While Instagram Guides are no longer available as of June 2023, understanding the principles behind them can still inform your content strategy and boost engagement. This guide will explore how you can create content similar to Instagram Guides to connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
We understand the dedication required to create Instagram content. You strategize, write compelling captions, create visually appealing designs, and carefully edit everything. It can be disheartening when a post doesn’t perform as well as expected.
So, how do you maximize the impact of your posts and unlock their full engagement potential, even without Guides? Let’s explore how you can use content curation strategies to achieve similar results.
In the past, Instagram Guides allowed users to group existing posts on their profile into themed collections. This functionality provided a way to resurface valuable content and connect with audiences in new ways. Though this specific feature is retired, the underlying principle of content curation remains relevant.
Let’s explore how to make compelling content compilations similar to Instagram Guides to drive engagement.
Understanding Content Compilations
Before Instagram Guides, Instagram Stories Highlights provided a way to curate content. Similarly, strategies like blog roundups, themed playlists, and even well-organized saved folders can help you share valuable information and extend the life of your content. The key is to repackage existing material in a way that offers new value to your audience.
Types of Content Compilations You Can Create
While Instagram Guides offered three specific formats (Post, Product, and Place), you can adapt these concepts to other platforms and content types.
1. Themed Post Collections
Instead of Instagram Post Guides, consider creating blog posts, newsletters, or even Twitter threads that curate your most popular Instagram content around a specific theme. You can also highlight posts from other accounts, giving credit to the creators. This provides value to your audience and builds relationships with other creators.
- Example: A blog post titled “Top 5 Tips for Instagram Marketing” that features relevant posts from your Instagram feed and those of industry leaders.
2. Product Spotlights
Instead of Product Guides, create a series of blog posts or social media posts that highlight specific products you sell (or affiliate products you promote). You can create themes like “Holiday Gift Guide” or “Summer Essentials” to group related products.
- Example: A carousel post on Instagram showcasing “Back to School” must-haves, with each slide featuring a different product and a link to purchase in your bio.
3. Location-Based Recommendations
Instead of Place Guides, write blog posts or create travel guides that highlight interesting locations and related Instagram posts. You can curate posts from your own account and those of other users who have tagged those locations.
- Example: A blog post titled “The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Austin, Texas” that features your favorite restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems, along with relevant Instagram posts.
Creating Your Compilations: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how you can create engaging content compilations, even without the specific functionality of Instagram Guides:
- Define Your Theme: Choose a topic that is relevant to your audience and aligns with your brand’s goals.
- Gather Your Content: Select relevant posts, products, or places that fit your chosen theme. Consider including a mix of your own content and content from other sources (with proper attribution).
- Create Context: Write a compelling introduction and description for your compilation. Explain why you chose these particular items and what value they offer to your audience.
- Organize Your Content: Arrange your selections in a logical order. Consider telling a story or creating a specific flow.
- Promote Your Compilation: Share your creation on your social media channels, in your email newsletter, and on your website.
Examples to Inspire Your Content
Let’s look at some examples of how brands and creators have adapted their strategies since Instagram Guides were discontinued:
Themed Content
1. Focus on People: Similar to Indiana University’s “Hoosier Hype Team,” create blog posts or social media series that introduce your team members, collaborators, or community members. Share their stories and insights to build a more personal connection with your audience.
2. Address Concerns: Take inspiration from Sprout Social’s Pride Month Guide and create content that addresses frequently asked questions or concerns from your community. This could be a series of blog posts, a Q&A session on Instagram Live, or a downloadable resource.
Product Showcases
3. Solve Problems: Petco’s “New Pet Guide” can be adapted to a series of blog posts or videos that address common challenges faced by new pet owners. Highlight products that can help solve those problems and share user-generated content to build trust and credibility.
4. Promote Values: Grove Collaborative’s “Plastic-Free Products” Guide inspires content focused on values that are important to your brand and community. Create content that highlights your commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, or other values, and showcase products that align with those values.
Alt Text: Screenshot of Grove Collaborative’s Plastic-Free Products Instagram Guide, showcasing sustainable household items and their commitment to reducing plastic waste.
Location Highlights
5. Share Expertise: Danielle Pointdujour (Hotel Whisperer) curates travel experiences. You can create blog posts, videos, or social media series that share your expertise on specific destinations. Offer insider tips and recommendations to help your audience plan their own adventures.
6. Partner with Locals: The Explore Uptown Chi Guide highlights local businesses and events. You can partner with other businesses or community organizations to create content that showcases your local area.
Build Your Strategy
Even though Instagram Guides are no longer available, the underlying concept of curating valuable content remains powerful. By adapting the principles behind Guides to other formats and platforms, you can continue to connect with your audience in meaningful ways and drive engagement with your best content. Start by identifying what your audience is looking for and aligning your content strategy with their needs.
For more ideas on how to optimize your Instagram presence, explore strategies to build a real audience and create compelling content that resonates with your target demographic.
