Next Stop: Instagram Master
May 23, 2024
By: Nicki Faircloth
With more than 1 billion active users a month — Instagram remains a vitally important, but largely underutilized social media platform for many social good organizations.
But it’s a platform you should take seriously.
Late last year we walked you through how you can become more relevant on Instagram.
Now, we’re revisiting the topic to help you take your Instagram page to the next level.
If you’d like to dig deeper, we also invite you to check out Hubspot’s How to Use Instagram for Business report.
Where do I put #hashtags?
There are three areas you can add hashtags to your Instagram posts – the body of the post, at the bottom of the post and in the comment field below the post.
If you choose to include hashtags in the body of the post or at the bottom of the post, be sure you’re selective about what hashtags you’re including and make them relevant to the post.
Insider tip: the Instagram algorithm favors hashtags included in a comment after your post is live. That means if you include your hashtags in the comment field, your post will gain more traction. Comments are also hidden, so you run less of a risk of appearing spammy if you choose to include a long list of hashtags.
All about Instagram widgets
There’s a whole new world available to you once you explore Instagram widgets. Below are just a few examples of some of the most useful widgets that are offered. Simply create your Instagram story, click on the widget button and get to work.
Add links: Even though Instagram limits which users can share links on their Instagram posts, they don’t limit which users can share links in their Instagram story. Use the “link” feature so you can share links to your blog posts, website or other relevant places.
Include a poll: Get the answers you need quickly. Use the “poll” feature to hold live polls.
Share a fundraising link: Fundraising for a nonprofit? Add in the “donation” feature which already has a long list of nonprofits your followers can make an easy donation toward. The donation feature even has a search function so you can locate nonprofits with specific missions like “disaster relief” or “education”.
Countdown: Counting down to something special like a fundraising deadline or your organization's anniversary? Use the “countdown” feature in your Instagram story to get folks excited.
Tag your location: When you tag your location in your Instagram story, your story will then show up on a map next to posts in your location. This helps new users in your area connect with your post.
Utilize free Instagram post and story templates
There is no need to exhaust your creativity with brainstorming catchy Instagram posts and stories when they’re already provided to you by the experts. Visit this link to access free Instagram posts and story templates.
There are many ways you can make your mark on Instagram. Applying these tips and tricks, can help you get there!
