Key Takeaways:
Grow your Instagram vocabulary to boost your confidence talking about your Insta strategy and outcomes.
Get some helpful, actionable tips for each definition
Instagram is currently the fourth most-used social platform with more than 2 billion active monthly users. It’s also Gen Z’s preferred social platform that they often use as a search engine to find the products and content they’re interested in. With such an avid following, it’s no wonder that Instagram is a key component of many businesses’ marketing strategies.
But, if you’ve ever felt confused by Instagram lingo, you’re not alone. Here are 15 commonly used terms you should know as a business leader wielding Insta to promote your brand.
Instagram is currently the fourth most-used social platform with more than 2 billion active monthly users.
Hootsuite
1. Instagram Business Profile
Depending on your purposes, you’ll want to pick one of three types of Instagram accounts when you get started on the platform: personal, creator, and business. Both creator and business accounts come with Instagram Insights, branded content functions, and contact buttons. But a business account is the type you should go with as a small business, since it will give you API access, one of the features a creator account lacks.
2. Username
Also called your “handle,” your username is simply the name you go by on Instagram. As a small business, you’ll want to use your business’s name for this. (So, save the wildly creative handles for your personal Instagram account!)
3. Profile Photo
Unless you’re a solopreneur, use your company’s logo for your business account’s profile photo. This makes it easier for people to find you on the platform.
4. Bio
As you might have guessed, the “bio” section of your profile is a short description of your business designed to hook Instagram users and draw them to your brand. You can also put links in your bio to your business’s website. For instance, maybe you want to direct them to your blog, service page, or online inventory page.
5. Stories
Photos or videos that have a 24-hour shelf life on the platform, then disappear after that timeframe. You can share an Instagram story with those on your contact list or with all your followers. It’s worth noting that you can pin previously posted stories to your business profile as “highlights,” so your followers can quickly access these resources without digging through a slew of past stories.
6. Instagram Live
A live stream feature that lets you connect with your followers in real-time. It’s a useful function to leverage if you’re hosting an online event or showing off some of your newest products or services.
7. Reels
Short-form videos that range from 15 to 30 seconds. These clips originated as Instagram’s response to TikTok.
8. Carousel
A gallery post featuring 1-10 photos and/or videos. This type of Instagram post typically has a higher engagement rating than conventional posts, so it’s worth incorporating these into your regular mix of Insta content (if you’re not already doing so).
9. Action Buttons
Action buttons are one of the most useful features of an Instagram business profile. It’s a simple way to prompt users to perform the actions you want, like contacting your business, getting a quote, and placing an order.
10. Tag
Similar to a Facebook tag, you can “tag” a person in a picture or video you share on your Instagram business profile. The tag will appear on that contact’s profile.
11. Mention
Mentions are like tags, but you’re not limited to using them in just pictures and videos. Instead, you can tag them in Instagram Stories, comments, and your business’s bio section. To tag someone, type in the @ symbol, followed by their Instagram username.
12. Follow
A follow happens whenever someone clicks the “follow” button to subscribe to updates from your Instagram business profile. Those who subscribe to your updates are known as your followers.
13. DMs
Like other social media platforms, Instagram has its own Direct Messaging feature. Use it to network with contacts, reach out to prospects, or share customized product recommendations with current customers.
14. Hashtags
A hashtag is a clickable combination of letters, numbers, words, and/or emojis preceded by the # symbol. Instagram users can search the platform by hashtags. That means you can add relevant hashtags to your posts to improve their visibility to those searching for similar content.
15. Insights
Dive deeper into your business’s performance on the platform with Instagram Insights. It’s where you can review metrics such as what posts get the most engagement and who your target audience is (then tweak your future content strategy accordingly).
Action buttons are one of the most useful features of an Instagram business profile. Place these CTAs right on your profile to prompt users to perform the actions you want, like contacting your business, getting a quote, and placing an order.
Explore Instagram’s Advantages
Want to take your Instagram knowledge to the next level? Let Technology Therapy® Group help. Inquire about a team coaching session. (And check out the following on-demand training sessions you can complete on your time!)
