Instagram is a massive platform with millions of people using the platform daily, not only to view pretty pictures but also to engage with brands and businesses. Thousands of users also shop on the platform now that you can make purchases directly from Instagram posts and Stories.

I have been using Instagram to grow my businesses since 2011 (@modernmama, @helloconniepeters). It has evolved through users, trends, and algorithm changes plenty of time since then, and throughout the past several years especially. The platform can change dramatically with any update at any time.

The following are things that irritate users, confuse your audience, make people unfollow you, and are just generally considered to be bad practices on Instagram.

AUTOMATIC DIRECT MESSAGES

You follow someone new, and suddenly … BAM! … there’s a new direct message in your Instagram Inbox. Surprise! That person didn’t feel so excited that you followed them that they wrote you that message in real time. It’s an automatic message set up to send when someone new follows their account.

I find these messages in-genuine, impersonal and annoying. At worst, it’s such a turnoff that people may unfollow you simply for sending automatic messages, especially if they ask you to visit a website, buy or join something, or follow a friend’s account (which is usually just another account of the person who sent the message).

“COLD CALLING” ON DIRECT MESSAGE

Don’t randomly message people who you think would buy your product, join your network or need your weight loss product.

I’ve been asked to join a weight loss and fitness coaching direct sales business, try body wraps, and multiple other random offers via direct message.

Unless you are reaching out to legitimately work with them (see next point), or you already know someone as an acquaintance, don’t direct message them about your product or business.

PITCHING YOUR PRODUCT TO INFLUENCERS THE WRONG WAY

If you are wanting to work with Influencers (Instagram users who have a large following and their audience fits your niche) on the platform, do feel free to reach out to work with them via direct message. But, stay professional.

• Be respectful of their time and don’t take up too much ‘space’ in their inbox
• Be respectful of their business and ask them for their rates to post to Instagram or if they would be open to collaboration or partnership
• If you’re looking to provide product only, be upfront about that and let them know the value of the product(s)
• Stay professional if their rate is outside of your budget. For many influencers, their Instagram following is their full-time job, so do respect their rates. Negotiating is completely fine.

A good example:

“Hello ____, (take the time to find their first name in their bio) I would love to work with you! Do you cover products like ___your thing___ on your Instagram or blog? If so, would you be open to working together? I look forward to hearing from you!

Then, be prepared to either settle on their rate or provide more details about your product if they’re willing to cover it.

GOING OFF-BRAND FOR ONE RANDOM POST

Photos of your baby niece or your cute puppy are fantastic on Instagram, just not on your business profile. It will feel off brand, won’t match the rest of your cohesive photos in your ‘grid’ (the last nine posts on your account and the first thing people see when they land on your profile), and you’ll lose that niche feeling of your account being focused on just one thing: your business.

Save those cute family photos and ‘Catstagrams’ for your personal account.

Keep it simple. Post and engage on-brand for your business.

Download my free 1-Month Instagram Content Planner!

PSST:

Instagram Essentials for Business

is NOW OPEN! Join our group program on March 4th for three weeks here.

PIN ME! –>