With over 1.2 billion active users, Instagram is an ideal platform for individuals and businesses to showcase their personalities, products, and services. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Posting the right content is crucial to attracting and engaging with your audience, but posting the wrong content can lead to a downfall. In this article, we’ll explore what you should avoid posting on Instagram to maintain a healthy online presence.
The_importance_of_content_quality
Before we dive into the “don’ts” of Instagram posting, it’s essential to understand why content quality matters. Your Instagram feed is a representation of your brand, personality, or business. The content you post can make or break your online reputation. High-quality content can:
- Increase engagement and followers
- Build trust and credibility
- Drive website traffic and sales
- Enhance brand awareness and recognition
On the other hand, low-quality content can:
- Decrease engagement and followers
- Damage your reputation and credibility
- Drive away potential customers
- Negatively impact your brand’s overall performance
Avoidpostingirrelevantcontent
Posting irrelevant content is a surefire way to confuse and alienate your audience. Relevance is key to capturing and maintaining your followers’ attention. Posting off-topic content can lead to:
- Decreased engagement
- Unfollows
- Decreased credibility
- Difficulty in attracting new followers
So, what constitutes irrelevant content?
Posting random or unrelated photos
Posting random photos that have no connection to your brand, business, or niche can confuse your audience. For example, if you’re a fashion brand, posting a photo of a cat playing the piano may seem entertaining, but it’s irrelevant to your audience’s interests.
Posting outdated or old content
Posting outdated or old content can make your brand seem stale and uninteresting. Ensure that your content is fresh, timely, and relevant to current events or trends.
Don’t_post_low-quality_photos
Visual content is essential to Instagram’s success. Posting low-quality photos can negatively impact your online presence and credibility. Low-quality photos include:
- Blurry or pixelated images
- Poorly lit or edited photos
- Low-resolution images
- Images with watermarks or timestamps
Instead, focus on posting high-quality photos that are:
- Well-lit and edited
- High-resolution and clear
- Visually appealing and engaging
- Branded with your logo or watermark
Avoid overposting
Posting too frequently can be overwhelming and annoying for your followers. Overposting can lead to:
- Decreased engagement
- Unfollows
- Decreased credibility
Instead, focus on posting high-quality content that is spaced out to maintain audience engagement and interest.
Don’t_post_spammy_or_self-promotional_content
Posting spammy or self-promotional content can be off-putting and annoying for your followers. Spammy content includes:
- Overly promotional posts
- Sketchy or misleading links
- Fake or exaggerated claims
- Posts that ask for follows or likes
Instead, focus on posting high-quality, informative, and engaging content that adds value to your audience.
Avoid_posting_controversial_or_offensive_content
Posting controversial or offensive content can be damaging to your online reputation and credibility. Controversial content includes:
- Political or religious debates
- Sensitive or offensive language
- Hurtful or discriminatory comments
- Posts that promote hate or violence
Instead, focus on posting inclusive, respectful, and considerate content that promotes positivity and kindness.
Don’t_ignore_your_audience
Ignoring your audience can lead to decreased engagement and a loss of followers. Ignoring your audience includes:
- Not responding to comments or messages
- Not acknowledging feedback or criticism
- Not posting content that resonates with your audience
- Not using Instagram’s features, such as polls and questions
Instead, focus on engaging with your audience, responding to comments and messages, and posting content that resonates with their interests and needs.
Other_things_to_avoid_on_instagram
In addition to the above points, here are some other things to avoid on Instagram:
- Posting too much personal information: Avoid posting personal information that can compromise your safety or privacy.
- Posting copyrighted material: Avoid posting copyrighted material without permission, as it can lead to legal issues.
- Posting fake or manipulated content: Avoid posting fake or manipulated content, as it can damage your credibility and reputation.
| Good Practice | Bad Practice |
|---|---|
| Posting high-quality, relevant content | Posting low-quality, irrelevant content |
| Engaging with your audience | Ignoring your audience |
| Posting informative and engaging content | Posting spammy or self-promotional content |
In conclusion, posting the right content on Instagram is crucial to maintaining a healthy online presence and credibility. By avoiding irrelevant, low-quality, spammy, and controversial content, you can create an engaging and informative Instagram feed that resonates with your audience. Remember to focus on posting high-quality photos, engaging with your audience, and avoiding controversial or offensive content. By following these guidelines, you can create a successful Instagram presence that drives engagement, followers, and sales.
