Back to “Social Media” Basics: Mastering Instagram

As September rolls in, the familiar buzz of excitement fills the air as students prepare to head back to school. This season of new beginnings isn't limited to the classroom; it's also the perfect time for your social media marketing strategy to undergo a back-to-basics makeover. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essentials of Instagram marketing, covering optimal posting times, posting frequency, hashtag strategies, location tags, and how to make the most of Instagram's latest features, including music, reels, conversations, and DM message threads.

1. Mastering the Art of Timing: Best Times to Post on Instagram

Timing is everything in the world of social media, and Instagram is no exception. Understanding when your target audience is most active can significantly impact your engagement rates. Consider these prime posting windows:

• Weekdays: Post during lunch hours (11 AM - 1 PM) and in the evening (7 PM - 9 PM) to catch users during breaks and after work or school.

• Weekends: Share content between 10 AM and 12 PM on Saturdays and Sundays when people are leisurely scrolling through their feeds.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the best posting times may vary depending on your specific audience and their geographic location. We recommend look at your in-app analytics for optimal traffic time on your account.

How do you find this? Go to Instagram Insights > Followers > Scroll Down to “Most Acitve Time”

2. Finding the Sweet Spot: Frequency of Postings

While consistency is key, bombarding your followers with excessive posts can lead to unfollows and diminished engagement. Strive for a balanced approach:

• Regular Posting: Aim for at least 3-5 posts per week to maintain a steady presence on your followers' feeds.

• We recommend that x2 of these posts should be Instagram reels.

• Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience over a sheer volume of posts.

Note it’s important to run a competitor report to see what your competitions frequency is both locally, reginoally, and nationally. We love FanPageKarma for these insights. 

3. Powering Up with Hashtags: Crafting Effective Hashtag Sets

Hashtags are like digital signposts that guide users to your content. Employing the right hashtags can significantly expand your reach and attract new followers. With Instagram's recent update, the focus has shifted from using a maximum of 30 hashtags to strategically utilizing 4-5 strong SEO keywords that perfectly align with your content and target audience.

This shift emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging marketers to select hashtags that have a higher relevance and resonance with their posts. Craft 4-5 hashtag sets that encapsulate the essence of your content, industry, and the interests of your target audience. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of appearing in search results, discovery feeds, and trending conversations, effectively connecting with users who share a genuine interest in your offerings. Examples of hashtags:

• Branded Hashtags: Craft a unique hashtag for your agency and campaigns to foster community engagement.

• Niche-Specific Hashtags: Use industry-related hashtags to connect with users interested in your niche.

• Trending Hashtags: Incorporate popular, relevant hashtags to join trending conversations.

4. Putting Your Business on the Map: The Importance of Location Tags

Location tags add a local touch to your posts and allow you to tap into location-based discovery. When applicable, always include a relevant location tag to make your content discoverable to users searching for content in that area.

5. Riding the Wave of New Features: Instagram's Latest Tools

Instagram consistently introduces new features to keep users engaged. Leverage these tools to elevate your marketing efforts:

• Music Stickers: Add music to your Stories and Reels to enhance engagement and emotional resonance.

• Reels: Jump into short-form video content with Reels, showcasing your agency's creativity and authenticity.

• Conversations: Engage in meaningful conversations by using the "Conversations" feature to encourage interaction and build community.

• DM Message Threads: Establish personal connections with your audience by engaging in direct message threads.

As the "back to school" season arrives, take this opportunity to refresh your Instagram strategy by revisiting the fundamentals. Remember the golden rules: post at the right times, maintain a consistent but not overwhelming posting schedule, harness the power of hashtags, use location tags, and embrace Instagram's new features. By mastering these Instagram basics, your social media marketing agency will be well-prepared to connect, engage, and flourish in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.