INSTAGRAM 101 - PART 4/18

 

The Pros and Cons of Instagram Guides

As with all features, there are pros and cons to Guides as well, this section will outline some of these. Throughout the remainder of the article, features and elements will be discussed in a critical manner, meaning that further flaws, and how to overcome them are developed in later chapters.

First, it is important to note that Instagram tends to reward uses that best use its new features. For example, algorithmically, it can push your content. Being one of the first users to best use Guides is not just an advertisement for your content, but also for the concept of Guides itself

Exploring a brand-new feature

The biggest pro of Instagram Guides can also be perceived as a con; the fact that they are brand new.

Without dwelling on this, it is important to outline that not everyone has access to Instagram Guides at the time of writing—although the platform intends to make them available for all users. Many new features tend to get released on a smaller scale (by region or account type) first to test different features and the success and ease of use of them, as well as bug testing. Nevertheless, users who first begin to use these features get their content pushed more strongly.

If Guides are not yet available, nor popular in your region it can put a little bit of pressure on the quality of yours. For example, if no one has seen a Guide before, then they have nothing to compare it with- -which can be both a good and a bad thing.

Target demographic

Make sure that your target audience will be receptive to Guides. This will depend on their demographic, the relationship that you have with them, and your past content. Many people hesitate to undertake new features and interact with them--especially when it is something that can be perceived as a marketing ploy. Of course, this depends on your audience, as many people do use Instagram specifically to engage with influencers and to purchase new and exciting products. If this is your audience then you will probably be fine! Nevertheless, it is important to consider how your Guides will come across to your audience.