What kinds of posts are considered spammy and may get my account suspended?
Spammy posts are those that violate Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of use. These include posts that are overly promotional, repetitive, or misleading. Examples of spammy posts include ones that ask for likes, followers, or comments, or those that contain fake or misleading information. Additionally, posts that contain violent, offensive, or explicit content may also be considered spammy.
It’s essential to ensure that your posts provide value to your audience and comply with Instagram’s guidelines. Avoid posting low-quality content, such as poorly lit or blurry photos, and make sure your captions are well-written and engaging. Also, be cautious when using automation tools, as excessive activity can be flagged as spam. If your account is suspended, you can appeal the decision by following the instructions provided by Instagram.
Can I post the same content on Instagram and Facebook?
While it’s technically possible to post the same content on Instagram and Facebook, it’s not always the most effective strategy. Instagram is a visually-driven platform, and users prefer high-quality, visually appealing content. Facebook, on the other hand, is more focused on sharing personal updates and connecting with friends and family. Posting the same content on both platforms may result in a lack of engagement or even lead to account suspension.
To maximize engagement on both platforms, consider creating content that’s tailored to each audience. For Instagram, focus on high-quality visuals, and use relevant hashtags and captions to increase discoverability. For Facebook, consider sharing more personal updates, behind-the-scenes content, or exclusive offers to encourage engagement. By creating platform-specific content, you can increase engagement and reduce the risk of account suspension.
What’s the optimal posting frequency for Instagram?
The optimal posting frequency for Instagram varies depending on your audience and content strategy. However, posting too frequently can lead to fatigue and decreased engagement. Conversely, posting too infrequently can result in a loss of momentum and visibility. A good starting point is to post 3-5 times per week, but adjust your frequency based on your analytics and audience feedback.
It’s also essential to consider the timing of your posts. Posting during peak hours (typically between 12 pm and 4 pm EST) can increase engagement, but avoid overposting during this time to avoid overwhelming your audience. Additionally, consider using Instagram’s built-in features, such as IGTV, Reels, and Stories, to vary your content and keep your audience engaged.
Can I use affiliate links or promotional codes in my Instagram posts?
Instagram allows affiliate links and promotional codes in posts, but there are certain guidelines to follow. Affiliate links must be disclosed clearly in the caption, using language such as “#ad” or “#sponsored.” Additionally, ensure that the affiliate link is relevant to your content and doesn’t violate Instagram’s advertising policies.
When using promotional codes, make sure to clearly state the terms and conditions of the offer, including any expiration dates or restrictions. Also, avoid overposting promotional content, as this can be seen as spammy. Ensure that your promotional content provides value to your audience and is aligned with your overall content strategy.
What are Instagram’s guidelines for posting copyrighted content?
Instagram takes copyright infringement seriously and has strict guidelines for posting copyrighted content. Users are not allowed to post content that they don’t have the rights to, including copyrighted images, music, or videos. If you’re unsure about the copyright status of a piece of content, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid posting it.
If you’re using copyrighted content with permission, ensure that you have written permission from the copyright holder and that you’re complying with their terms and conditions. Additionally, be cautious when using music in your Reels or IGTV content, as Instagram has strict policies against copyright infringement.
How can I avoid overposting selfies on Instagram?
While selfies can be a popular type of content on Instagram, overposting them can lead to fatigue and decreased engagement. To avoid overposting selfies, consider varying your content types, such as posting landscapes, products, or behind-the-scenes content. You can also experiment with different formats, such as Reels, IGTV, or Stories.
Another strategy is to focus on storytelling and sharing your personality through captions, rather than relying solely on selfies. By varying your content and focusing on storytelling, you can maintain a strong online presence without overwhelming your audience with selfies.
What happens if I violate Instagram’s community guidelines?
If you violate Instagram’s community guidelines, your account may be flagged for review, and you may receive a warning or have your account suspended. In severe cases, your account may be terminated permanently. If your account is suspended, you’ll receive an email from Instagram explaining the reason for the suspension and providing guidance on how to appeal the decision.
To avoid violating Instagram’s guidelines, familiarize yourself with the platform’s community guidelines and terms of use. Ensure that your content is respectful, safe, and compliant with Instagram’s policies. If you’re unsure about a particular post or content type, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid posting it.