Instagram, a social media giant, has been continually rolling out new features, and among them, Instagram Guides have become quite a talk of the town.
But what exactly are they?
Is investing time in creating Instagram Guides worth it?
Let’s dig deeper.
What’s an Instagram Guide?
Instagram Guides are a way to share and consume curated, scrollable content on Instagram.
Think of them as mini blog posts or articles within the platform.
You can use them to share tips, advice, recommendations, or any content that fits within a theme.
Guides can include posts that you or others have created, products from shops, or places on Instagram.
Why Instagram Guides May Not Be Available?
If you’re unable to find the Instagram Guides feature, don’t worry.
Instagram is known for gradually rolling out its features.
Sometimes, the update might take longer to reach you due to various factors like your geographical location or the version of the app you’re using.
Make sure your app is up-to-date, and stay patient!
Are Instagram Guides Worth It?
According to Instagram expert Jenn Herman,
Jenn Herman
Instagram Guides provide a new way to share content with your audience.
They allow you to dive deeper into a topic, provide more information, and give your audience a more engaging experience.
Plus, they can help improve your visibility on Instagram and beyond.
So, yes, Instagram Guides are absolutely worth it!
They offer a unique way to present content, engage with your audience, and even boost your visibility on the platform.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Instagram Guides
Now that we know the benefits of Instagram Guides, let’s dive into creating one.
- Open Instagram and navigate to your profile
- Tap the “+” icon in the upper right corner
- Select “Guide” from the menu
- Choose the type of guide you want to create: Places, Products, or Posts
- Search for and select the posts, products, or places you want to feature
- Add a title and description for your guide
- Customize the cover photo and adjust the image size, if necessary
- Add any additional sections or content, as needed
- Review your guide and tap “Next” to publish
Remember to follow the best practices mentioned earlier to make your guide engaging and informative.
What Are The Different Types of Instagram Guides?
1. Instagram Place Guides
Place Guides are a fantastic tool for travel bloggers, local businesses, and anyone who wants to showcase their favorite spots around the globe.
They allow you to curate posts based on location, creating a virtual tour for your followers.
To create a Place Guide:
- Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner of your profile.
- Select “Guide”.
- Choose “Places”.
- Search for a location, then select the posts you want to feature.
- Add a title, cover photo, and introduction to your guide.
- For each post, write a brief description or tip.
- Once finished, hit “Next” and then “Share”.
Not finding the location you want? Make sure the posts you wish to include have a geotag.
If not, you’ll need to add it.
2. Instagram Product Guides
Product Guides are ideal for businesses and influencers looking to showcase products.
This could be your own products or those you recommend.
The catch is the products must be available for purchase on Instagram Shop.
To create a Product Guide:
- Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner of your profile.
- Select “Guide”.
- Choose “Products”.
- Search for the products you want to feature or select from your saved posts.
- Add a title, cover photo, and introduction to your guide.
- For each product, write a brief description or review.
- Once finished, hit “Next” and then “Share”.
Can’t find the product you want to feature? Ensure the product is available on Instagram Shop.
If you’re a business owner, you might need to set up Instagram Shopping to feature your products.
3. Instagram Post Guides
Post Guides are the most versatile type.
They allow you to curate your own posts or any posts you’ve saved into one guide.
They’re great for compiling related content, like a series of tips, a recipe collection, or a roundup of your top posts.
To create a Post Guide:
- Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner of your profile.
- Select “Guide”.
- Choose “Posts”.
- Select from your posts or your saved posts.
- Add a title, cover photo, and introduction to your guide.
- For each post, write a brief description or tip.
- Once finished, hit “Next” and then “Share”.
Can’t find the post you want to include? Make sure you’ve either created or saved the post.
If it’s a saved post, confirm you’ve not accidentally unsaved it.
Tips and Best Practices for All Guide Types
Remember, the title and introduction of your guide are crucial.
They set the tone and let users know what they can expect.
Be sure to use relevant keywords in your title and introduction for better visibility.
The cover photo is equally important, as it’s the first thing users see.
Make sure it’s eye-catching and accurately represents your guide’s content.
The recommended cover photo size for Instagram Guides is 420px by 654px.
For each post, product, or place in your guide, you can add a description.
This is a great opportunity to provide context, share personal insights, or offer tips.
Make sure each description adds value and enhances the overall narrative of your guide.
Lastly, promote your guides!
Share them in your Instagram Stories, add a link in your bio, or even cross-promote on other social media platforms.
The more visibility your guides have, the more engagement they’ll likely receive.
Leveraging Instagram Guides for Different Niches
Here are some ideas for using Instagram Guides in various industries:
- Travel: Share city guides, top attractions, and local tips.
- Fashion: Curate seasonal trends, fashion week highlights, or styling tips.
- Food: Showcase restaurant recommendations, recipe collections, or cooking techniques.
- Fitness: Share workout routines, healthy habits, or motivational stories.
- Education: Provide learning resources, study tips, or subject-specific guides.
Overcoming Instagram Guide Publishing Issues
If you encounter issues like “couldn’t publish” while trying to publish your guide, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection before trying to publish your guide.
- Update your Instagram app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed.
- Review Instagram’s guidelines: Double-check that your guide follows Instagram’s guidelines for brand and hashtags, and doesn’t violate any policies.
The Evolution of Instagram Guides
Instagram Guides first appeared in May 2020. Originally, they were designed to support wellness influencers during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a space for sharing resources and tips related to mental health.
However, recognizing its potential, Instagram expanded the feature in November 2020, making it available to all users and broadening its scope beyond wellness content.
