Unlock Instagram Growth with Northern’s Winning Strategies

Hey there! It’s Dave from Northern, your go-to creative digital design and marketing agency. It’s no surprise that keeping up with Instagram trends feels like a never-ending chase. But don’t worry, I’m here to share the Instagram marketing strategies that are currently making waves and how you can seamlessly apply them for instant engagement and growth, whether it’s for your business or personal brand.

Decoding the Instagram Algorithm

Ever felt like the Instagram algorithm is a bit of a mystery? Trust me, it’s not. Essentially, it aims to:

• 1️⃣ Provide people with content they’ll love.
• 2️⃣ Encourage them to stay on the platform longer.

At Northern, we align everything to the algorithm’s purpose—ensuring your content is seen by the right audience. It’s all about making it clear who your content is for and customizing it for them. When your audience loves your content, the algorithm will too! 🎯

Crafting a Compelling Instagram Bio

Your Instagram bio is prime real estate, and getting it spot-on is crucial for that all-important follow. Here’s how we at Northern recommend you build a stellar Instagram bio:

• ➡️ Clearly display your name and a key title or keyword.
• ➡️ Line 1: Highlight what makes you unique—your selling point.
• ➡️ Line 2: Explain why you’re awesome to follow. Show off any social proof if you have it.
• ➡️ Line 3: Finish off with a strong call to action (CTA) to prompt the next step, like clicking the bio link.

Don’t forget story highlights—they’re superb for giving more insight into who you are and redirecting traffic to your website or offers.

Timing & Types: When and What to Post

Content Types

Timing is everything! Here’s the insider scoop on what’s currently working on Instagram:

• Posts: Carousel posts drive more engagement than single images. Not keen on videos? Text or graphic-based posts work great.
• Videos: Reels, stories, and live content are engagement magnets.
• Stories: Perfect for those off-topic insights that give personality.

Consistency is key. More is better, but avoid burnout—aim for at least one post daily, complemented by stories and reels.

Prime Posting Times

Your posting time can greatly influence your content’s reach. Here’s a quick guide I share with Northern’s clients:

• Once daily: Shoot for 9 am.
• Twice daily: Throw in an 11 am slot.
• Three times daily: Add a 3 pm post to the mix.

Weekdays usually outperform weekends, with Sunday as the quietest day for interactions. 🕰️

Engagement: It’s More Than Just Posting

Active engagement with others is vital for boosting your profile. Liking, commenting, and sharing can:

• ✅ Signal the algorithm on your content’s focus.
• ✅ Expose you to followers of people you interact with.

At Northern, we call this “fan fishing”—casting a wide net by networking with key industry figures and engaging authentically.

Engaging Captions: Tell Your Story

Captions are your secret weapon for deeper engagement and conversion.

• Keywords: Integrate relevant ones to reinforce your message and boost discoverability.
• Storytelling: Use captions to enhance your visuals with context.
• Calls to Action: Try prompts like “comment below” or “DM for details”. Make them inviting!

The Hashtag Truth

Are hashtags still relevant? Absolutely! Just in a more strategic way. Here’s how we handle them at Northern:

• 1️⃣ Use 5-15 thoughtfully chosen hashtags per post: Mix large, medium, and niche hashtags for reach variety.
• 2️⃣ Position them in the caption for better visibility.

They might not hold the weight they used to, but they’re still handy when used wisely.

Keep Growing with Instagram Analytics

Growth is about constant refinement based on solid data.

• 1️⃣ Monitor engagement, follower progression, and profile views.
• 2️⃣ Use Instagram Insights for performance tracking of different content types.

Adaptability is your ally—those who pivot smartly while staying authentic to their brand reap the rewards.

Take Action

Eager to take your Instagram game up a notch? Try out these strategies and let me know what works for you. Northern is always here to support and grow along with you.

❓Which Instagram strategies are you loving right now? Share your experiences in the comments!