Course Curriculum

How to Use Instagram for Business

10sections
31lectures
2h 1mtotal

What you’ll learn

  • Learn the basics of using Instagram.

  • Learn how to snap irresistible Instagram photos.

  • Learn how to record compelling Instagram videos.

  • Learn content strategies that audiences on Instagram love.

  • Learn about Instagram Direct and how to utilise it for business.

  • How to Sell Products on Instagram

  • Learn how to attract, grow, and maintain a strong Instagram following.

  • Learn how to manage multiple Instagram accounts and comments in bulk.

  • Learn how to track and analyse your progress on Instagram.

  • Learn how to host successful contests on Instagram.

  • Learn how to schedule posts for uploading to Instagram.

  • Learn how to advertise on Instagram, with examples and best practices

01

Course Introduction

2 lectures • 3min

  • Welcome to the course!

    join this course to learn how to use instagram for business, with step-by-step instructions and you’re encouraged to have pen and paper and your phone handy to follow along.

    0:42

  • Here's what we'll be covering....

    Discover what Instagram is and its meteoric rise, and learn why it’s powerful for business within your marketing strategy. Master basic to advanced techniques for content, audience growth, and analytics.

    2:14
02

What is Instagram and why is it good for business?

3 lectures • 11min

  • The rise of Instagram...

    Explore Instagram’s origins as a simple app for sharing photos and 15-second videos with vintage filters, its 2012 acquisition by Facebook, and its growth as a platform for business opportunities.

    1:55

  • Why do businesses love Instagram?

    Discover why brands love Instagram as a channel to reach audiences with videos and photos, delivering high engagement, repurposing content across networks, and drawing adoption by Fortune 500 brands.

    1:37

  • Understanding the culture of Instagram and how to take full advantage.

    Learn Instagram's artsy, creative culture and how top brands craft carefully composed photos, engage fans, and leverage user-generated content to stand out on the platform.

    7:29
03

Getting started with Instagram

2 lectures • 4min

  • Installing and signing up to Instagram

    Install Instagram from the app store or Google Play, sign up with a username and password, and optionally link to Facebook or email; use a square-to-circle template to prevent cropping.

    1:54

  • How to optimise your Instagram profile

    Edit your Instagram profile to add your website and a clear company description, plus a cover photo highlight. Use instagram.com/username to optimize the profile for web audiences.

    1:51
04

Snapping great Instagram photos

3 lectures • 9min

  • Photo-taking basics

    Learn the basics of taking a photo on Instagram for business: tap the camera, capture, swipe to choose a filter, add a description, tag people, geotag, and share.

    1:04

  • Photo-taking options

    Explore camera options in Instagram: toggle front/rear, enable grid, adjust focus, and manage flash settings. Rotate and straighten, choose frames, and apply Luxx, tilt shift, and filters to enhance photos.

    4:19

  • Advanced photo-taking strategy

    Shoot with your phone's native camera, edit in two apps to enhance lighting and filters, then publish to Instagram; use text overlays with Fronto and collage with Pick Free.

    3:39
05

Shooting great Instagram video

5 lectures • 20min

  • Video recording basics

    Learn the basics of recording Instagram videos for business: start the camera, hold to record short clips, switch cameras, choose a cover frame, and share with description and geotags.

    2:03

  • Video recording options

    Record Instagram videos with precision by tapping to focus, shooting in landscape, and editing in‑app with trimming, deleting the last snippet, importing clips, and applying filters plus auto stabilization.

    3:09

  • Advanced video recording strategy Part 1

    Develop advanced video strategies for Instagram business by planning shoots, editing outside the app, and using transitions, time-lapse, and stop-motion with supporting music.

    6:51

  • Advanced video recording strategy Part 2

    Improve mobile Instagram video quality with an external microphone, use a slingshot stabilizer and tripod for steady shots, and a smartphone dolly for smooth pans; select compelling cover frames.

