Once a simple app for sharing photos with friends, Instagram has since transformed into a full-fledged marketing machine. The platform is constantly releasing new features that allow brands to create valuable content for their audiences, and one of its most useful features – Instagram Guides – offers a consumable format for mobile and beyond.
Want to learn more about Instagram Guides and how to use them? Let’s take a closer look!
What Are Instagram Guides?
Instagram Guides give you the ability to share curated posts with commentary, enabling you to create tips and suggestions for how people can use the products and services you offer. In short, an Instagram Guide is an individual album or group of content that you collect into a single resource. With this, you can group mixes of educational content, product information, team insights, or behind-the-scenes looks into your brand. This ensures your content falls into relevant categories that are easy for your audience to find and view quickly.
Where to Find Instagram Guides and How to Create Them
It’s pretty simple to set up your own Instagram Guides. When you’re on your Instagram profile, tap on the “+” icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. From there, choose “Guide” from the “Create New” pop-up menu. If for some reason, you don’t see the Guide option in your own account, you can head to any profile that does have Guides. You should be able to scroll to the bottom of their Guide and find an option that lets you create your own.
Once you’ve figured out how to create your Instagram Guide, it’s time for the fun stuff – adding content. At this point, you can choose the type of Guide you want to create (options include places, products, or posts). After you’ve selected the kind of content you want to showcase and uploaded your posts, you need to format your Guide, so your audience understands what you’re trying to tell them. You’ll also have to add titles for each Instagram Guide, and you should consider going into more detail with descriptions that offer instructions and insights beyond the title.
How to Incorporate Instagram Guides into Your Social Media Strategy
This user-friendly tool offers a creative, interactive way to share new (and old!) information with your audience. Here are a few ways you can incorporate Instagram Guides into your social media strategy:
1. Gift Guides
Whether you’re talking about holidays or birthdays, Instagram Guides can help you show your audience how to put your products and services to use for the people they love. Consider creating different content for each gifting “persona.” For example, you can create a Guide that offers gift ideas for fitness enthusiasts, grandparents, or even new moms.
2. Resources
Try collecting several resources for topics you’re passionate about (and those that fit within your brand’s mission and vision), and offer them to your viewers. These can include podcast recommendations, helpful articles, and more.
3. Product Highlights
Show existing and potential customers exactly what they’ll get when they buy from you! Instagram Guides are a great place to highlight product features or introduce new additions to your product line.
Want to Keep Your Social Media Strategy Fresh? Zero Gravity Marketing Can Help
Often, the key to staying ahead of the competition on social media is to create innovative, fresh campaigns that draw the attention of users. New features offer an excellent opportunity to do just that, and it’s worth your while to try them out for your brand.
Need help integrating new social media tools into your strategy? Zero Gravity Marketing is here to help. Contact us today to connect with our team of social media gurus!
