The Lazy Girl’s Strategic Guide to Instagram for 2024
I’ve been hearing a lot lately that quite a few people are considering leaving Instagram behind and honestly, I don’t blame them. This platform is frustrating AF but I’d like to offer a slightly different perspective…
On average, 54% of social media users use social media to research brands before making a purchase decision.
That means that if someone finds a brand via search or someone recommends a brand, there is a very high likelihood they are going to check out that brand’s social media BEFORE reaching out/purchase from them.
So I think we need to start thinking of social media, including Instagram, as a validation tool rather than a lead generation tool.
Instead of using Instagram as your primary marketing avenue focused on bringing people into your world, think about how you can actually help your buyer solidify their decision with you (ultimately helping to shorten the buyer’s journey).
That’s why I always recommend clients stay semi-active on social media (unless their target market isn’t even on it then we’re not even going to bother).
An Easy Instagram Strategy
But I also acknowledge this platform can be really energy draining so here’s what I’d propose to make it easy peasy but still strategic and beneficial for your brand:
Only post 2 times a week to your feed.
Honestly it could even be a little less as long as you’re consistent with it and posting fairly regularly. But don’t worry about engagement on these. Focus on creating high-quality content that hits all your content pillars and your key messaging so when people come to your account from somewhere else, they are getting to know you and how you can help them. (Bonus tip: Storytelling is going to keep them binging your content!)
If you need help understanding how to pair your key messaging with your content pillars to be really strategic, you’ll love my Content Flow Framework Masterclass!
Post Stories like it’s in the early days of Instagram.
Want to show your food? Do it. Your pet doing something cute? People love that. A sunset? Go for it. Sprinkle in a little business stuff here and there but your Stories are where people start to really like you and build a relationship with you so don’t be scared to show little snippets of your real life.
Use this platform to drive people to your other marketing avenues.
Have a killer lead magnet? Share it regularly to get people on your email list (in both posts and stories). Have a podcast? Definitely share when new episodes are live.
Use Instagram to connect with people but also use it to drive those connections to connect with you on platforms that you do enjoy spending time on. Instagram is the supporting actor to the lead role here.
Repurpose, repurpose, repurpose!
Don’t feel like you have to post something new every single day. Go back and see what performed well a year ago, a month ago, 2 years ago, and then reshare it. Or if you wrote a really amazing email to your list or blog post or something else, break that up and share it on here. Don’t make things harder for yourself!
Schedule your posts in advance.
Even your Stories if you want, although I like to keep those more real time. That way you don’t have to think about it during the week. It’s just going out and doing its thing to help provide some cred and validation to those that are looking for it.
Yes, the algorithm is a pain in the butt but you can still use Instagram to your advantage without playing their game!
Note: This method is best for people that aren’t seeing a general ROI on their Instagram strategy and are burnt the hell out. If you are seeing results and getting clients from your efforts here, then stick with your strategy and/or focus on scaling up strategically.
And I’m here if you need someone to audit your account and give you some recommendations on how to improve! Schedule a complimentary discovery call here.
