Mastering Instagram’s Latest Features for Business Growth: A Comprehensive Tutorial

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re on Instagram and you’re not leveraging the latest features, you’re leaving a ton of money on the table. Instagram isn’t just a platform to post pretty pictures. It’s a business tool, and if you use it right, you’ll see growth, engagement, and sales go through the roof.

Here’s the deal: Instagram just rolled out some game-changing updates. You probably missed a few. So let’s break them down and, more importantly, how you can use them to crush it in 2024.

1. Carousels: 20 Slots to Hold Your Audience’s Attention

Instagram upped the game. Now you can throw in up to 20 images or videos in a carousel post. Why is this a big deal? The longer people scroll, the more the algorithm rewards you. That means MORE people see your content, and more eyeballs means more $$$.

Here’s how you dominate:

• Break down a concept. Use each slide to hit a point—people love step-by-step guides or product walkthroughs.

• Keep them swiping. Make sure every slide adds value, keeps them curious, and hooks them until the last slide.

• Close with a strong CTA: Get them to comment, save, or click the link in your bio.

Long story short: If you’re not using carousels, you’re wasting time.

2. Reels Additions: The Engagement Goldmine

Reels are where the magic happens. Instagram is pushing them hard, and if you're not posting Reels, you’re missing out. Here’s what’s new:

• Closed Captions: More than half the people watching your Reels are doing it on mute. Use captions, or you’re losing viewers.

• Custom Audiences: You can now target Reels to custom audiences. This is like Instagram saying, “Here’s a sniper rifle. Go get those leads.”

• Polls on Reels: Engagement boosts everything. Use polls to get feedback, spark conversations, or just drive interaction. Keep in mind—polls aren’t shared to Facebook, so keep it Instagram-centric.

Pro tip: Post 3-4 Reels a week. People like fresh, snackable content, and Reels give them exactly that.

3. Explore Icon Moved – Don’t Freak Out

The Explore icon moved from the bottom to the top right. Big deal, right? Just know where it is, and if you're using Explore for trend research, it’s still there—just shifted.

But here’s the key takeaway: Use Explore to research what’s blowing up in your niche, and then make your own version.

4. Profile Music – It’s Back, Baby

Instagram brought back the Myspace vibes. You can now add music to your profile. Does this help you sell? Not really. But does it make your profile a little more interesting and on-brand? Absolutely.

Here’s the play: Choose a track that fits your brand vibe. Think about it like adding background music to your movie trailer—pick something that aligns with your business persona.

5. Post Scheduling: Stop Posting on the Fly

Got a busy week? Don’t worry. Instagram now lets you schedule posts inside the app. No need for third-party tools or reminders.

Here’s the hack:

• Batch-create your content for the week, schedule it, and free up your time to focus on growth, engagement, and closing deals.

• If you’re scrambling to post every day, you’re doing it wrong. Schedule, automate, and move on.

6. Custom Stickers: Personal Branding on Another Level

Now you can create custom stickers straight from Instagram. Want to brand your stories or add a unique touch? Done.

Here’s what you do:

• Upload an image, let Instagram cut it into a sticker, and slap it on your stories.

• Use this for quick branding. Have a product launch? Use your logo as a sticker in all your stories.

Brand recognition = trust = more conversions. Simple as that.

7. Broadcast Channels: Your VIP Club

Imagine having a private group where you can chat with your most loyal followers, test ideas, and even drop exclusive offers. That’s what Broadcast Channels are.

What’s the move?

• Set up a broadcast channel to deliver exclusive content or drop secret deals.

• This is where you build your superfans. Keep them engaged, and you’ll have a tribe that’s ready to buy every time you drop something.

8. Reel Series: Binge-Watch Content for Your Audience

Instagram added the ability to categorize your Reels into “Series.” Think of it as a playlist for your content.

Why this matters:

• Organize your Reels by themes or topics. For example, if you're teaching something, categorize the Reels so people can watch them back-to-back.

• Keep your followers locked into your content and make it easy for them to binge-watch your expertise.

More views, more engagement, more loyalty. You’re welcome.

9. The Big Picture: Strategy Over Tactics

Look, if you’re winging it on Instagram, stop. Random posting gets random results. You need a blueprint—just like you wouldn’t build a house without one, don’t try to grow your Instagram without a strategy.

Here’s how to make sure you’re crushing it:

1. Set Clear Goals: What’s the game plan? More leads? Brand awareness? Pick one and focus.

2. Know Your Audience: If you don’t know who you're talking to, your content is aimless. Identify your target market and speak directly to them.

3. Content Buckets: Organize your content. Educational, entertaining, product-focused. Don’t throw spaghetti at the wall—be intentional.

4. Engage Like Crazy: Comments, DMs, stories—every interaction is a touchpoint. Be there. Be responsive.

5. Analyze and Adjust: Look at your analytics weekly. If something’s working, double down. If it’s not, pivot.

Final Thoughts: Dominate Instagram in 2024

Instagram is a tool. But like any tool, if you’re not using it right, it won’t get the job done. The new features Instagram rolled out give you more ways to engage, entertain, and convert your audience. So, stop posting random content and start using these features to grow your business, engage your followers, and make money.

Your audience is waiting. Now go take advantage of everything Instagram has to offer, and start turning those likes into leads.