We know there are many frequently asked questions about Instagram that everyone has, and we’re here to answer them all.
Instagram has become the foremost authority when it comes to large and small business marketing.
Many companies have embraced this new form of social media marketing, but hesitant to jump right in is still there. Why? Many businesses and companies still don’t have an accurate understanding of how to use Instagram.
With this article, we hope to answer those questions you may still have.
What is Instagram?
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service owned by Facebook.
How is Instagram different from other social media platforms?
First off, let’s compare it to just one other platform because there are so many different types of social media.
How about Pinterest, for example? Pinterest and Instagram are similar in many ways– the most obvious being image-based.
Sahail Ashraf of Locowise described Pinterest as “more of a strong search engine that just happens to be visual.” While a business Instagram is more about portraying the business’s brand through pictures.
Ashraf sums it up perfectly saying: “If you imagine Pinterest as being a way to find businesses, just like using a search engine, and Instagram as a method of finding out more about what businesses are all about, that’s the difference.”
What are the privacy settings on Instagram?
On Instagram your profile is set to public by default, this means that anyone can see the photos or videos that you post.
These photos can also appear in searches and in the ‘Explore’ tab. You can change the visibility of your profile in your settings– making your account private, but we no not recommend this if you are a business.
This means your content won’t appear on the Explore page, or in the hashtag search.
How do you report an issue to Instagram?
To report an issue to Instagram:
- Go to your personal or business profile, and press the three dots in the top right corner.
- Scroll until you see ”Report a problem.”
- From there, you can choose the type of problem you wish to report.
What happens if I forget my password?
You can create a new one! To reset your password, go to your Instagram login on your desktop. Then, press “Get help signing in” and follow the instructions from there.
Can you report comments on Instagram?
Yes! To report a comment, swipe left on the comment and press the stop sign. Then, like with reporting a general issue, choose the reason you are reporting the comment.
How can I delete an Instagram comment?
Refer to the question above!
How does the Instagram algorithm work?
To understand the algorithm, it is important you first learn its basics. First of all, the algorithm is simply computer code.
This code analyzes a person’s activity on Instagram, so it can generate the content it believes is most interesting to that one person and place it towards the top of that person’s timeline.
Be aware, however, this code is unlike the original algorithm Instagram had where photos were organized chronologically.
Though time is a factor in what posts get seen first on a feed, there are also other factors such as if a person is regularly commenting and liking another account’s photos, or if an individual is following 1,000+ accounts versus 10.
What is an Instagram bio?
The Instagram bio is a section on your profile page where you can include information about yourself and/or your brand.
Is my Instagram bio important?
Of course! Your Instagram bio is as important as that first impression in a job interview.
Your bio should include information about who you are, what you do, and why you solve your customers’ needs.
Can I upload multiple images at one time?
Yes, but it depends on the type of account you have. For a personal account, you can have ten images in one post.
If you are using a business account, you can send single images automatically, and multiple image posts have to be uploaded manually.
What can I schedule for posts?
You can schedule both videos and images. In some applications, you can also schedule stories.
If I am going to post a picture, how can I make sure it is the best quality?
One way to make sure is by using a high-quality camera. Another is making sure the image size fits Instagram’s border restrictions. This means 1080px.
Can I post Instagram photos to other social media websites?
You sure can! The simplest one to post to is Facebook since Facebook owns Instagram as of 2012.
How long can Instagram videos be?
If you are doing a video post, the maximum length is 60 seconds. Anything over this will turn the post into an IGTV episode.
What is IGTV?
According to Wikipedia, “IGTV is a standalone video application by Instagram for Android and iOS smartphones. It allows for longer videos compared to Instagram. While IGTV is available as a standalone app, the basic functionality is also available within the Instagram app and website.”
What are Instagram stories?
Instagram stories are similar to that of Snapchat stories. They can contain photos and videos. Instagram stories last up to 24 hours.
How can I post an Instagram story?
The easiest way to post a story is by going to your Instagram feed and press the camera icon in the top left corner. When posting an Instagram story, you also have the option to add filters, stickers, and music!
How do you see who views your Instagram story?
Open your Instagram story and then locate the eyeball icon in the lower-left corner. This will display the number of people who have watched your story and their handles.
How can I use Instagram Stories to build my brand?
Instagram Stories allow you to share content without it cluttering your feed.
“The absolute best way to use Instagram stories is to use it to build relationships, engage your audience, and humanize your brand. Instagram stories are about sharing content ‘in the moment’, and so that’s what you should use it for,” says Wirdineus.
