may look empty to new visitors. Balance your efforts across Reels, Stories, Carousels, and Posts. And don’t forget your bio, links, and Highlights, they’re valuable real estate for turning viewers into customers!

Contact Checkered Flag Digital Marketing so we can create a partnership to develop an Instagram strategy that fits your business!