![7 Things Local Businesses Should STOP Doing on Instagram 10 Most Common Digital Marketing Mistakes and How to Fix Them](https://jgmarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/insta-1.jpeg)
7 Things Local Businesses Should STOP Doing on Instagram
Instagram is a popular platform for all kinds of businesses, and you’ve probably come across dozens of articles about how to create an effective Instagram strategy.
The problem? Those articles rarely tell you what not to do. That’s where we come in. Keep reading for a list of seven mistakes you should avoid as you craft your Instagram strategy.
1. Posting without a strategy
Speaking of crafting your Instagram strategy, mistake number one is approaching the platform with no strategy whatsoever. While you might assume you should just start posting and figure it out as you go, you’ll likely end up with a feed that looks scattered and isn’t helping you reach your goals. Instead, spend some time thinking about what you’re hoping to accomplish on Instagram, and plan your content accordingly.
You’ll want to think through details like your brand’s content pillars (which are like themes for your account’s content), how you’ll capture photos and videos to share, how you’ll brand your content, and how often you’ll post—more on that later.
![7 Things Local Businesses Should STOP Doing on Instagram](https://jgmarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/insta-2.jpeg)
2. Letting DMs go unread
You may think of Instagram as mostly a content-sharing app, but it can also be a great platform to communicate with your network. With that in mind, make sure to keep a close eye on your account’s DMs. Don’t go more than a day or two without monitoring and responding to your messages.
If you happen to get a message that stumps you or needs additional support, it’s best to respond to the person anyway and let them know that you’re on it. Apply the golden rule of customer service here and treat your customers the way you wish other brands would treat you.
3. Not using hashtags
Next on our list, “hashtag” may have been the hottest buzzword of 2007, but hashtags are still essential for any successful social media strategy. Hashtags allow your audience to find you by topic or niche, which is excellent for attracting new customers that may not know to search for you by name.
Do some research about common hashtags in your industry, and consider creating an additional hashtag that you just use with your audience. As a shortcut, you can also look at your competitors’ accounts to get a quick overview of the most promising hashtags in your field.
4. Skimping on the bio
Another common mistake local businesses make is rushing their account’s bio—or, worse, not having one at all. You have 150 characters to use to describe your brand and what users can expect from your content if they follow you. A well-written bio also sends a signal of professionalism and attention to detail that won’t go unnoticed with potential customers.
As a general rule, include a brief description of your brand and any other info you deem relevant to your followers. Also, make sure to set up a profile photo and use the link feature to share your website or another useful URL.
5. Ignoring video
The second mistake local businesses make with Instagram is ignoring opportunities to use video. Most social platforms are becoming increasingly focused on dynamic content, and video is the king of dynamic formats.
As of this month (August 2021), you can post videos to Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels, IGTV, and the regular post feed. Video is proven to perform better than static images, so try sharing some video clips if you haven’t already.
6. Posting irregularly
Remember that Instagram strategy from step one? Make sure it includes a regular cadence for sharing content. Try to mix up the formats, like posting one Story, one Reel, and one regular post per week. If possible, aim to post multiple times a week (or even once a day) to build up your following.
If you notice that you created a schedule that you can’t stick to, reevaluate your plan and scale back a bit. However, if you find that you’re going more than a week between posts, try to reallocate resources to prioritize your Instagram strategy.
7. Having multiple account managers
Last but not least, many local businesses make the mistake of having multiple employees with admin access to the account. Hear us out here—this isn’t always a mistake, and it can work well if you have clear guidelines about who is responsible for what. But, unless you’re already an Instagram master (and if so, you probably don’t need this list), it’s a recipe for disaster.
You may end up with content and captions that are completely different in style and tone, and it’s easy to wrongfully assume that someone else has checked DMs or scheduled the week’s content. In most cases, it’s better to give one-person sole ownership over the account and trust them to handle it.
Conclusion
It can be tough to get everything right as a local business owner—especially in the social media world, where features and capabilities change on a daily basis. Thankfully, the tips above are all evergreen—they’ll hold up even if Instagram tweaks its algorithm or releases a new feature.
If you’re overwhelmed, take note of any mistakes your company is currently making and focus on correcting just one. Tackle others down the line as needed, and your Instagram account will be on the right track in no time.
Recent Posts
Connect with Us
Send Us A Message
Have a Topic You Want Us To Talk About?
LATEST BLOGS
Stay up to date with the latest marketing tips, trends and news
Email Marketing Secrets for Increasing Customer Engagement
Email marketing remains a core strategy for digital marketers seeking to build meaningful connections with their audience. As we navigate through the vast array of digital marketing tools available in 2024, the importance of personal yet powerful communication through email cannot be overstated. ...
The Role of Chatbots in Enhancing User Experience
As digital marketers passionate about delivering top-notch online experiences, we know that staying ahead means leveraging the latest tools and technologies. One such tool that has significantly reshaped the interaction landscape is the chatbot. These AI-driven assistants are not just novelties; ...
Maximizing ROI through Integrated Digital Advertising
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, maximizing return on investment (ROI) is a critical goal for businesses like ours. At Jameson Grace Marketing, Inc., we understand that achieving this requires more than just launching ad campaigns; it demands a strategic integration of various...
Using Google Ads for Quick Traffic Increase
Navigating the world of paid advertising can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to platforms like Google Ads. However, with the right approach, Google Ads can be an invaluable tool to drive targeted traffic to your website and increase your online visibility effectively. As digital mar...
Maximizing Instagram for Small Business Growth
Instagram has become an indomitable force in digital marketing, especially for small businesses aiming to reach a broader and more engaged audience. As we navigate the nuances of this dynamic platform, it’s important to recognize the potential it holds for the expansion and visibility of a ...
How to Boost Your Website Speed for Better SEO
In the digital age, where seconds can dictate success or failure, your website’s speed plays a pivotal role in providing a better user experience and enhancing your SEO. As we dive deeper into a competitive online world, our strategies must evolve to ensure that our websites perform optimal...
Viral Content Tips: Create Posts That Engage
In today’s fast-paced digital world, understanding how to make content go viral is essential for any business looking to leverage social media for growth and engagement. Viral content transcends the ordinary, breaking through the noise and ensuring that our message not only reaches but reso...
SEO Impact and Best Practices for Visibility
In today's digital era, understanding the role of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for businesses looking to maximize online visibility and drive growth. SEO isn't just about improving search engine rankings; it's about connecting with your...
Dominate the Digital Landscape: Video Advertising in 2024
We live in an era where digital marketing has become indispensable for businesses looking to grow and thrive. With countless techniques and strategies available, some stand out as more effective and engaging than others. Video advertising is one of those...
Why Your Business Needs a Digital Marketing Audit
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Digital marketing has become the go-to strategy for reaching and engaging with customers. However, simply implementing digital marketing tactics is not enough. To truly maximize the effectiveness...