How can I go live on Instagram?
First, follow the same directions you would when adding a regular story post. Then scroll through the story format options on the bottom on the screen until you see the Live option. Then press “Start Live Video.”
Can I see my Instagram stories after they disappear?
Yes! They are in your Archives which is located on the right side of your profile page.
If you so desire, you can make Highlights of your stories to keep on your main profile page. To create a cover for your highlights, we recommend using the free graphic design website– Canva.
Is my business ready for an Instagram account?
It’s not about your business being ready, but it’s more about your marketing team being dedicated and prepared.
First off, whoever is running the account on your team should be using a high quality work phone, so it can take great photos and no personal content can accidentally be posted onto your business account.
Your social media manager must also be knowledgeable and tech-savvy.
Knowing how to add filters to photos and add songs to stories are important skills in this day and age! So, be sure to hire the right people and your business should be ready to join the Instagram community.
Why should I use Instagram for my business?
Using Instagram allows you to present a unique side of your business to your customers.
This part of your business is a mix of regular marketing and personality– following trends, having a specific voice, being personable, etc. Whatever you may put on Instagram, it should tell a story.
Always relate what you post back to your product or service.
As time goes on, then your audience will be able to better associate your brand with the personality you desire, therefore creating trust with your followers.
How do I switch to a business profile?
Go to your Instagram page and click on the “Edit profile” button. Then, hit the “Try Instagram Business Tools”. The app will ask you if you want to link your Instagram page to your Facebook.
This is optional but highly encouraged. Lastly, it will ask what type of business you are. Once selected, you’re done! Just remember to add your contact info.
If I am a small business, how should I be using a business account on Instagram?
If you are a small business, you actually have an advantage over larger ones. You are your company, whereas a larger company is a collection of hundreds of people.
Because your company is smaller, the content you create and the way you post can feel more personal. Some examples of posts are to share pictures of your office or have a live chat with your employees.
This kind of content generation is harder for bigger corporations.
Do I need an Instagram marketing strategy?
Yes. If you’re serious about your Instagram account. A thorough marketing strategy will drive more traffic to your business.
How can I be “serious” with my business Instagram account?
It doesn’t necessarily have to be. If you always post and respond to comments/DMs with a robotic, business-like tone, then your audience won’t be able to relate to your brand.
Maybe even worse, they might not want to even interact with it. So when interacting with your followers, be friendly and genuine.
How do I get a verified badge on Instagram?
There’s nothing you can do to get a verified badge. Verified badges are given by Instagram.
How can I develop an Instagram aesthetic?
To develop an Instagram aesthetic, you need to use your marketing strategy. This includes explanations about the theme of your aesthetic, as well as the color palette you use. If you are still unsure about what you want your aesthetic to be, you can check out other accounts for inspiration!
How do I find my target audience and get them to follow me?
If you have other established social media accounts you have already set up, then try linking your Twitter, Pinterest, etc, back to your Instagram account.
This should connect your following from all over the web! Another way, though it seems outdated, is by writing a blog post or article about your Instagram and sending it out in a newsletter.
Newsletters are used by lots of companies to keep in contact with their target market.
What are some of the best tools to use for Instagram engagement?
SocialDrift will help you grow your account by engaging with your target audience, while RoboLike will like other posts on your behalf and raise engagement.
Are Instagram followers in order of following?
If you follow fewer than 200 people or businesses, the order will be organized alphabetically. If you follow more than 200 accounts, they will be sorted by most recent follow– whether they follow you or you follow them.
How do you know if someone is following you on Instagram?
If you want to know if your audience is following you on Instagram, pick an example target individual, go to your profile, press “followers” and then search for their handle.
Can you see who’s viewed your Instagram account?
No, this is not a feature that Instagram has.
Can other businesses on Instagram see if you look at them?
No, not unless you comment or like their content.
When should I post on my business account?
This question requires a mix of common sense and business analytics. For example, if your target market is yuppies, then posting during lunch breaks and during evening commutes is a great time!
However, because you have a business Instagram, you have an added advantage, because a business account comes with the Instagram Insights page.
The Insights page will be able to tell you about your target market’s age range, gender, country of origin, and time spent most on Instagram. This way, you’ll know the exact time to post to reach the most people!
How often should I post?
