Over the past three years, Instagram has undergone rapid evolution. What used to work like a charm last year may no longer yield the same results today. In this blog post, we will shed light on ten outdated Instagram tips that could potentially hinder your Instagram growth & your business. By recognizing these practices and adopting new strategies, you can stay ahead of the game and thrive finally thrive on Instagram.
Here are 10 outdated Instagram tips you must stop doing in 2023.
Instagram Outdated Tip #1: Worrying about the number of hashtags, or hashtags at all
In the past, hashtags were seen as the holy grail of Instagram growth. However, in 2023, it's crucial to shift your focus to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) within your captions.
Optimize your captions with relevant keywords and compelling storytelling to attract organic traffic and engagement from your target audience.
Make sure to include a mix of short-tail & long-tail keywords in your posts. Tap into your audience’s heads and think about how they’d share the topic of your post on Instagram.
Outdated Tip #2: Trying to find the perfect time to post
While timing was once considered a critical factor in maximizing reach, it's time to let go of the endless pursuit of the "perfect" posting time.
Instead, experiment with different time slots, analyze your audience's behavior, and identify a consistent posting schedule that works for you.
Consistency is key (as cliché as it sounds), so stick to your chosen time slot for at least 90 days to gather accurate data and optimize your engagement.
Besides, if you stick to the same time, regardless of what Instagram tells you your best time is, you start training your audience to expect your content & be ready to engage (if your content is good of course)
Outdated Tip #3: Posting every day (or multiple times per day) to grow
Gone are the days of mindlessly posting content every single day with the hope of hitting the growth jackpot.
The key now lies in creating the right type of content that resonates with your ideal audience.
Embrace attraction marketing by crafting compelling, value-driven content that addresses your audience's pain points and aspirations.
By focusing on quality over quantity, you can attract your target audience on autopilot while posting less content.
Outdated Tip #4: Spending 3 hours or more on engagement
Mindlessly spending hours engaging with random profiles and posts is an outdated approach.
In 2023, shift your focus to quality engagement and relationship building.
Identify your target audience, engage meaningfully with their content, and foster genuine connections.
Building relationships with your followers will result in loyal fans who actively support and engage with your content, even at times of low reach.
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Outdated Tip #5: Engaging with your ideal audience on hashtags, competitors' profiles, or explore tab
Rather than spending countless hours engaging with your ideal audience on hashtags, competitors' profiles, or the explore tab, invest your time and effort in creating high-quality content.
By producing valuable content that addressed your audience’s struggles, pain points, goals, and desires, you'll naturally attract your ideal audience, driving authentic engagement and organic growth.
The best part is that you’ll attract QUALITY followers that you’ll be able to convert into customers with the right strategies.
Outdated Tip #6: Sharing your recent post to your stories
While it was once common to share your recent post directly to your Instagram Stories, especially if you’re covering it with a sticker and giving zero context about it.
A more effective approach is to build hype and curiosity around your upcoming post.
Tease your audience with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes shots, or intriguing stories, and then direct them to your new post through a link.
This strategy encourages your audience to engage directly with your post, resulting in higher reach and engagement.
Outdated Tip #7: Sending people to your link in bio
Rather than relying solely on the link in your bio, take advantage of Instagram's direct messaging feature to boost conversion rates.
Encourage your audience to DM you a specific keyword or message, initiating a conversation that allows you to provide personalized assistance and build stronger connections. This approach fosters engagement and increases the likelihood of converting them into customers.
Outdated Tip #8: Following the 80/20 rule to promote your business
The traditional 80/20 rule, where 80% of your content is non-promotional and 20% is dedicated to business promotion, is outdated.
In 2023, master the art of storytelling, or as some call it, "story-selling." Craft captivating narratives around your products or services, highlighting their benefits and the problems they solve.
By seamlessly integrating your offerings into engaging stories, you can make sales every day while keeping your audience entertained.
Outdated Tip #9: Following shady tips to "hack" the algorithm
In the quest to "hack" the algorithm, many outdated tips and tricks have surfaced.
However, the real key to success lies in understanding your audience. Study their preferences, interests, and behavior to gain valuable insights.
By tailoring your content and strategies to meet their needs, you'll naturally align with the algorithm's priorities, resulting in higher visibility and engagement.
Outdated Tip #10: Posting only Reels to grow
While Reels have gained significant traction, solely relying on this format may limit your reach and engagement.
Embrace a diversified approach and leverage all Instagram channels, including Stories, Carousels, Lives, and single posts, to cater to your audience's varied preferences.
By delivering content in multiple formats, you can effectively engage your audience at different stages of their journey and maximize your overall impact.
Wrapping up
In the ever-changing landscape of Instagram, it's vital to recognize and adapt to the latest trends and strategies.
Remember, the best Instagram strategy is the one that works for you and your unique audience.
Experiment, analyze, and optimize based on your insights and the feedback you receive.
By staying up to date-and embracing new approaches, you can thrive on Instagram in 2023 and beyond.
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