So, you're a small business owner and you're wondering when the heck you should post to Instagram to maximize your reach and engagement. I mean, you don't want to be talking to a brick wall, right? But you've heard all the experts and Gurus on Instagram tell you that you should post first thing in the morning because people are scrolling before they get ready for their day. Or, that posting late at night is a better strategy because everyone's doom scrolls before going to bed.
If you've heard it all and are still confused, I got you!! We're about to dive into the wonderful world of Instagram posting times and how to make the most of 'em.
Why Timing Matters
First things first, let's talk about why timing is important. The thing is, Instagram's algorithm is constantly changing and it can be difficult (nearly impossible) to keep up. One thing we do know is that posting at a time when your followers are active and scrolling through their feeds is vital to getting your followers to actually see your content. This we can cling to, regardless of how the algorithm is feeling that day.
Finding Your 'Best' Time to Post
So, how do you figure out when your followers are most active? Well, you can start by diving into your Instagram insights. This nifty little tool will give you some sweet sweet data on your followers' behaviors, like when they're most likely to be scrolling through their feeds and engaging with content. You can also experiment by posting at different times and keeping an eye on the engagement you get. Over time, you'll start to see patterns and trends that can help you refine your posting schedule.
Every Audience is Different
It's important to remember that every audience is different. So what works for your business and your friends' business might be very drastic depending on the industry they're in and the clientele they're targeting.
Your convenience is more important
Okay, now I want you to take everything I said above with a grain of salt. Because at the end of the day, the best time to post is when it is most convenient for you. If consistently creating content and sticking to the same schedule every week is too hard to keep up with, guess what? You're the boss of your business and you make the rules, so lean into what works for you.
If you want to maximize your efforts, partner with a social media manager.
If you're trying to maximize your reach and want to take advantage of posting consistently, you should outsource to a social media manager. As social media managers, we use trends, and industry data to create on-brand content, as well as post it at optimal times, all on your behalf. If that's something you need in your life, like yesterday, let's chat.