Ilona Iftode of Preppr offers some great insight on this topic! She says, “There have been endless debates on the exact number of allowed or prescribed posts per day. And a ton of studies and researches to fuel those debates. For example, a study conducted by Adobe Spark says you should post at least once a day, with successful brands sharing even up to 10 posts every day. On the other hand, the social media expert Neil Patel revealed in a Forbes article that the exact number of daily posts is not important (you can share 5, 10 or 15 times a day without any negative impact), but what does matter is consistency. Meaning that if you start posting 20 times a day, you should keep that number more or less constant.”
Can I post from my laptop?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly post onto the Instagram website from your computer.
However, you can use applications like Planoly to schedule your content to be sent to Instagram on your laptop. That is what we here at LadyBossBlogger use!
How can I know if my target market is engaging with my content?
The simplest way to do so is to keep the notifications on for comments and likes on your photos.
But if you want a solid answer as to what your engagement rate is, then you must use the Insights page. It will give you an exact number in regards to engagement.
What is a good measurement of engagement?
Jens Wirdenius of Veloce notes, “big brands receive an average of 37 total likes and comments for every 1,000 followers. You can use this to project your benchmark by multiplying your followers by .037.”
How can I write engaging Instagram captions?
There are five things to make your captions great: have clear intentions/meanings, learn how your target market communicates online, show your brand personality through your tone of voice, ask your audience questions to engage further, and add a flair of fun by using emojis!
How can I use hashtags to my advantage?
Hashtags on Instagram are very easy to use. Hashtags are used as ways to search for specific content on the Instagram platform.
A good thing to do is make a signature hashtag for your business. That way customers can tag you more easily in their own posts.
How many hashtags can I use per post?
Limit yourself to around 30! Though there is not specifically a limit, 30 is the rule of thumb.
This number will allow you to have enough hashtags to be easily searched without having the hashtags be meaningless.
A good tool to use for free hashtag generation is all-hashtag.com. But be sure when creating a hashtag from your keywords, you generate the top ones!
Can Instagram hashtags have numerals, symbols, or emojis?
Instagram hashtags can include numbers, but they cannot have emojis or other characters.
How can I add a link to my Instagram bio?
To add a link to your profile, simply tap the “Edit Profile” button on your personal page. Add your desired link to the “Website” tab. That’s it!
Can I have more than one link in my Instagram bio?
Yes, if you upgrade to a business account. You can add links for calling, emailing, and directions.
What are Instagram ads?
Instagram advertising is a method of paying to post sponsored content on the app to reach a larger, more targeted audience.
Can I create Instagram ads without a Facebook Page?
As of now, no, so be sure to link the two applications together!
Can I create Instagram ads without an Instagram account?
Yes! All you need is a Facebook Page for your business.
Where will my Instagram ads appear?
Instagram ads will only appear in the Instagram app, not the desktop. If you want your audience to see your ads on a laptop, then try Facebook ads.
Should I run my ads on Facebook and Instagram?
Yes. According to Alfred Lua of Buffer, “when you run ads on both platforms, Facebook will optimize your ad placement to achieve the most results with the lowest cost. Facebook Marketing Science did a study and found this to be true.”
Are there any guidelines for Instagram ads?
Yes! Facebook has an online resource about every type of ad possible that can be posted. This guide also includes examples of different ads.
What is the Instagram shadowban?
This is something new I’m even learning from my research! Apparently, when businesses receive a lack of engagement with their accounts, Instagram was actively hiding their posts from followers’ feeds.
Why? It is a punishment for posting too much. Though Instagram says this is not real, we cannot be sure. Check this article out on how to not get shadowbanned.
Every business should be able to enjoy using Instagram’s business setting. It has a lot of value and is great for marketing. But remember, if you forget something or don’t know how to work the app, just reference these asked questions for Instagram!
Additional articles you may be interested in:
- 10 Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses
- How To Use Every Function On Instagram Stories
- 6 Elements To Ponder When Brainstorming Your Blog’s Brand Aesthetics
- How To Discover And Engage Your Target Audience
- How To Engage Your Target Audience
- 4 Critical Instagram Marketing Strategies For Your Small Business
- How To Use Instagram Hashtags Correctly
- How To Hashtag: Your Secret Weapon For Social Media
- 13 Ways To Increase Your Instagram Engagement
- How To Not Get “Shadowbanned” On Instagram
Claire Erickson is currently a blogging intern at LadyBossBlogger.com. Claire has just returned from studying abroad at the London College of Fashion and will finish her senior year studying retail merchandising back at her home university – University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). She is looking forward to having a future in buying, trend research, or planning.
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