How to Master Instagram Marketing Like a Pro
- Brianna Augustine
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Information for this blog post was obtained from HubSpot Blog, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite.
Creating the Perfect Instagram Profile
Instagram profiles are public by default, and if you’re running a business, that’s exactly how you’ll want to keep it. A public profile makes it easy for potential customers to discover your brand without having to follow you first.
1. Choose a Recognizable Username
Pick a username that’s easy to recognize and share. Ideally, it should be something that your audience can search for quickly or instantly connect with your brand.
2. Use a Clear, On-Brand Profile Picture
Instagram displays profile pictures in a circle, around 110 pixels. To avoid awkward cropping, use a square image with your logo centered. Choose a logo or image that aligns with your brand and is easy to recognize at a glance.
3. Write a Short, Impactful Bio
Your Instagram bio is your elevator pitch. Explain what your business is about in a sentence or two. Don’t forget to include your website URL—this is prime real estate for driving traffic.
Understanding the Instagram Algorithm
Before you dive into content creation, it’s important to understand the Instagram algorithm. The platform’s goal is to show users the content they’re most likely to enjoy. It does this by analyzing behavior and interactions—what people like, save, comment on, or share.
Each section of Instagram (Reels, Feed/Stories, Explore) has its own algorithm, and here’s how they work:
Reels Algorithm
Reels prioritize short, entertaining, and inspiring videos. The main signals Instagram considers include:
User engagement: Likes, comments, shares, and saves
Interaction history: How often someone interacts with your content
Video content: What the video is about and how people are responding
Feed & Stories Algorithm
According to Instagram, Feed and Stories are designed for seeing content from people you know and care about. The algorithm prioritizes:
Content type
Who posted it
Your past activity
Your interaction history with the poster
Explore Page Algorithm
Explore focuses on discovery. It shows you content similar to what you’ve engaged with before. The algorithm looks at:
Your past interactions
What similar users are engaging with
Details about the content and account
How others have interacted with it
Creating Instagram Posts Based on the Algorithm
Reels
Keep it under 90 seconds Even though Reels can go up to 3 minutes, shorter videos (under 90 seconds) perform better.
Loop your videos Seamless loops can keep viewers watching longer, often without realizing the video restarted.
Stories
Post regularly Frequent posting increases your chances of being seen, as Instagram pushes current stories to the top of followers’ feeds.
Don’t overload your audience Too many back-to-back stories can feel overwhelming and may lead to a drop in views.
Encourage interaction Use polls, stickers, links, and questions to boost engagement and story ranking.
Image Courtesy of Unsplash
Carousel Posts
Create save-worthy content Think of tips, tutorials, or infographics—anything your audience might want to reference later.
Make scrolling fun Tell a story, share steps, or tease content slide-by-slide to encourage users to swipe through all images.
Image Courtesy of Unsplash
Explore
Capitalize on viral momentum If one of your posts starts gaining traction, keep posting! Ride the wave of attention while your visibility is high.
Conclusion
Mastering Instagram marketing starts with a strong profile, a clear understanding of the algorithm, and content that speaks to your audience. By optimizing your posts for Reels, Stories, Carousels, and Explore, you’ll be in a better position to grow your reach, boost engagement, and turn followers into loyal customers. Stay consistent, keep testing what works, and let the algorithm work for you and not against you.
References
Cox, L. K. (2016, March 17). The Anatomy of a Perfect Instagram Profile. Hubspot.com; HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/optimized-instagram-profile
Hill, C. (2023, March 23). The Instagram algorithm: How it works and strategies for 2024. Sprout Social. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/instagram-algorithm/
Hirose, A. (2025, April 2). Instagram algorithm tips for 2025: Everything you need to know. Social Media Marketing & Management Dashboard. https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-algorithm/#13_tips_to_optimize_your_content_for_Instagrams_algorithm_according_to_the_experts
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