Struggling to boost your Instagram reach? Avoid these five mistakes—like watermarks, engagement bait, and long reels—to improve post visibility and grow your audience.
February 11, 2025
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Instagram is a cornerstone of digital marketing, whether you’re growing a personal brand, running a business, or creating content as an influencer. Yet, despite its simplicity on the surface, many creators find themselves scratching their heads when their posts fall flat. Often, the issue isn’t what you’re doing but what you shouldn’t be doing.
Here’s a breakdown of Instagram’s unofficial "don'ts"—the behaviours and choices that could be sabotaging your reach. Let’s ensure you’re not only avoiding these pitfalls but setting your content up for success.
Watermarks, particularly those from competing platforms like TikTok, are a big no. Instagram’s algorithm deprioritises content that appears repurposed, especially if it has a competitor’s branding stamped all over it.
Instead, always create fresh, platform-native content. Tools like CapCut or Adobe Express can help you edit videos without watermarks. If you must reuse content, remove any identifiable marks or branding before uploading.
“Tag three friends,” “Like this post if you agree,” “Comment ‘YES’ below to win!”—these phrases scream engagement bait. While it may have worked a few years ago, Instagram’s algorithm now actively penalises posts designed to trick users into interacting.
What should you do instead? Focus on genuine engagement. Craft captions that inspire discussion, share relatable experiences, or ask open-ended questions. Authenticity will always win over manufactured interaction.
Reels are the hottest ticket on Instagram right now, but there’s a catch—keeping it short and snappy is key. Instagram’s audience loves bite-sized, easily digestible content. Anything longer than 90 seconds risks losing viewers' attention and hurting your post’s performance.
Tip: Use the first 3 seconds to hook your audience. Whether it’s a bold statement, striking visual, or intriguing question, this is your chance to pull them in and keep them watching until the end.
Instagram’s algorithm is strict about what it pushes to the Explore page or feeds of non-followers. Avoid posting anything that could be deemed inappropriate, misleading, or overly controversial. Even minor violations can get your content flagged as “non-recommendable,” severely limiting its visibility.
Keep your content polished and professional, but don’t be afraid to have fun. Instagram loves creators who align with its community guidelines while showcasing creativity and personality.
Instagram champions original creators. Posting content that isn’t yours—without giving proper credit or adding meaningful edits—can hurt your reach. Worse still, it could damage your credibility with followers.
Want to share someone else’s work? Collaborate. Use Instagram’s “Collab” feature or tag the original creator. Better yet, put your spin on it—add commentary, remix their reel, or use it as inspiration to create something uniquely yours.
The platform is constantly evolving, and its algorithm loves rewarding users who play by its rules. By avoiding these common missteps—watermarked content, engagement bait, overly long reels, non-recommendable posts, and uncredited reposts—you’ll set yourself up for success.
Focus on authenticity, creativity, and value. Whether it’s a reel, a carousel, or a single image, remember that your goal is to connect with your audience in a way that feels real and engaging.
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