void these Instagram mistakes and make sure your brand isn't making careless blunders or missing the mark with your content.
1. Buying likes and followers
There is an alternate route to getting more likes and supporters: go on a shopping binge.
Truth be told. You can really purchase companions for your Instagram account, similar as you can lease visitors for your Japanese wedding.
The issue is… the point at which you purchase preferences and supporters, you're getting amount, not quality. Of course, your numbers may look great, however if your crowd is simply brimming with robots who avoid even mentioning esteem, why bother? (No offence, robots—kindly don't come for me in the evening.)
2. Don’t use an awkward username on Instagram
Unfortunately, the search function within Instagram isn’t as powerful as other sites. If you make your username (and even your “real” name) hard to find, people won’t be able to find and follow you. Instead, use the same username as your Twitter handle and make your name something easy to recognise, whether it’s your real name or your business name.
3. Posting too much or too little
Figuring out the right number of posts on Instagram—or any social media platform, really—is a delicate dance: a social soft-shoe, if you will.
Too few posts, and you risk looking out of touch, or being forgotten. Too many posts, and you might seem desperate or annoying.
So what is the right amount to post on Instagram? You can check out the latest data here, but remember that the sweet spot changes over time, as user habits evolve. It also depends on your own personal brand and fans.
For a news outlet, posting multiple times a day would be appropriate, but for a makeup brand, a few times a week might make more sense.
So watch when your followers are online, pay attention to analytics, and experiment with your positing schedule to discover what their content tipping point is.
You can even automate your scheduling using the Hootsuite dashboard to really explore your options. Maybe your fanbase loves a little midnight action, who knows?
4. Don't use too much hashtags
Hashtags are extremely important on Instagram and should be used on every post to increase reach. However, using more than 7-10 hashtags is overkill. Choose 5-7 relevant hashtags to include in your caption. Don’t use popular hashtags like #tagforlikes or #onedirection or #love if they have absolutely nothing to do with your post. Using inappropriate hashtags to show up in popular searches won’t help you reach new followers – you’ll actually end up alienating possible followers. Here’s more of my advice on where to put your Instagram hashtags.
5. Inconsistent branding
Your Instagram account is just one part of a whole brand ecosystem.
You probably have a website, other social media pages, and maybe even a brick-and-mortar storefront. All of these elements should have a consistent thread that ties them together to make sure your brand is strong and clear.
Your logo should be on every profile. Every element should share a similar visual style and editorial tone.
Imagine how confusing it would be if luxury brand Louis Vuitton paired its upscale website (screenshot on the left) with an Instagram account like the image on the right:
6. Not using Instagram Stories
Social media marketers already have enough on their plate, I know. (And now Instagram is throwing Reels at you? Hoo boy.)
But if you’re not taking advantage of Instagram Stories, you’re wasting an opportunity to reach the 500 million users who use this part of the Instagram platform.
New to Stories? Here’s our step-by-step guide to posting. You can also check out these ideas for building your Instagram Stories audience and great apps to help make your content pop.
7. Not engaging with followers
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: social media isn’t a broadcast, it’s a conversation.
If you’re not engaging with your followers, you’re wasting your platform. Every time a user comments or asks a question, that’s an opportunity to build rapport and create a positive experience. Time to get chatty.
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