Ever feel like your Instagram strategy is stuck on repeat?
It’s time to refresh your approach and grab the attention of your audience in exciting ways.
In this blog, we'll dive into different styles of Instagram posts, from bite-sized trends to educational content loaded with visual hooks, and everything in between.
Clear understanding
Scrolling through Instagram, it’s clear that not all posts are created equal.
While some brands thrive with viral reels and engaging educational snippets, others struggle to keep up with changing trends.
Without a clear understanding of which types of content resonate most with your audience, your brand risks blending into the noise.
Static Posts...
Consider a small coffee roastery in Auckland that started 2023 relying solely on static posts of their beans and shop interior.
While these posts were visually appealing, engagement was minimal. Inspired by successful Instagram strategies, they switched to different post styles: short, informative reels with trending audio, humorous skits about barista life, and educational videos that showcased brewing tips with props and strong visual hooks.
The change was almost immediate, comments and shares increased, and they gained a 50% boost in followers within a few months.
Create the content
Here’s a breakdown of engaging Instagram post types and how you can effectively use them to boost your brand’s profile:
5-Second Reels with Trending Audio and Information Text
Format: Ultra-short, attention-grabbing videos.
Content: Highlight a single fact, a quick tip, or a powerful statement using trending audio.
Why It Works: People’s attention spans are shorter than ever. A 5-second post is perfect for fast consumption and increased sharing. The use of trending audio maximizes the chances of appearing on the Explore page.
Pro Tip: Make sure the on-screen text is centered and readable in that brief moment.
Humor Skits (20 Seconds or Less)
Format: Short, punchy videos that use relatable humor.
Content: Skits about daily challenges in your niche or exaggerated situations that make your audience chuckle.
Why It Works: Humorous content is highly shareable and creates an emotional connection with viewers.
Pro Tip: Collaborate with team members or friends to act out different roles and keep the skits relevant to your brand.
Educational Posts with Props and Visual Hooks
Format: Posts that teach something new with visual aids.
Content: Use props to demonstrate your points and incorporate engaging visual cues like animated text, arrows, and close-up shots.
Why It Works: Educational posts establish your brand as an authority in your industry and keep the viewer engaged longer. They’re also perfect for saving and rewatching.
Pro Tip: Break down complex ideas into simple steps and use captions that summarize the key takeaways.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Format: Candid, authentic glimpses of your business or creative process.
Content: Showcase your team working on a project, preparing orders, or funny moments behind the camera.
Why It Works: Viewers love authenticity. Behind-the-scenes content makes your brand relatable and trustworthy.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about perfect editing. The more real, the better.
Carousel Posts with Storytelling
Format: Multi-image posts that tell a story or offer step-by-step guides.
Content: Create a narrative that takes viewers on a journey, such as “How Our Product is Made” or “5 Tips for Using Our Service.”
Why It Works: Carousel posts encourage users to swipe and spend more time on your content, boosting algorithm performance.
Pro Tip: Start with a captivating first slide and end with a call to action (CTA) that prompts engagement, such as “Which tip was your favorite?”
Adjust and experiment
Sticking to a single type of post won’t cut it. A mix of short, punchy reels, humorous skits, educational content with strong visual hooks, and authentic behind-the-scenes footage will keep your brand fresh and engaging.
By diversifying your content, you’ll not only capture attention but also build a community that comes back for more.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, find the formats that best resonate with your audience and make them a staple of your strategy.
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