Instagram Mistakes You’re Makingin 2025 (And How to Fix Them!)

Instagram can be a goldmine for creators, small business owners, and online brands. But it can also feel like shouting into the void when your content doesn’t perform or your followers aren’t converting into customers.

Let’s be real: if you’re feeling stuck, it’s probably not the algorithm. It’s likely some small social media mistakes that are holding you back. But don’t stress—we’ve all been there! The good news? These are easy to fix. Let’s break down seven common Instagram missteps and how you can turn them around for serious growth.

1. Sales Pitches Over Value-Driven Content

Yes, you're here to grow and sell. But if every single post screams "BUY FROM ME," you’re probably turning people off.

Instagram is a platform built on connection. Your followers want to learn from you, laugh with you, and feel like they know you. Instead of constant promotions, try educational carousel posts, behind-the-scenes videos, or relatable Reels. People buy from people they trust, so use content to build that relationship first.

2. Neglecting Your Engagement Strategy

Posting and ghosting? That’s a major no-no in the world of social media.

Engaging with your audience is just as important as what you post. In fact, I spend 30-45 minutes each day interacting with other creators, potential clients, and my own audience. Reply to DMs, comment on posts, and show up in stories. The algorithm rewards conversations, and so do real people.

3. Not Knowing Your Audience

If your content isn’t hitting, chances are you’re not creating with your ideal audience in mind.

Before planning your next post, ask yourself: Who is this for? What do they need help with? What kind of content do they already engage with? Start speaking directly to your dream follower and watch how much more your content resonates.

4. Ignoring Analytics

You don’t need to be a data nerd, but you do need to track what’s working.

Take 15 minutes each week to review which posts performed best. Look at saves, shares, reach, and comments. Then double down on what’s connecting. Instagram gives you all the data you need to grow—you just have to peek behind the curtain.

5. Skipping Reels (Or Not Optimizing Them)

Let’s be honest: Reels are here to stay. But not using them, or using them without a strategy, is a growth killer.

Start by posting Reels 2-3 times a week. Use trending audio (under 10k uses), share bite-sized value, and add strong hooks in the first 3 seconds. Bonus: Instagram just announced a new Reels editor feature (think TikTok's clip layering tool), so get ready to create smoother, more dynamic videos directly inside the app.

Psssttt. have you tried Instagrams’ new EDITS app? It’s being favored by the algortihm right now.

6. Weak (or Missing) CTAs

You’ve got their attention—but what do you want them to do next?

Always give your followers a next step. Whether it’s commenting a keyword, DMing you a question, saving the post, or clicking the link in your bio, your content should lead somewhere. Clear CTAs = more conversions, more growth, and a better experience for your audience.

Need help with your CTA’s? Check out this blog: 3 Proven ways to boost your Reels engagement

7. Not Repurposing Your Content

Creating something awesome once and never using it again? That’s the fastest way to burn out.

Repurpose your top-performing posts into new formats: turn a Reel into a carousel, a carousel into an email, an email into a story series. This saves time and keeps your message consistent. If you do decide to post daily (and we don’t recommend doing that forever), do it for a set period, analyze what performs best, then start repurposing like a pro.

8. Skipping Trial Reels

Thinking your Reel has to be perfect before you post? Not true! Trial Reels are key.

The best creators use trial Reels to test out concepts, trends, and audio before going all in. Think of them as practice reps—low-pressure, low-effort, high-reward. Start creating mini content experiments so you can learn what lands with your audience.

9. Not Using the Rule of 3

Want to increase how well your message sticks? Use the Rule of 3.

Show it in the video. Say it in your caption. Reinforce it with a CTA. This creates repetition and increases retention. It’s a simple storytelling framework that helps your content make a bigger impact and stay top of mind.

10. Forgetting to Tap into FOMO

People hate missing out—and you should be using that to your advantage.

Lean into FOMO marketing by teasing new things coming, showing limited spots, or giving sneak peeks. Sprinkle in what’s ahead to keep your audience curious and engaged. A little suspense goes a long way in boosting interest.

Focus on Connection, Not Just Growth

The best kind of social media growth is the kind that feels good—to you and your followers. When you prioritize connection, consistency, and creativity over vanity metrics, that’s when the magic (and conversions) happen.

Quick Note: Engagement tends to dip in the summer months. People are outside, traveling, and generally spending less time scrolling. So don’t stress over slower numbers right now—keep showing up, stay consistent, and plan to repurpose high-performing content when engagement picks back up.

Want the basics laid out for you? Grab my Instagram Growth Starter Pack for templates, tips, and a step-by-step path to grow on Instagram.

🎧 Want more? Listen to Episode 24 on Call Her Creator on Apple or Spotify for a deeper dive into these tips and even more real-talk advice.

Fix the small things. Stay consistent. Keep learning. You’ve got this.