Instagram Guides represent Instagram’s shift towards more long-form, curated content.
They also offer brands and influencers a new way to drive engagement and promote products or services.
Instagram Guides Insights
Instagram Guides also offer a new way to gather insights and analytics.
While Instagram currently doesn’t provide specific analytics for guides, you can still gain insights by looking at the analytics for each individual post included in your guide.
This can help you understand what type of content resonates most with your audience, guiding your future content strategy.
Case Study: Successful Use of Instagram Guides
One notable success story of Instagram Guides is Refinery29, a media and entertainment company.
View this guide on Instagram
They’ve used guides to curate their content around themes like “Money Diaries“, “Climate Change Resources“, and “Black History Month“.
Their “Money Diaries” guide, for example, features posts related to financial advice and money-saving tips, providing a great resource for their followers.
The Future of Instagram Guides
Looking ahead, we can expect Instagram Guides to evolve and become even more integrated with other Instagram features.
For example, we might see closer integration with Instagram Shopping, allowing brands to create shoppable guides.
We could also see the introduction of guide-specific analytics, helping users better understand their guide performance.
Quotes from Industry Experts
Instagram expert Sue B. Zimmerman says,
Sue B. Zimmerman
Instagram Guides is a game-changer for businesses and creators. They provide an opportunity to showcase your expertise and create value for your audience in a way that stands out from the crowd
How to Promote Instagram Guides?
Promoting your Instagram Guides is as important as creating them. Here are some ways to do it:
- Share on Your Story: One of the easiest ways to promote your guide is to share it on your Instagram Story. This is a great way to reach your followers and let them know about your new guide.
- Promote on Other Social Platforms: Don’t limit yourself to Instagram. Share your guide on other social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
- Include in Your Newsletter: If you have a newsletter, include your guide in it. This can help you reach a wider audience.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Collaborate with influencers in your niche and ask them to promote your guide. This can help you reach a larger audience and gain more visibility.
- Use SEO Techniques: Use Semantic SEO techniques, such as optimizing your captions and descriptions with your target keyword, “Instagram Guides”, to improve your guide’s visibility on search engines.
Instagram Guides: An Unexplored Opportunity
Instagram Guides, in essence, is underutilized by many brands and influencers.
They offer an excellent opportunity to package your content in a more digestible, user-friendly format.
By incorporating a variety of posts, products, or places into a single guide, you’re providing your audience with a rich, immersive experience that goes beyond the typical single post or Story.
The Synergy of Instagram Guides and eCommerce
If you run an eCommerce business, Instagram Guides can be a game-changer.
With Product Guides, you can create a curated shopping experience for your followers.
Showcase your top-selling products, put together a themed collection, or highlight new arrivals.
These guides can act as a virtual storefront, directing followers straight to your online shop.
Remember to use the right cover photo for each product to attract potential customers.
The Art of Crafting Engaging Instagram Guides
Crafting an engaging Instagram Guide requires thoughtfulness and strategy.
Consider your audience’s interests and challenges, and create guides that address them.
Use high-quality, visually appealing images and ensure their size is optimized for Instagram.
Your cover photo size should be 420px by 654px for the best display.
In your guide, each section should have a clear focus and provide new information.
Avoid repeating details already mentioned in previous sections.
For instance, if one section discusses how to choose the right cover photo, the next could dive into optimizing image sizes.
Expanding Your Reach with Instagram Guides
Promotion is key to expanding the reach of your Instagram Guides. Share your guides across different social platforms and include them in your email newsletters. You can also collaborate with influencers and other brands to reach a wider audience.
Overcoming Instagram Guide Publishing Challenges
Sometimes, you may face issues like “couldn’t publish” when trying to publish your Instagram Guides.
This could be due to various factors, including internet connectivity issues, app glitches, or not adhering to Instagram’s guidelines.
Regularly updating your Instagram app and following the platform’s guidelines for brand and hashtags can help mitigate these issues.
Why Use Instagram Guides?
Instagram Guides are more than just a novel feature – they’re a powerful tool for sharing curated, in-depth content.
By offering a more immersive, comprehensive user experience, guides can help you stand out in a crowded social media landscape.
They provide a fresh, creative way to showcase your content, tell a cohesive story, or share valuable insights and tips with your audience.
Conclusion
Instagram Guides provide a powerful way to curate and share your content on the platform. By understanding how to create, optimize, and promote your guides, you can provide immense value to your audience, increase engagement, and drive traffic or sales. As Instagram continues to refine and expand this feature, now is the perfect time to dive in and start creating your own Instagram Guides.
Instagram Guides FAQs
Can I edit an Instagram Guide after publishing it?
Yes, you can edit an Instagram Guide even after it has been published. Simply go to the guide you want to edit, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select "Edit". You can add or remove posts, and update the title, introduction, or descriptions.
Is there a limit to how many Instagram Guides I can create?
As of now, Instagram doesn't impose a specific limit on the number of guides a user can create. This allows you the freedom to create as many guides as you find necessary for your brand or personal use.
Can I include videos in my Instagram Guides?
Yes, any post that you can view on your Instagram feed, whether it's an image or a video, can be included in an Instagram Guide. This gives you the flexibility to create dynamic, engaging guides.
Can I share my Instagram Guides on other platforms?
Absolutely. Once published, you can share the URL of your Instagram Guide on other platforms, allowing you to cross-promote your content. Simply go to the guide you want to share, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select "Copy Link".
Do Instagram Guides support hashtags?
While you can't directly add hashtags to a guide, any hashtags used in the original posts included in the guide will be clickable. This can help increase the visibility of your guides and connect them with relevant conversations happening on Instagram.