    2:22

  • How to utilize the Hyperlapse app for Instagram marketing

    Learn to use the hyperlapse app as a companion to Instagram to create cinematic stabilized time-lapse videos, speed 2–12, share to Instagram or Facebook, and support marketing with behind-the-scenes looks.

    5:27
06

Posting and Sharing Instagram Content

4 lectures • 10min

  • Optimising your Instagram descriptions

    Optimize Instagram descriptions by keeping text under 140 characters, making them descriptive and keyword rich, and using hashtags for reach and engagement; shorten links and consider tagging people.

    2:56

  • Harnessing the power of hashtags

    Discover how hashtags boost discovery and engagement on Instagram by enabling targeted search, finding new fans, rallying support for menus and events, and measuring return on investment through audience insights.

    3:18

  • The benefits of tagging

    Tag people in your posts to trigger notifications, boost comments and likes, and invite customers and partners to tag your username for product promotion.

    2:17

  • The power of geo-tagging

    Explore Instagram geotagging through the photo map, name locations using location services, and display maps, reviews, and directions to boost brand visibility, even with no physical location.

    1:54
07

Content Strategy Ideas

6 lectures • 31min

  • Content strategy overview and guiding principles

    Discover a social-first approach to Instagram marketing by embracing the 80/20 rule, focusing on entertaining, useful content, and long-term relationship building to drive shareable engagement.

    2:52

  • Inspiration from Instagram Ad Guidelines

    Learn to craft subtle Instagram ads by blending with the feed. Use natural shots, minimal logos, and no text; capture authentic moments true to your brand.

    5:56

  • Awesome content strategy Part 1

    Explore instagram for business content strategies with real-life examples of product promotions, inspirational quotes, contests, behind-the-scenes posts, and hashtags to boost visibility.

    6:14

  • Awesome content strategy Part 2

    Learn practical Instagram content strategies by crafting unique hashtags, using humor and animals, celebrating milestones, tapping into cultural moments, offering tips, and featuring customers to boost engagement.

    5:55

  • How to Use New Instagram Explore & Search to Grow Your Business

    Use Instagram's new explore and search features to grow your business by engaging with people, boosting exposure, discovering trending hashtags, and using places to target a geographic audience.

    3:28

  • Awesome content strategy Part 3

    Explore effective Instagram content strategies that drive engagement through fill-in-the-blank prompts, user-generated photos, hashtag campaigns, and customer testimonials to boost brand reach.

    6:41
08

How to Sell Products on Instagram

1 lecture • 6min

  • Selling products on Instagram strategies

    Discover practical strategies to sell products on Instagram, including a comment-to-buy setup with Shopify or similar services, linking to an online store, and clear ordering guidance via captions and bio.

    5:36
09

Instagram Direct

2 lectures • 10min

  • What is Instagram Direct?

    Explore how Instagram Direct enables private messaging, letting you send photos or videos to followers or selected recipients, and manage conversations in real time to benefit your business.

    3:08

  • Instagram Direct content strategies

    Explore how to use Instagram Direct for business to handle customer service privately, share behind the scenes content, run exclusive contests, and issue coupon codes while monitoring brand mentions.

    6:30
10

How to Host A Successful Instagram Contest

3 lectures • 18min

  • Instagram contests: benefits, contest types, and expert strategy

    Learn how to run effective Instagram contests, selecting prize types, entry methods like like-to-win, comment, or follow, and themed challenges to boost engagement, followers, and brand loyalty.

    8:04

  • Instagram contests: setup, promotion, and follow-up strategy

    set up Instagram contests with clear entry rules, prize images, a unique hashtag, and bio links. monitor performance with Google alerts and real-time reports, then announce winners to sustain momentum.

    6:03

  • Instagram contests: giveaways for physical locations and Instagram Direct

    Explore Instagram contests for physical locations and direct messages, linking online and offline experiences with hashtags, scavenger-style clues, and private direct promotions that end with a public winner announcement.

    3:39