6 INSTAGRAM FEATURES AND WHEN TO USE THEM

Remember when Instagram was just a photo-sharing app? LOL. When creating content for IG in 2023, you might feel overwhelmed by what to do. Should this piece of content be a Reel, static post, or a story? Does it matter? Let’s demystify the Instagram features together, cowgirl.

INSTAGRAM FEATURES AND WHEN TO USE THEM

FEED

The first thing people see on your profile? Your feed. This Instagram feature is important for showcasing your branding and providing value. The feed is essentially all of your static posts (although Reels can also end up in your feed).

If you want to showcase testimonials, offer tips, repurpose your long-form content, or share a hot take, then the feed is probably the best feature to use. You can also showcase products and services.

Pssst - Your feed and branding aesthetic does matter. Need help making this cohesive? Book my Mirror Ball Package! I’ll audit your current feed and bio, update your social media templates to reflect your unique business, and help you attract clients of your dreams.

REELS

Reels are a great way to entertain your audience and grow your following. Reels have gone through a lot in the past few years, which is why a lot of brands are over 👏🏻 it 👏🏻. But Reels aren’t going anywhere, and if anything, will only become a larger part of the platform.

With Reels, you can add songs, voice-overs, or even use original sound. You can also choose between 30, 60, and 90 second Reels. You can also remix a Reel (similar to TikTok’s “stitch”), tag products, and include polls.

Pssst - Work smarter, not harder and repurpose your video on all platforms. Use our fave FREE watermark remover app, Snaptik. 

STORIES

For a lot of brands, stories are where the magic happens. It’s where you can show your personality, the face behind the brand, and position yourself as an expert. It’s also a great way to engage with your audience.

In the past few years, IG has also rolled out several new features to make stories even easier and more interactive. You can caption your stories, add GIFS and images, post polls, and so on. These interactive Instagram features can help boost engagement on your stories.

Pssst - if you have a product/service to link - maximize your click rate by promoting it on your stories! By providing a direct link in your stories, it minimizes the buyer's journey and keeps impulse high.

DMS

It’s all jokes when we say you’re sliding in someone’s DMs, but honestly, that’s one of the best places for your potential clients to be. DMs are important for building relationships and turning warm leads into clients.

DMs are pretty basic when it comes to Instagram features, but you can share links, posts, profiles, and more. You might also notice the new IG feature above your DMs called Notes. Put an engaging or controversial question up to encourage people to DM you.

Pssst - Increase DM interest by adding a CTA in your caption for your audience to DM you for a link or a product! Focus on building a relationship through messages and not pushing a sale!

INSTAGRAM LIVES

Instagram Lives can help you position yourself as an expert, build your community through collabs, and get in front of new audiences. For a long time, IG lives were simply that - talking live on Instagram.

Recently though, there have been some new IG features added to Lives. Now you can schedule Lives through the app, go live with another brand, and even sell products during a live stream (if you have Instagram checkout).

Pssst - This is the biggest growth “hack” on Instagram! Cross promote your product, knowledge in the space, or your client roster by jumping in Live Rooms!

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights are there to answer your audience's FAQ, showcase your services, and allow people to get to know you. This is one of the first places a new follower or potential client might look, so keep these up-to-date and easy to read.

Psssst - Don’t forget to archive old stories that are no longer relevant to your audience, brand, or services. It’s time.

If you feel like you're battling Instagram on the daily, check out the blog on tips for beating the Instagram algorithm and increasing engagement on IG or set up a 1:1 Disco Partner strategy call with me here. Let’s dig in and get you strategizing and monetizing your business, babe!