Instagram for Business: Updates, Reels, and Tips with Corey C. Walker
Instagram for Business
Instagram’s constant updates and evolving features can feel overwhelming, but for small business owners, staying ahead is crucial. From reels and carousels to SEO optimization, Instagram offers powerful tools to grow your audience and turn followers into clients.
In this guide, Corey C. Walker, five-time bestselling author of Instagram for Dummies and Instagram for Business for Dummies, shares expert insights on how to leverage Instagram’s latest features for business success.
Meet Corey C. Walker: Social Media Expert & Instagram Pro
With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, Corey has helped businesses generate leads and sales through social media and email marketing. She has witnessed Instagram’s evolution from a simple photo-sharing app to a full-fledged business marketing platform.
Let’s dive into the latest Instagram strategies and how you can use them to grow your business.
Instagram vs. TikTok: Which Is Better for Business?
While Instagram and TikTok share similarities, they serve different purposes:
- TikTok is a short-form video-first platform with a younger audience
- Instagram offers diverse content formats (Reels, Stories, Carousels) and reaches a broader audience, from teenagers to older generations.
- Instagram is better for funneling leads, allowing you to move followers from Reels to feed posts, then to Stories, Lives, and eventually direct messages or sales pages.
If your goal is to convert followers into clients, Instagram provides more tools for engagement and sales.
Latest Instagram Updates Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Instagram is constantly evolving, and here are some of the biggest updates to leverage in 2024:
1. Reels Still Dominate the Algorithm
Reels are the best way to increase visibility beyond your followers. If you’re not comfortable on video, you can still create engaging Reels without showing your face by using:
✅ Behind-the-scenes footage
✅ Product showcases
✅ Text-based Reels with stock footage or images
2. Carousels Are Gaining More Reach
If you’re hesitant about video, carousels are your next best option. Instagram is pushing carousels in the algorithm, making them a great format for educational or storytelling content.
✔️ Use 5 or fewer slides to maximize engagement.
✔️ Add “Swipe for more” text to encourage interaction.
✔️ Share step-by-step guides, quick tips, or before-and-after transformations.
3. Built-in Photo Editing & SEO Features
Instagram now allows more advanced photo editing within the app, reducing the need for external tools. Additionally, Instagram SEO is more important than ever—keywords in captions, bios, and even video speech now impact searchability.
Optimize your Instagram SEO by:
- Adding relevant keywords in your bio and captions.
- Speaking your main topic out loud in videos (Instagram detects keywords in audio).
- Using a mix of high-volume and niche hashtags (10 is the sweet spot).
- Instagram Notes & Interactive Features
Instagram Notes (short messages in DMs) allow businesses to engage followers directly. Additionally, Instagram now lets users comment on content with Notes, increasing visibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Notes to share promotions, announce new content, or engage followers with a fun question.
How to Convert Instagram Followers into Clients
Growing your audience is great, but converting them into paying clients is the ultimate goal. Here are key strategies:
1. Use Instagram as a Sales Funnel
Instagram should move followers through a journey—from discovery to engagement, and finally, to conversion.
🔥 Top of Funnel: Use Reels to attract new audiences.
📍 Middle of Funnel: Engage them with carousels and Stories.
💰 Bottom of Funnel: Convert through Lives, DMs, and email marketing.
2. Leverage Instagram Lead Magnets
Offering a free resource (lead magnet) helps you capture emails and nurture potential customers.
📌 Examples:
✔️ Free checklist or guide
✔️ Exclusive training video
✔️ Discount or freebie for new subscribers
Use ManyChat or Instagram DMs to automate lead generation by prompting followers to comment a keyword (e.g., “Type ‘GUIDE’ to get my free Instagram growth checklist!”).
3. Optimize Your Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Every Instagram post should guide users toward a next step:
🔹 “DM me ‘strategy’ for a free consultation.”
🔹 “Click the link in my bio for my free Instagram growth guide.”
🔹 “Swipe left to see my top 5 Instagram tips!”
💡 Pro Tip: Manually DM new commenters if you’re not using automation tools like ManyChat.
How to Manage Instagram Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Running a business AND staying active on Instagram can feel like a lot. Here’s how to keep up without burnout:
1. Set a Realistic Posting Schedule
👉 If daily posting isn’t doable, start with 3-4 quality posts per week.
👉 Batch-create content once a month to save time.
👉 Use scheduling tools like Later or Meta Business Suite (free for Facebook & Instagram).
2. Use Content Pillars
Instead of scrambling for ideas, create 5 content pillars to rotate through each week. Example pillars:
✔️ Behind-the-scenes
✔️ Educational content
✔️ Client testimonials
✔️ Personal stories
✔️ Promotions & offers
3. Repurpose Content Across Platforms
Maximize content by repurposing Instagram posts for other platforms:
📍 Turn Reels into TikToks or YouTube Shorts.
📍 Convert carousels into Pinterest pins.
📍 Repurpose Instagram captions for LinkedIn posts.
Final Thoughts: Take Action on Your Instagram Strategy
Instagram is a powerful tool for business growth, but success comes from strategy and consistency.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Use Reels & Carousels for visibility.
✅ Implement Instagram SEO for discoverability.
✅ Create a funnel strategy to move followers toward conversions.
✅ Schedule & batch content to avoid burnout.
Where to Find Corey + Freebie:
📌 Get Corey’s Freebie Here
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