Awesome! You’re finally taking Instagram seriously. It’s about time. 

But listen, Instagram is no longer just a platform to post pretty product pictures or cute videos. Sales won’t roll in if you just upload a photo, slap on some hashtags, and hope for the best. That strategy is dead.

Instagram has become way more nuanced than that. It has evolved into a search engine, a shopping hub, and a community space all in one. 

If you want your retail brand to stand out, you need to engage, optimize, and sell strategically. 

Here, we’ll share a few strategies you can try to elevate your presence on Instagram. 

Ditch the Overly Polished Content

People are over the perfect Instagram aesthetics. The flawless, picture-perfect vibe? It’s starting to feel fake. 

More than ever, audiences now yearn for honesty, realness, and authenticity. MediaCat Magazine says that they long for deeper connections with brands where vulnerability is embraced and perfection isn’t expected.

Perfectly curated grid? Give it up. Raw and real? Go for it. Authentic, unpolished content can be incredibly captivating. 

Give your audience a glimpse of the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes, slightly messy, human side of your brand. Show your products in action, not just in a studio setup. Post the bloopers, the packing process, and the real customer reactions.

Limit the use of stock images because nobody stops scrolling when they appear. But a candid, relatable, or unexpected moment? That’s what grabs attention.

Perfect your Instagram SEO Strategy

Stuffing your caption with 30 hashtags won’t do you good anymore. Just like Google, Instagram’s search function now prioritizes keywords. It’s time to rethink your strategy. 

How can you hack it? Use searchable keywords in your username, bio, and captions. 

Selling handmade candles? Include keywords like soy candles, hand-poured wax, or non-toxic candles.

Don’t just write captions for the sake of them. Write natural, keyword-rich captions. Instagram now scans captions for keywords. So, describe your product in everyday language—what it is, how it’s used, and who it’s for.

Use alt text as well. Neil Patel states that alt text can boost Instagram SEO. While it can generate alt text on its own, consider adding your own. 

To do that, navigate to the advanced settings, click accessibility, choose write text, and hit done. It’s that simple. 

Basically, these changes will make it easy for the algorithm and real people to find you.

Turn Your DMs into a Money-Making Machine

Most brands ignore their DMs or respond like robots. Big mistake. DMs are where sales magic happens. 

Take a moment to reflect. If someone takes the time to message you, aren’t they already interested in your offerings? Don’t hit them with a generic message. Personalize the message instead. 

Use voice notes to make it feel like a real conversation. They add a human touch to interactions, which can build stronger relationships, improve customer service, and foster brand loyalty. 

Offer exclusive, DM-only discounts. You can send them a text sharing a discount code and informing them it’s just for them. This will make your customers feel special and encourage them to buy.

Make sure to follow up. If someone asks about a product but doesn’t buy it, check in a few days later. 

The Instagram Lawsuit: A Reality Check for Retailers

Before you go all-in, you need to know about the controversy surrounding the platform: the Instagram lawsuit. 

Hundreds of parents have sued Meta—Instagram’s parent company—for harming the mental health of their children. 

Multiple U.S. states have also joined the suit for contributing to a mental health crisis. The suit alleges that Instagram is harming the mental health of young users through frequent notifications and infinite news feeds. 

The New York attorney general adds that Meta has profited from harming children by intentionally using manipulative design to addict them to its platforms. That is damaging their self-esteem. 

The detrimental effects of Instagram aren’t limited to damaging self-esteem but go beyond that. Mental health issues central to the suit are depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, ADHD symptoms, and self-harm, informs TruLaw. 

What Does This Mean for Retail Brands?

If Instagram’s under fire, should retail brands be worried? Yes. 

Consumers are becoming more skeptical of social media’s impact, especially when it comes to younger audiences. If your brand targets teens or families, you must be extra mindful.

Here’s what you can do: 

• Be responsible with your content: Avoid pushing unrealistic beauty standards, toxic comparison traps, or pressure-driven marketing tactics. 
• Prioritize mental health awareness: Support initiatives that promote digital well-being and create content that fosters self-confidence.
• Engage in honest marketing: Transparency wins. If your product has flaws, own them. If you’re running a sale, don’t use false urgency tactics. Consumers appreciate brands that keep it real.

Success on Instagram isn’t just about what you post but how you connect. If you can make your brand feel like a community, you’ll win—no matter how many new algorithm updates Instagram throws. So, go try out these underrated strategies and watch your following grow.