Don't Make These Instagram Marketing Mistakes

Let’s face it: no matter how hard you try, you’re going to make mistakes in regards to your Instagram marketing strategy.

14:17 12 December 2019

Even the most well-known and widely-respected Instagram users go down the wrong path every now and again. While it’s easy to assume that you’ll never make the same mistakes, these have a way of creeping into your day to day strategy when you least expect it.

There’s nothing you can do to completely eliminate the risk of making an Instagram marketing mistake. However, when you understand the most common mistakes, it’s easier to avoid them and the consequences that often follow.

So, with that in mind, let’s examine five Instagram marketing mistakes that many people have made before you (and will continue to make in the future):

1. No Strategy

You are so excited about getting started with Instagram that you dive right in. And while it’s okay to do this - as it’s important to take the first step - don’t overlook the fact that a strategy is essential to your long term success.

Remember, your strategy doesn’t have to be complex to start. It can be as simple as a basic posting schedule along with some goals, such as using Instagram to drive traffic to your website (with hopes of boosting revenue).

The sooner you create an Instagram marketing strategy the better. You may not have this in place on day one, but make sure you work it out sooner rather than later.

2. Copying Your Competition
   
   

It’s a mistake that many new Instagram users make. You get so caught up in what your competition is doing that you forget to create your own strategy and set your own goals.

Think about it this way: you don’t really have competition on Instagram. Even though there are sure to be others in your same niche, they’re not your competition. There is enough space on Instagram for everyone to get along, so forget about what others are doing.

Your job is to set your own strategy and goals. Sure, you can check in on your so-called competition every now and again, but don’t get so caught up in this that it takes your efforts away from what matters most: growing your own account.

3. No Goals
   
   

You and you alone are in charge of setting your Instagram goals, so don’t let anything guide your thinking.

For example, a short term goal can be something as simple as creating the perfect Instagram bio. It sounds simple, but once you’re done you’ll feel good that you’ve taken a step in the right direction.

Your long term goals are typically more challenging to attain, such as growing your follower count to 10k+ within 12 months.

It doesn’t matter what goals you set for yourself, as long as they are realistic. These give you something to shoot for. They will also help keep you on track when you feel like you’re heading down the wrong path.

4. Neglecting to Track Results
   
   

You have so much on your plate that you decide to forgo tracking your Instagram results. You don’t keep tabs on your growth. You don’t keep tabs on engagement and Instagram analytics. And you decide that it’s not important to track how many people visit your website direct from Instagram.

Mistake. Mistake. Mistake.

If you track your results, you always know what is and isn’t working. This allows you to better spend your time, money, and other resources in the future. But if you don’t track your results, you’re flying by the seat of your pants.

Sure, you may have a basic idea that things are trending in the right direction, but you’ll never really know for sure. And that’s enough to drive you crazy.

There are many ways to track results, ranging from business dashboard software to a simple Excel spreadsheet. As long as you have a system in place, you can use it to keep close tabs on your Instagram account.

5. Irregular Posting Schedule
   
   

This means something different to every Instagram user, so you really need to create a posting schedule based on what works best for you.

Does it make sense to post once a day? How about twice? Maybe five or more times? If a daily schedule doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to consider something, such as two or three times per week.

You get the point. More so than how often you post, it’s critical to have a schedule that you’re comfortable following. Not only does this keep you on track, but it also gives your audience a clear idea of when they can expect fresh content.

Your posting schedule is likely to change as your Instagram account grows. For instance, once you get some traction and have a better idea of which strategy is yielding the best results, you can adjust your posting schedule to take full advantage of your new standing within your niche.

Tip: cross reference your posting schedule against your results, as this will open your eyes to what’s generating the best results.

Final Thoughts on Instagram Mistakes

You’re bound to make Instagram marketing mistakes, so don’t get too upset with yourself when it happens. Learn from your mistakes and do your best to avoid a similar situation in the future. When you take this approach, you’ll slowly tighten up your strategy to generate more positive results.

Finally, keep in mind that these five Instagram mistakes are just a start. There are many other roadblocks standing in your way, some of which are sure to slow you down at some point. You may not even know they are in your way until you come face to face.

It’s not bad to make mistakes when marketing your Instagram account. It’s bad to make mistakes time and time again.

What is the biggest Instagram mistake you ever made? Did you learn your lesson, or did you repeat the same mistake in the future? Share your thoughts, guidance, and tips in the comment section below. You may be able to save someone else from a similar fate.