What are Instagram Guides?
Introduced to a select few in May 2020, Guides were intended as a way for creators to connect in a new way with their audiences. Instagram stated “We know many people are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so we are first focusing Guides on wellness content. We’ll enable creators to connect with expert organizations to share resources during this time, including tips on how to look after your well-being, maintaining connection with others or managing anxiety or grief.”
Now, Guides are available to all Instagram users.
Guides fall into one of three categories:
Places- recommend physical locations or businesses
Products- share shoppable links with your favorite projects
Posts- curate a collection of posts created by you or by someone else
I am really excited about this feature for small businesses! Not only can you give a shout-out to your favorite people, places, and things you can also extend your content life-cycle! When someone interacts with a Guide it directs them back to your original post allowing for additional interaction on a post that before would have died in a few days. Guides are also very easy to share which is a great engagement tool!
Here are three ways you can start using Guides today:
Create an introduction Guide for new followers to get to know you quickly.
Create a “support local” Guide with your favorite local businesses.
Offer resources that apply to your industry or product.