Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for creators and entrepreneurs. With more than 2 billion monthly active users, it’s where people discover brands, build communities, and even make purchase decisions. But as much as Instagram offers opportunity, it also feels overwhelming if you’re trying to grow a business and don’t know where to start.

I know because I’m on this journey myself. As a marketer, visual artist, and newbie creative studio founder, I’ve been testing different Instagram strategies to grow my own brand. I want to share not only the best Instagram tips for 2025, but also how I’m personally applying them and what I’ve noticed along the way.

If you’re looking to grow your account, increase engagement, or use Instagram as a real marketing tool, here’s what’s working (and what I’m learning).

This post is all about the best Instagram tips and how I'm growing my business.

 

photo by lummi

 

Best Instagram Tips | How I’m Growing My Business in 2025

 

1. Optimize Your Instagram Profile (Your Digital Business Card or Portfolio)

Your profile is the first thing people see. I treat mine like a mini portfolio. This means it should quickly tell visitors who I am, what I offer, and why they should follow me.

What I’m Doing:

• Profile Picture: I chose a clean, professional photo that aligns with my brand identity. For Stu Creatives (my agency), I’m experimenting with using a bold logo that matches the studio’s minimalist aesthetic.

• Username/Handle: I kept my name clear and searchable. Instead of something overly creative, I made sure it reflects what I do i.e. "marketing and creative solutions."

• Bio: I’ve rewritten my bio multiple times. (omg, like so many times.) Right now, it includes my core message: “Helping creators and brands grow with bold, minimalist marketing.” I also added a call-to-action: “Follow for marketing tips & creative growth strategies.”

• Link in Bio: I’m testing out a link-in-bio tool so I can direct people to my portfolio, services, and blog at once.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Make your bio a mix of keywords (so you’re searchable) and personality (so people feel like they know you instantly).

2. Consistency and Quality: Building a Content Rhythm

Instagram rewards consistency. For me, creating a content calendar has been a game-changer. Instead of posting whenever inspiration hits, I plan ahead.

What I’m Doing:

• Posting a project or educational reel 1–2 times per week (mix of Reels, carousels, and single posts).

• Sharing behind-the-scenes content of my business journey. People love seeing the process, not just the polished final result.

• Using a bold, minimalist aesthetic that matches my brand. I noticed that when I stick to black, white, and clean visuals, my feed feels cohesive, and followers recognize my style.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Choose a posting rhythm you can stick to. Even 2 posts a week is better than burning out with 7 and then disappearing. I have so many things I'm doing, please don't feel that if you post 1000 times a day, it will make a difference. Quality over quantity is the way to go.

3. Reels Are a Must (Even if You’re Camera Shy)

Reels are currently Instagram’s best growth tool. At first, I didn’t love being on camera, but I found ways to make Reels work without always showing my face.

What I’m Doing:

• Creating value-packed Reels with tips, hacks, and mini tutorials.

• Testing voiceover-style Reels with text on screen (so it’s faceless, but still engaging).

• Using trending sounds sparingly...I don’t want to lose my brand’s tone, but I noticed trending audio definitely helps boost reach.

• Cross-posting Reels to my Stories for extra visibility.

So far, my Reels get about 3x more reach than static posts, which is why they’re a key part of my strategy moving forward.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Don’t overthink it. Some of my simplest Reels (like a quick marketing checklist) outperformed the ones I spent hours editing.

4. Hashtags and Captions: Writing for Connection

I used to think hashtags were outdated, but they still matter—especially niche ones. What I’ve learned is that it’s less about stuffing 30 hashtags and more about finding the right mix.

What I’m Doing:

• Using 10–15 hashtags per post (half broad, half niche). Example: #BestInstagramTips, #MarketingForCreators, #SmallBizGrowth.

• Writing captions like mini-stories. I noticed when I share something personal—like a struggle or lesson I learned—people engage way more than when I just drop information.

• Ending every caption with a call-to-action (CTA). Simple things like: “What do you think?” or “Save this for later” actually increase comments and saves.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Use your captions to invite conversation, not just broadcast information.

5. Engagement Is Non-Negotiable

The more you engage, the more your content gets pushed by Instagram’s algorithm. But beyond the algorithm, engagement is also how you build genuine community.

What I’m Doing:

• Setting aside 15 minutes a day to reply to comments and DMs.

• Commenting on posts from accounts in my niche (other creators, small businesses, marketers).

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Treat Instagram like a conversation, not a broadcast. The more you listen, the better your content will perform.

6. Collaborations and Networking

This year, I focused on the foundation of my business, but I’ve made it a priority to collaborate with other creators and business owners as much as possible going into the new year. It’s one of the fastest ways to grow, because you’re introduced to a new audience that already trusts the person you’re collaborating with.

What I’m Doing:

• Reaching out to micro-influencers (2–10k followers) who share my values.

• Planning joint Reels and Instagram Lives.

• Offering to guest-post or share content for complementary brands.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Don’t wait until you “have more followers” to collaborate. Start with people at your level, you’ll grow together.

7. Tracking What Works (and Letting Go of What Doesn’t)

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that not everything I love creating performs well. Instead of guessing, I lean on Instagram Insights.

What I’m Doing:

• Checking which posts get the most saves and shares (those seem to matter more than likes).

• Tracking follower growth week by week to see if my strategy is working.

• Doubling down on what’s working (e.g., carousels with marketing tips perform better than inspirational quotes).

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Numbers don’t lie. Let your analytics guide your next moves.

8. Paid Ads (Testing Carefully)

I haven’t gone all-in on Instagram ads yet, but I’ve started testing small campaigns to see if I can convert visitors into website clicks.

What I’m Doing:

• Running $5–10 per day test ads targeting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creatives.

• Using short Reels as ads instead of static images...they perform better and feel less like ads.

• Retargeting people who visit my website or engage with my content.

So far, I’ve seen promising engagement, but I’m still refining my targeting.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Don’t spend big money until you’ve tested with small budgets.

9. Staying True to My Brand

It’s easy to get lost in trends on Instagram, but I’ve found the most growth when I stay aligned with my bold, minimalist branding. People follow consistency...it makes your account recognizable.

What I’m Doing:

• Keeping everything in black, white, and neutral tones.

• Using simple, clear fonts that reflect professionalism.

• Maintaining a mix of educational + inspirational content so my feed isn’t one-dimensional.

Creatives Guidebook Tip: Trends come and go, but your brand identity should be timeless.

10. Staying Patient (The Hardest Part)

I’ll be honest, growth takes time. There are days when I post something I love and it gets almost no traction. But there are also days when a simple post unexpectedly takes off.

What keeps me grounded is remembering that Instagram is just one piece of my business. The long-term goal isn’t just followers, it’s building relationships, credibility, and opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Instagram in 2025 is more competitive than ever, but also more rewarding if you know how to approach it. By optimizing your profile, posting consistently, leaning into Reels, writing engaging captions, and genuinely connecting with people, you can grow your audience and strengthen your brand.

I’m applying these strategies myself with Stu Creatives, and while I’m still early in the journey, I can already see the difference...more engagement, more conversations, and more people discovering my work.

If you’re on this path too, my best advice is this: focus on connection, not just numbers. The growth will follow.

Before you go don't forget to check out our free resources we have for you on our site.

Start small with my free Brand Clarity Guide — it’s the perfect first step to clarifying your brand.

 

This post was all about best instagram tips.

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