Pros and Cons of Instagram (Guide)

Are you evaluating the pros and cons of Instagram? Wondering if it’s worth incorporating into your social media and content strategies? Look no further, as we dive into the world of Instagram Guides to help you make an informed decision.

Instagram Guides are a unique feature on the platform that allow users to curate and share content in a blog-like format. With the ability to create gift guides, compile lists of tips, and showcase brand stories, Guides offer a new way to engage with your audience. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before jumping in.

So, is Instagram worth it? Let’s explore the advantages and drawbacks of Instagram Guides to help you make that assessment.

Key Takeaways:

• Instagram Guides offer a creative way to curate and share content on the platform.
• They can boost brand loyalty, keep users engaged, and drive sales.
• However, Instagram Guides have limitations, including low usage and the upcoming retirement of the feature.
• Evaluating the pros and cons is crucial before incorporating Instagram Guides into your social media and content strategies.

What is Instagram Guides?

Instagram Guides are a unique content format on the platform that allows users to curate and share collections of existing Instagram posts. They provide creators with a blog-like space to combine visuals and text, allowing for a more immersive storytelling experience. Guides can be used to share recommendations, give step-by-step instructions, and showcase brand stories.

There are three types of Instagram Guides: Place Guides, Product Guides, and Post Guides. Place Guides focus on location-based recommendations, allowing users to highlight their favorite spots or travel destinations. Product Guides are designed for promoting products and services, providing users with a platform to curate and showcase their offerings. Post Guides offer the most flexibility, allowing users to curate any public posts into a Guide, making it easy to compile lists, tutorials, or themed collections.

With Instagram Guides, creators have the opportunity to dive deeper into their content and engage their audience in a more meaningful way. By combining visuals and text, Guides enable users to provide context, tell stories, and offer valuable insights. Whether it’s sharing travel tips, creating gift guides, or highlighting a brand’s journey, Instagram Guides offer a versatile and visually appealing format for content curation and sharing.

Table: Types of Instagram Guides

How to Make an Instagram Guide in 9 Steps

Creating an Instagram Guide is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you want to curate a collection of your favorite posts, recommend products, or share travel tips, Instagram Guides provide a visually appealing way to showcase your content. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make an Instagram Guide:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page.
2. Tap on the plus symbol (+) located in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select the “Guide” option from the menu.
4. Choose the type of Guide you want to create: Posts, Products, or Places.
5. Select the posts, products, or places you want to include in your Guide.
6. Add titles, descriptions, and cover photos to each section of your Guide.
7. Arrange the sections in the desired order by dragging and dropping them.
8. Review your Guide and make any necessary edits.
9. Finally, tap on the “Publish” button to share your Instagram Guide with your followers.

With these simple steps, you can create a visually appealing and informative Instagram Guide to share your expertise, recommendations, or stories with your audience.

Instagram Guides provide a unique opportunity to showcase your content in a more curated and long-form format. Whether you’re a brand looking to promote your products or a travel influencer sharing your favorite destinations, Guides can help you engage with your audience on a deeper level.

Now that you know how to make an Instagram Guide, it’s time to get creative and start curating your own collection of content. From sharing your favorite recipes to recommending books or highlighting your best fashion looks, the possibilities are endless. So, dive in and start creating Instagram Guides that will captivate your audience and showcase your expertise!

Benefits of Using Instagram Guides

Instagram Guides offer several benefits for brands and businesses. They provide a unique way to engage with your audience and share valuable content. Here are some of the key benefits of using Instagram Guides:

• Boost Brand Loyalty: Instagram Guides allow you to share your brand stories and values in a more immersive format. By curating content that resonates with your audience, you can strengthen brand loyalty and build a community of engaged followers.
• Long-Form Content: With Instagram Guides, you have the opportunity to create long-form content that goes beyond the limitations of individual posts. This allows you to provide more in-depth information, share detailed tips, and tell compelling stories that keep your audience engaged.
• Improved Discoverability: By using relevant keywords and optimizing your Guides, you can improve their discoverability on Instagram. This means more people will be able to find and engage with your content, increasing your reach and potential for growth.
• Collaboration with Influencers: Instagram Guides can be a collaborative tool, allowing you to partner with influencers and industry experts to create curated content. This not only expands your reach but also adds credibility and authority to your brand.

And there’s more! Instagram Guides also offer the opportunity to repurpose old content, drive direct sales by promoting products, and provide a visually appealing and interactive experience for your audience. Incorporating Instagram Guides into your social media marketing strategy can help you stand out, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and achieve your business goals.

Types of Instagram Guides

Instagram Guides offer three distinct types of guides for creators to curate and share content. Each type has its own unique features and functions, catering to different purposes and content curation strategies.

1. Place Guides

Place Guides focus on sharing location-based recommendations. They allow users to highlight specific places, such as cities, neighborhoods, or attractions, and provide curated collections of posts related to those locations. Place Guides are perfect for travel influencers, local businesses, and anyone looking to showcase the best spots in a particular area.

