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.

How to Turn Your Instagram Likes Into Actual Sales: 6 Proven Techniques to Boost Conversions

Instagram is an essential tool for building your brand, connecting with your audience, and generating sales. But let’s face it, if you’re getting tons of likes and comments but not seeing any actual sales, you might be wondering if all your effort is paying off.

The good news? It absolutely can. With the right strategies, those likes can translate into revenue for your business. In this blog post, we’ll share six proven techniques that can help you turn those Instagram likes into actual sales.

1. Optimize Your Bio: The Link in Bio Hack

Your Instagram bio is prime real estate. It’s one of the first things potential customers see when they visit your profile, so it’s crucial to use it wisely. The most obvious use of your bio link is directing traffic to your website, but it can also be used to promote other assets like your affiliate links, landing pages, or even other social channels.

Why is this so important?
Instagram is a visual platform, and while users may like your posts or leave comments, the ultimate goal is to guide them to a place where they can make a purchase. Make sure you’re using that link in bio space effectively, whether it's pointing them to your website, a sale, or a lead magnet (more on that below!).

If you don’t have a website yet, don’t worry. Cross-promote your other social channels. For instance, if you have a Facebook page, include that in your bio link. This gives followers multiple ways to engage with your brand.

Pro Tip:
Consider switching out your bio link for a Stan Store, which allows for easy e-commerce integration. It’s visually appealing, super user-friendly, and provides a seamless shopping experience. I saw a significant boost in sales when I switched to a Stan Store, and you can try it free for 14 days using this link.

2. Lead Magnets: Offer Value, Collect Leads

When it comes to turning likes into sales, you need to give people a reason to follow through with a purchase. One of the best ways to do this is by offering lead magnets. These are valuable, free resources you give away in exchange for contact details (like an email address or phone number).

For example, if you’re in the real estate niche, create a guide titled “5 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers” or “Best Neighborhoods for Families in [Your City].” Offer this content for free via a link in your bio, where visitors can sign up to download the guide. In return, you get their contact info, allowing you to nurture the relationship and eventually lead them down the sales funnel.

The key here is to target content offers that your audience finds irresistible and relevant. Once you’ve collected their information, you can start building a relationship through follow-up emails, DMs, or even personalized offers.

3. Engage Quickly: Customer Service on Social Media

The speed at which you engage with your followers can make all the difference. According to studies, 40% of consumers expect a response within an hour of sending a message on social media, and 35% are more loyal to brands that reply quickly. These stats prove that prompt engagement can boost customer loyalty and conversions.

Make sure you're not leaving your commenters or DMs hanging. Respond to comments on your posts as soon as possible, and always keep an eye on your direct messages. If you're running a business, don’t hesitate to assign someone on your team to manage responses if you’re short on time.

Quick Engagement Strategy:

• Reply to all comments on your posts.

• Send a quick thank-you DM to new followers.

• Engage in your niche’s Instagram stories and posts.

When people feel heard, they’re more likely to trust you—and ultimately, buy from you.

4. Sell Directly Through Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories have become one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience in real-time, and they’re a goldmine for driving sales.

Why Stories?
Over 58% of Instagram users say they've become more interested in a brand after seeing their Stories, and more than half of them visit a website and make a purchase directly after viewing a product or service in a Story.

The Best Part?
Instagram makes it easy to sell directly through Stories. You can use the Link Sticker to drive traffic to a landing page or product page, or better yet, integrate a service like Manychat to create automated DMs for people who reply to your Story. The key here is to show up consistently and authentically.

Engagement Tip for Stories:

• Show your face. People connect with people, not logos.

• Promote your products, services, or special offers.

• Use the DM Me sticker to create personalized conversations.

5. Influencer & Creator Marketing: Harness the Power of Social Proof

One of the most effective ways to amplify your reach—and drive sales—is by collaborating with influencers or creators in your niche. According to a study, 88% of consumers say they’ve been inspired by an influencer or creator to make a purchase. This is nearly a foolproof strategy to get your product or service in front of a new, engaged audience.

Search for influencers in your industry, and explore their content to see if their followers align with your target audience. You don’t always need to partner with high-profile creators. Micro-influencers can deliver amazing results with a smaller, more targeted audience.

Whether you collaborate on content or hire User-Generated Content (UGC) creators to promote your product, this type of marketing builds credibility and drives real sales.

6. Paid Ads: Boost Your Best Posts for Faster Results

If you’re looking for a more direct route to conversions, paid Instagram ads can help you boost your top-performing posts. When you pay to promote your content, you get access to more advanced targeting options, allowing you to reach the exact audience who’s most likely to engage with your products or services.

Where to Start?

• Go to your Professional Dashboard on Instagram.

• Check out your Top Posts to identify content that’s already performing well.

• Use Instagram’s targeting options (age, gender, location, interests) to define your audience.

If you're new to ads, start by boosting posts that already have high engagement. This way, you’re putting your money behind content that your audience already loves.

Wrapping It Up: Turning Instagram Likes into Tangible Sales

Turning Instagram likes into sales isn’t about obsessing over vanity metrics—it’s about building relationships, offering value, and creating a seamless path for your audience to purchase. By implementing these six strategies, you’ll be well on your way to leveraging Instagram as a powerful tool to grow your business and increase revenue.  

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