Instagram is still one of the hottest spots online to connect with customers — if you’ve got good Instagram post ideas. Even Gen Z still thinks Instagram is cool. Research shows that most prefer it to other platforms — and that includes TikTok.

90% of Instagram users say they follow at least one business, which means brands have a chance to connect to strengthen relationships with current customers and pique the interest of potential ones.

Since adult Instagram users are on the platform for nearly 30 minutes per day, you’ll want to drum up some creative Instagram posts to capture the attention of your followers.

To help, we’ve created a list of 20 Instagram post ideas for business. You’ll want to bookmark this page for when you’re trying to ignite the creative spark.

20 Instagram post ideas

Below we have what we consider the best Instagram post ideas. But, don’t take our word for it. Try some of these yourself and see how they do!

Get real with Reels

 

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A post shared by Natasha Video Tips (@shinewithnatasha)

Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to show the face (or faces) behind the brand. With Reels, you can show snippets of your daily life, passions, goals and any fun facts about yourself or your team.

Try out this post each time you get an influx of new followers. It’s a chance to let new audiences know the real you, while also reminding long-time followers.

Host a giveaway

Showcasing a product or service with a giveaway is a great way to boost engagement on your Instagram.

By inviting users to tag friends, share the post and follow your page, you can create excitement about your offerings and reach new audiences all at a pretty low cost.

In terms of Instagram content ideas, this one gives a return on investment.

Build branded content relationships

Instagram has a branded content partnership feature that makes it easier for creators to boost branded content posts on their feed.

By building relationships with creators and collaborating on content ideas for Instagram, you can get more eyeballs on your products and services.

Keep an eye out for a new feature from Instagram that will let brands use data and filters to find the best creators for forthcoming campaigns. It’s currently being tested with a select few U.S. creators and brands.

Share memes

Humanize and humourize your brand by sharing relatable memes that you know will resonate with your audiences.

Done well, memes can boost brand awareness and strengthen customer engagement. By connecting with audiences on an emotional level, you’ll seem more authentic.

Try to keep them funny, timely and relatable. Best case scenario? You go viral. Worst case scenario? You look cringe. So, maybe get a second opinion before posting.

Respond to questions

 

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A post shared by BEE KIND® ∣ beeswax wraps (@beekindwraps)

Use your Instagram’s comment section for this creative post.

Creators on Instagram can now reply to comments on their Reels with another Reel. Sometimes words don’t do a query justice. With Reel responses, you can take the idea of “show, don’t tell” to another level.

Our own findings show Reels with people and audio perform better, so keep that in mind when crafting your response.

Learn more about Reel replies here:

Post a save-the-date

If you’re going to host an event live on Instagram or in-person, you’ll want to share a save-the-date with your audience.

Since Stories are fleeting, creating posts leave something for followers to return to if the event time slips their mind. They can also add to their Saved posts if needed, which has the added bonus of bumping you up on the algorithm.

Unpack industry myths

There’s a lot of information on the internet these days. But, as a business owner, you’re likely an expert in your field.

Help debunk some common myths audiences might have with a post that sets the record straight.

Skin care company Paula’s Choice, for example, breaks down three common misconceptions about moisturizer. Take their lead and focus on a few myths at a time.

Create a carousel

Did you know Instagram carousel posts earn, on average, 1.4x more reach and 3.1x more engagement than regular posts on Instagram?

With Instagram carousels, you can share multiple photos or videos. Users just need to swipe left to view them all. Since you can share up to 10 visuals, this type of post comes in handy when one image doesn’t do your message justice.

Some ideas for a carousel post include creating a slideshow presentation, like Contra, a freelance platform, does on drafting client pitches.

Alternatively, you can use a carousel to expand on a visual story, like Slovenia’s tourist board does when promoting a holiday hitting the ski slopes.

Share a testimonial

Often people want social proof before spending their hard earned money on your business. That means they’ll often turn to online reviews, third-party websites, and even your own comment section to see what others have to say.

One way to get ahead of the game and provide social proof front-and-centre is by sharing testimonials in your posts. This will help build trust among your audience.

Just don’t go overboard with the testimonials. They shouldn’t be the dominant type of post on your feed.

Show an influencer using your product

Another type of social proof you can share with audiences is an influencer endorsement. These kinds of partnerships can bring new audiences to your brand and show that a trusted figure vouches for your product.

Just make sure it’s a good fit in terms of vibes and values.

Ask audiences a question

If you want audiences to engage with your content, and even engage with each other, throw out a question in one of your Instagram’s posts.

For instance, BetterHelp, a virtual therapy company, asked users “What’s one piece of advice that you’ll never forget?”. The question gives users a chance to reflect and engage, as well as a chance to learn from crowdsourced ideas.

These kinds of questions can also be used to hear what kind of products, services, or event content your audience wants to see.

Show a tutorial

 

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A post shared by BEE KIND® ∣ beeswax wraps (@beekindwraps)

What’s better than showing off your product? Showing how to best use your product.

Posting tutorials provides value for current and prospective customers. Think of ways you can share tips and tricks so they can get the most out of the products your business has to offer.

Go behind-the-scenes

 

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A post shared by Wasi Clothing (@wasiclothing)

While your products and services might be polished, your social media doesn’t have to be.

Let loose and let your audience see what happens behind the scenes. It will humanize your brand and let them know the people behind it.

Show a before-and-after

Show off your brand’s creativity with a before-and-after photo like the bedroom makeover above.

If you provide a service to customers, this is the perfect chance to show what kind of magic you introduce into people’s lives.

Before-and-afters also provide hard proof of what your business is capable of.

Jump on a trend

Is there a certain type of video that’s all the rage on social media? As a brand, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines. Finding your own spin on a trend is a great way to get noticed.

That might mean joining the latest dance craze, showing your business glow-up or creating an ASMR video (short for autonomous sensory meridian response) like the post above.

Share user-generated content

Let audiences know that you’d love to see your product in the wild. By creating a hashtag and asking users to tag you in their posts, you can share how others view your product and use it in their own lives. Or even fan art, like @blippi’s post below.

Just let users know you’ll be sharing their images and provide credit where credit is due.

Share your mistakes

By now you’re probably sick of us telling you to humanize your brand, but people really do like getting to know the real you!

One way to do that is to show the mistakes you’ve made along the way in your business, or life in general.

You might even help prevent others from making the same mistakes you did.

Seek creative input

Next time your team’s having a brainstorming session, take it to Instagram!

Fujifilm, for example, has asked audiences to help pick a specialty frame for one of their prints.

Nobody knows more about what your customers want than your customers themselves.

Share an action shot

 

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A post shared by ruru baked (@rurubaked)

Unveil the mystery behind your products and services by showing what lies behind the glossy photos.

With an action shot, you can invite audiences into the process to see how your creations get made. Take Ru Ru Baked, for instance. This ice cream shop dives into how exactly their vegan oreo and caramel pints get made.

And, with options to speed up or slow down video, you can play around to make your action shots more dynamic.

 

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A post shared by Calma (@calma_floral)

Create a year in review

Sometimes it’s good to pause and reflect on the past. By sharing a year in review post, you can show just how far your business has come within a short amount of time. Yes, you totally have permission to brag about your accomplishments.

And, you don’t have to save a year in review until December or January. Anytime your business celebrates a milestone, take a look back and credit the steps or big moves it took to get there.

Put some of these Instagram post ideas to use alongside your other social channels and save time using Hootsuite. From a single dashboard you can schedule and publish posts, engage the audience, and measure performance. Try it free today.

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