You’re missing out if you’re not using social media to connect with customers and attract new ones. Social media platforms are effective tools for building your brand and sending out messages. Instagram is one of the most popular sites, with more than 2 billion users worldwide. As with other social media sites, Instagram has evolved to accommodate users’ needs and preferences. Updates this year can improve your company’s marketing efforts.
Schedule Your Posts
Though you can certainly use Instagram on a desktop or laptop, many people prefer to post and read from their mobile devices using the app. This is convenient when you’re on the go. However, before 2023, Instagram didn’t have a function where you could schedule posts from the app. That changed this year.
Excitingly, you can post images for your business by using the Instagram app. You can schedule a day and time to post, giving you and your company flexibility. For example, you can schedule several posts for the coming days and weeks, saving you time down the road. Be aware that you won’t be able to schedule a cross-post to other social media sites, such as Facebook.
Video Posts Are Reels Only
Videos are another popular facet of Instagram. If your company has a big event, is rolling out a new product or service, or has other exciting news, a video can capture this more than pictures. However, this year a change is coming that will no longer allow you to post videos. Instead, you’ll only be able to post Reels. Say goodbye to square videos from horizontally recorded clips or other clips.
The good news is a backdoor way to still publish the square videos you want to share. First, create a carousel post with a picture. Then, choose a video clip for the carousel. Lastly, deselect the picture, so only the video clip remains.
Get Rid of the Ads and Suggested Posts
It can be annoying to browse through the Instagram feed and see a bunch of ads and suggested posts — especially if you have no interest in these. Usually, the suggested posts are not from people or organizations you follow. You have to imagine people that follow your company feel the same way. If you have wished for the day when you could avoid these nuisances, that day has come.
This year, there will be a way to see only the posts from those you follow. To get rid of the suggested posts and ads, click on “Instagram” in the top-left corner of the screen. Then, choose “Following.” The results will be a cleaner feed and easier navigation.
Improved Sharing
A few new features will make it easier to share posts on Instagram. There will be a “Notes” feature on text-based posts. Plus, you can invite your followers to join in the “Add Yours” stories. Candid Stories will be available, too, which is similar to the BeReal app. If you want to save your posts into a collection, you can choose certain users to see them.
Instagram can be a powerful tool for your business as you share your story. The year 2023 opened with some improvements you can take advantage of to have an even better Instagram experience. If you need help implementing an effective Instagram marketing strategy, call the pros at Transformation Marketing today at 402-788-2896.