As we all know, Instagram is a visual platform, and using photos effectively is key to organic Instagram growth for your business. Why do organic Instagram growth and its algorithm changes matter for people in business? because everything is about branding, marketing, and sales, in that order. You need to understand who you are, what you do, and where you do it; tell the world about yourself; and connect with the right clients and partners. Instagram has converted millions of dollars of business for Prime Real Estate, and this article guide aims to help you unlock the same growth for your business.
Photo reach is back on Instagram!
A few years ago, Instagram’s algorithms started to favor video formats like reels, which hurt the reach of Instagram photos and made it harder for people to use. A while ago, creators like Peter McKinnon put out a video talking about how Instagram should stop trying to be TikTok. We all saw it happen—reels were literally everywhere and everything. People were trying to figure out how to shoot 20 reels in one session and introduce jump cuts, as they felt that’s what was going to help them succeed and go viral. It was high time that Instagram and TikTok stopped trying to duplicate and copy each other.
Good news! Instagram just announced that it was aware of the growing user resentment from overuse of videos and, in a huge momentum move, announced a rollback to where Instagram photo reach would be given importance as well. While this decision was made with the declining UI/UX experience in mind, this is a great opportunity to strategize for and achieve organic Instagram growth in a few simple steps with consistent effort.
Why is organic Instagram growth important for your business?
It’s an attention economy out there. So, if you want to learn how to grow your business on Instagram in 2023, build a community, and get creative, read on. Here are 3 ways to unlock organic Instagram growth:
- Be creative.
- Help people discover things that they love.
- Spark connections between people over things that they love.
This shift is critical, as Instagram had become a place where people were copying each other’s styles, losing the human connection that should exist on such a platform.
Understanding the relevance of Instagram features for small businesses
There are three distinct features on Instagram with which you can unlock organic growth for your business: through Instagram Photos or Posts, Stories, and Reels. Contrary to a common misconception, you can’t just ignore reels or stories. Content is queen, and you need to leverage all three features to grow your business on Instagram.
Reels:
Instagram Reels is a feature that allows you to create short-form videos up to 60 seconds long. Reels are similar to TikTok and can be used to showcase your brand’s personality, showcase your products, and create entertaining or informative content. Reels appear on the Explore page, making them an excellent way to reach new audiences.
Your reels are your opportunity to make new connections and meet new people. So when you’re making your reels, you need to think about what type of value So when you’re making your reels, you need to think about what type of value you’re giving a specific community.
Instagram Stories:
Instagram Stories are short-lived posts that disappear after 24 hours. Stories can be used to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, promote sales or promotions, and engage your audience. If you’re used to promoting your business on YouTube, then you can regard this feature as being similar to the vlog feature on YouTube.
You can use stickers, polls, and other interactive features to keep your followers engaged. Stories appear at the top of your followers’ feeds, making them a great way to stay top-of-mind with your audience.
Instagram Posts:
Instagram Posts are the mainstay of the platform and can include photos, videos, or a combination of both. You can use posts to show off your products, tell stories about your brand, and bring attention to user-generated content. Posts can also include hashtags, which can make them discoverable to a wider audience. Posts appear in your followers’ feeds and can also appear on the Explore page, depending on the engagement and reach of the post.
In summary, Instagram Reels are short-form videos that can reach a new audience on the Explore page. Instagram Stories are short-lived posts that can engage your followers and keep your brand top-of-mind. Instagram posts are the most important part of the platform. They can show off your brand’s story and products and help you reach new people by using hashtags. Businesses can use all of these features to market their brands and reach new audiences.
How to grow your business on Instagram: 5 Instagram growth hacks
So, how can you take advantage of improved photo reach on Instagram? Here are some tips on how to grow your Instagram in 2023:
- Use hashtags and content to your advantage. The right hashtags will help your photos reach a broader audience, and quality content will keep your audience engaged.
- Understand the difference between Stories and Reels. While both are great for organic Instagram growth and engagement, each has its unique strengths.
- Start your social media strategy with a dream, a plan, and a goal. Understand who your audience is and what they want.
- Work in seasons and use images to give a vibe. Use seasonal images to give your Instagram a fresh look and feel.
- Take really good pictures by understanding framing and lighting. Learn the basics of photography to take high-quality pictures.
Super-tip: Getting the photography basics right
Understand the three concepts in photography: frame rate, aperture, and ISO. framing of the photo. Use the rule of thirds to highlight the main focus of the image. Now, if you don’t have gear and equipment, it doesn’t matter. Aim to keep your setup super simple. Use a smartphone with a decent camera function and utilize apps to improve the pictures or achieve the desired aesthetic. Although lighting is a very important aspect of getting Instagram photos right, natural light may suffice for most of your photography needs.
The possibilities of Instagram for small business are endless. At the end of the day, Instagram’s decision to boost photo reach is excellent news for all of us. We can bring our creativity, inspiration, and passions to the platform to build a more significant community.