2. Product Guides

Product Guides are designed for promoting products and services. They enable creators to curate collections of posts featuring their own products or products they recommend. Product Guides can be a powerful tool for ecommerce businesses, influencers in the fashion and beauty industry, or anyone looking to showcase a curated selection of products to their audience.

3. Post Guides

Post Guides offer the most flexibility, allowing users to curate any public posts into a guide. This type of guide is not limited to a specific theme or topic, giving creators the freedom to curate content based on their interests, expertise, or a specific campaign. Post Guides can be used by individuals, businesses, and influencers to create curated collections that align with their personal brand or content strategy.

Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, an ecommerce business owner, or a content creator looking to showcase your expertise, Instagram Guides offer a versatile platform for curating and sharing content that resonates with your audience. By understanding the different types of Instagram Guides and their unique features, you can leverage this powerful tool to create engaging and informative collections that captivate your followers.

Does Instagram Still Have Guides?

As of November 2023, Instagram has announced that Instagram Guides will be retired by December 15, 2023. Guides will be converted into private saved collections, but the Guides tab will no longer be available. This change is due to low usage of Guides and Instagram’s aim to simplify the app. It is important for users to be aware of this update and consider alternative methods for curating and sharing content on Instagram.

Instagram Guides Retirement Announcement

“We have decided to retire Instagram Guides to streamline our platform and focus on the features that resonate most with our community. Starting from December 15, 2023, Guides will no longer have a dedicated tab. However, all existing Guides will be converted into private saved collections, so users can continue to access and reference their curated content. We appreciate the support and feedback from our users as we continue to evolve and improve the Instagram experience.”

While the retirement of Instagram Guides may disappoint some users who have found value in the feature, it presents an opportunity for users to explore other ways to curate and share content on Instagram. The retirement of Guides should prompt users to evaluate their social media strategies and consider alternative methods that align with their goals and objectives.

With the continuous evolution of social media platforms, it is important for users to adapt and stay informed about changes and updates. By staying proactive and exploring new features and tools, users can optimize their social media presence and effectively engage with their audience.

How to Edit Instagram Guides

Editing your Instagram Guides is a simple process that allows you to update and refine your curated content. Whether you want to add new information, change the layout, or make any other modifications, you can easily do it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to edit your Instagram Guides:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap on the Guide you want to edit.
3. Click on the three-dot icon located in the upper right-hand corner of the Guide.
4. Select “Edit Guide” from the options.
5. Make the desired changes to the content, including editing or adding titles, descriptions, and cover photos.
6. Once you’re done editing, tap on the “Save” or “Publish” button to update the Guide.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Instagram Guides remain up-to-date and relevant to your audience.

It is important to note that while you can edit your Guides, you should also consider planning and creating your Guides thoughtfully from the beginning. This will help you minimize the need for frequent edits and ensure that your Guides provide valuable and engaging content to your followers.

Tip: When editing your Instagram Guides, remember to keep your overall branding and design aesthetics consistent. This will help create a cohesive and visually appealing experience for your audience.

Table: Summary of Steps to Edit Instagram Guides

Never Miss a Trend Again

In the fast-paced world of social media, staying on top of the latest trends is essential for any savvy marketer. With Instagram being a prominent platform for brands and content creators, it’s crucial to never miss a beat. By utilizing social media management tools like Later, you can ensure that you stay ahead of the competition and capitalize on trends that resonate with your audience.

Later offers a range of features that empower you to plan, schedule, and analyze your Instagram content effectively. With its intuitive interface, you can easily create and optimize your posts to make the most impact. The content calendar allows you to visualize your feed and ensure that your posts align with your brand strategy.

But where Later truly shines is in its trend tracking capabilities. With access to real-time data and insights, you can identify emerging trends and tailor your content to match the interests of your target audience. Stay ahead of the curve by monitoring hashtags, influencers, and industry leaders to gain a deeper understanding of what’s resonating with your audience and how you can effectively engage with them.

With Later’s comprehensive suite of tools, you can unlock the full potential of Instagram and ensure that you never miss a trend again. Stay ahead of the competition, engage your audience, and drive meaningful results for your brand.

Conclusion

After evaluating the pros and cons of Instagram Guides, it can be concluded that they offer a valuable feature for content curation and sharing on the platform. Instagram Guides provide benefits such as boosting brand loyalty, driving sales, and allowing for the reuse of old content. They can be a useful addition to a social media marketing strategy, especially for brands and businesses looking to engage their audience with long-form content.

However, it is important to consider the limitations of Instagram Guides, such as low usage and the upcoming retirement of the feature. With the announcement that Guides will be retired, users will need to explore alternative methods for curating and sharing content on Instagram. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest trends and changes on the platform to ensure a successful social media presence.

In conclusion, whether Instagram Guides are good or bad depends on the specific needs and goals of each user. By carefully evaluating the pros and cons, users can determine if incorporating Instagram Guides into their social media and content strategies is the right choice for them.