What to do if you have fallen out of love with Instagram

Fallen out of love with Instagram?  Maybe you’re tired of the constant algorithm changes, the pressure to grow your following, or the feeling of being lost in a sea of content. I think everyone is feeling it at the moment.  Instagram isn’t what it used to be. We have heard from a lot of people who are just ready to throw in the towel.

But before you do that, we want to remind you that Instagram can be a powerful tool for your business.  And think of it this way: if you aren’t reaching the number of people you would like to be reaching now, think about how many people you will be reaching if you give up completely.

If Instagram has lost its sparkle for you, here are a few key reminders:

1.Cherish your Followers

Instead of obsessing over attracting new followers, cherish and engage with the ones you already have. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers game, constantly striving to attract more followers. However, it's crucial not to overlook the value of your existing followers. Nurture your community by responding to comments, hosting interactive sessions like Q&A sessions or polls, and showcasing user-generated content.

2. Don’t Obsess Over Follower Count

Your worth as a business owner isn’t defined by the number of followers you have. Remember that fluctuations in follower count are normal, and most people aren’t scrutinising your numbers as closely as you are. (Trust me, no one is looking  - they are all too worried about what is going on with their own Instagram account!) Let us remind you that it's better to have a smaller, engaged audience than a large but disengaged following.  Think of it like having ten people in a room with you but they are listening to everything you say and they have their credit cards out of their wallet and are ready to buy from you.  Rather than being in a large hall packed to the rafters with people, but they are all ignoring you and have no intention of buying from you.  Get it?  Focus on creating meaningful connections with your audience rather than fixating on vanity metrics.

3. Get some perspective

Reality check: while Instagram is a powerful tool for building brand presence and connecting with your audience, it’s essential to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Don’t let Instagram consume all your time and energy. I’ll say that one more time for the people in the back: DON’T LET INSTAGRAM CONSUME ALL YOUR TIME AND ENERGY.  Spend time on other marketing channels, such as email newsletters, your website, or other social media platforms, to diversify your outreach efforts.

Ok so what are some steps you can take now to take action and bring a bit of sparkle back to Instagram.  

1. Look at your insights and reflect

Do a deep dive into your Instagram Insights to identify your top-performing posts over the last few months. What content resonated most with your audience? Repurpose successful posts or create similar content that capitalises on what has worked in the past. Repurposing your content is allowed.  Don’t be afraid to build upon your previous successes and this is your reminder that not all your followers have seen all of your posts.

2.  Audit Your Content

Take a critical look at your Instagram content.  And yes, this can be uncomfortable but really take a look at your content. Is it resonating with your audience? Are you providing value that keeps them engaged? Ensure your content addresses your audience’s pain points and offers solutions. Experiment with different formats, such as videos, carousels, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, to keep your feed fresh and engaging. If you need an extra pair of eyes on your page, we offer Instagram Audits as a service so drop us a line here.

3. Create some reels

Stop avoiding reels and start creating them.  Mosseri has recently said that the reel algorithm is changing so jump on board.  This is your chance to get seen.  And I know you can now create up to 3-minute reels but we are still seeing that shorter and simpler reels are performing best.  Don’t overcomplicate it.  It is the simplest reels that perform best.

Above all, remember that Instagram is just one facet of your business’s online presence. If you’re feeling disillusioned with the platform, put it on the backburner for a while. Keep posting but use this time as an opportunity to explore alternative avenues for reaching your audience. Grow your email list, optimise your website, or experiment with other social media platforms. Redirect your focus from scrolling and comparison to meaningful work that serves your audience and drives your business forward.

So, how has Instagram been treating you lately? Drop us a message and let us know.