Instagram has evolved far beyond its original purpose. It’s no longer just a photo-sharing app. It’s now the go-to place for people, especially Gen Z, to find new products.
A study confirmed this. Around 67% of Gen Z now turn to Instagram instead of Google when they are hunting for local businesses to visit in person. That means your potential customers aren’t just scrolling for fun, but are actively searching for products, services, and brands they can trust.
This shift means businesses have an incredible opportunity to show up where their audience is already looking. Growing your brand and engagement on Instagram isn’t that easy. With millions of posts shared daily and constant algorithm changes, standing out is tough. You need a smart strategy that helps you cut through the noise and connect with the right people.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best practices that can help you grow your brand as well as your engagement on Instagram.
#1 Optimize Your Profile for Search
There are two billion profiles on Instagram. Your business won’t appear when people search for products or services you offer unless you optimize your profile for discoverability.
Choose a username and account name that are clear and memorable. Your bio is another prime spot for keywords. It has a 150-word limit. Highlight what you do as well as who you serve concisely.
Your bio can feature a single clickable link. It would be best to add your website’s link. If you don’t already have a website, now is the time to create one. Instead of hiring a developer, use AI-powered website builders. These tools handle the design, layout, and even copy suggestions for you, so your website is ready within minutes.
Don’t just start building with any website builder. Hocoos advises choosing one that offers everything you need, including a custom domain, web hosting, and features like blogs and booking systems. This ensures your site isn’t just functional but actively supports your growth.
#2 Use Instagram Stories and Reels Strategically
You might see Stories and Reels as just another way to share content, but they are important for staying relevant on social media.
Stories appear at the top of people’s feeds for 24 hours. Use them to share behind-the-scenes moments, quick tips, or polls that get your audience involved. Post to your story consistently. This keeps you at the top of their minds and signals to the algorithm that you’re an active user.
Reels, on the other hand, work as a discovery engine. They are a key way for people to shop. A new global trend reveals that almost half of all consumers, 47% to be exact, are using them to discover and check out new products.
Want your Reels to get noticed? Focus on three key things: keep the length of the Reels short, make them engaging, and ensure they offer real value.
Use trending audio when it makes sense for your content, but don’t force it. A Reel with original audio that is genuinely helpful will often outperform one that awkwardly uses a trending sound just for the sake of it.
Consistency matters. Aim for at least two to three Reels per week, even if they are simple.
#3 Use Hashtags and Location Tags Wisely
Hashtags aren’t dead, though the strategy has evolved. Gone are the days of stuffing 30 random hashtags into every post. Instagram now favors quality over quantity, so focus on 5-10 relevant hashtags that actually describe your content.
Mix up your hashtag sizes. Use a few popular ones (over 100K posts), some medium-sized tags (10K-100K posts), and several smaller, niche hashtags (under 10K posts). The smaller hashtags give you a better chance of being discovered by people who are genuinely interested in your specific topic.
Don’t just copy-paste the same set every time. Rotate them based on what you’re posting. Instagram may lower your reach if it sees you spamming the same tags repeatedly.
Location tags are just as important, especially if your business has a physical presence. Adding a location tag helps your post appear on the Explore page of users in that area. This is perfect for a small boutique or a service provider. It helps you connect with nearby audiences.
Geotags or location tags also help you find and use user-generated content (UGC). When a customer tags your business in their own post, you can find it. You can then ask them for permission to share it on your own profile. This content is authentic and builds a stronger community.
Be Awesome on Instagram!
To grow on Instagram, don’t just chase trends or try to please everyone. Instead, focus on showing up consistently, providing real value, and connecting with your audience authentically.
The real secret to growth is consistency. Keep creating quality content and engaging with your audience. Over time, your engagement will rise, and your community will grow. And Instagram will become one of your favorite places to connect with the people who love what you do.