By The Superviral Team, July 3rd 2025
2 minutes read
2 minutes read
There's so much noise out there:
- “You NEED to be on Instagram!”
- “You're missing out if you're not making Reels!”
- “Post more, post better, post faster!”
But here's the truth:Instagram is not a required part of your marketing strategy. It's a tool and like any tool, it only works if it fits your goals, your audience, and your capacity.
Let's break it down with simple questions, real-world examples, and no jargon. If you're new to marketing, this post is written with you in mind.
#1 Start Here: Are Your Customers Even on Instagram?
Before you post a single photo or make a Reel, ask this:
“Are my potential customers even using Instagram when they're thinking about what I sell?”
Because if they're not, you're wasting energy.
Why this matters:
Instagram is a discovery platform a place where people scroll, explore, and sometimes find brands they didn't know about. But it only works if the people you're trying to reach actually hang out there.
Example:
- YES: You run a handmade candle business and your audience is mostly women aged 25–40. That's a highly active Instagram crowd. They love aesthetic content, and they use Instagram to discover lifestyle brands.
- MAYBE NOT: You're an independent accountant who works with small businesses owned by people in their 50s and 60s. They're more likely to use Google, ask for referrals, or check LinkedIn.
Beginner Tip:
You don't need fancy tools. Just ask your current customers:
“Do you use Instagram to follow businesses like mine?”
If the answer is no, that's a clue.
#2 Can You Show What You Sell? Instagram Is Visual First
Instagram is built around visual storytelling. If your business has something that can be shown (even the process of how something gets done) that gives you a natural content foundation.
And no, you don't need to be a model, a videographer, or a professional photographer.
But you do need something visual that people can connect with.
Examples:
- Great fit: A hairstylist posting before-and-afters, tips, or time-lapse hair transformations.
- Creative workaround: A bookkeeper who shares mini tax tips with simple visuals, or shows a behind-the-scenes look at how they organize receipts (yes, that can be interesting if you frame it right).
Beginner Tip:
Not everything you post has to go viral. Start by showing what your day looks like, how you solve problems for clients, or common mistakes people make in your niche. That's valuable content.
#3 What Role Does Instagram Actually Play in Your Business?
Let's be clear: Instagram isn't always where people click “buy.” But that doesn't mean it's useless.
Think of it like this: Instagram is where people first see you.Then they follow you (for new account you can also buy instagram followers). Then they start to trust you. And eventually, they may buy from you or refer you to someone who will.
This is called top-of-funnel marketing meaning the early stage of building awareness and interest.
Example:
A nutrition coach shares easy meal tips and busts diet myths in Reels. After a few weeks, someone sends them a DM asking for 1:1 coaching not because they saw a sales pitch, but because they liked what they saw, consistently, over time.
Beginner Tip:
Don't treat Instagram like a sales page. Treat it like a place where people can get to know you. Be helpful, be clear, be consistent.
#4 How Much Time Can You Realistically Give This?
Here's something a lot of “Instagram experts” don't tell you:
If you only post once every two weeks, don't reply to comments, and don't show up in Stories… You're probably not going to get results.
It's not about being on Instagram. It's about showing up consistently in a way that builds momentum.
Examples:
- Not enough: A dog trainer posts once in January, once in March, and wonders why it's not working.
- Just right: Another dog trainer posts 2x a week, shares quick tips in Stories, and replies to every DM. She's not viral, but she books clients consistently from Instagram.
Beginner Tip:
You don't need to be everywhere. But if you do choose Instagram, make a basic plan:
- 2 posts per week
- 3–4 Instagram Stories
- One day to batch content in advance
That's enough to build traction if you're consistent.
#5 When Instagram Should Be a Core Part of Your Strategy
Let's flip the script now. If you check most of these boxes, Instagram can be a powerful growth tool.
Instagram makes sense when:
- Your audience is actively using the platform
- You have something visual to share (or can create it easily)
- You want to build a brand, not just make one-time sales
- You enjoy social media or can afford to outsource it
- You're ready to learn (or already have) a basic content strategy
Example:
A pottery studio starts showing time-lapse videos of pots being thrown on the wheel. They answer beginner questions in the captions, show their messy studio in Stories, and highlight customer testimonials. They sell out weekend classes entirely through Instagram.
#6 When Instagram Shouldn't Be Your Focus
Let's be honest for some businesses, Instagram is a distraction.
Instagram might not be right if:
- Your customers aren't using it to find businesses like yours
- You don't enjoy visual storytelling (and don't want to learn)
- You don't have the time or resources to post consistently
- You get better leads from referrals, email, or Google
Example:
A B2B tech consultant tried posting quotes and updates on Instagram for 3 months. Crickets. But when he doubled down on LinkedIn and SEO blog content, leads increased. Now he uses Instagram as a placeholder not a priority.
Beginner Tip:
You're not “failing” if you walk away from Instagram. You're being strategic. Go where the attention and conversion potential actually exist.
FINAL THOUGHT: It's About Fit, Not FOMO
Don't fall for the hype. You don't have to be on every platform. You do have to be intentional.
Ask:
- Are my people here?
- Can I show up consistently?
- Is this platform helping me move toward trust, leads, or sales?
If yes great. Lean in. If no there are plenty of other routes to grow your business.