New Instagram Update: How to Leverage the “Best Practices” Section in the Professional Dashboard

Instagram has just launched a new feature in their Professional Dashboard called “Best Practices”. This latest update provides creators and businesses with insider tips and strategies directly from Instagram, helping brands fine-tune their approach to growing and engaging their audiences. This feature acts as a quick-access guide, offering insights on how to optimize your content, enhance your reach, and grow your presence on the platform.

So, what does this mean for your brand? Whether you’re a personal brand, restaurant, hotel, or CPG brand, this update is an opportunity to refine your strategy using Instagram’s own recommended practices. Here’s how you can leverage this new resource to elevate your social media game and drive real results.

What Is the “Best Practices” Section in the Professional Dashboard?

The “Best Practices” section in Instagram’s Professional Dashboard is designed to give businesses and creators direct guidance on how to get the most out of the platform. It features Instagram’s own insights on optimizing engagement, creating shareable content, and staying up-to-date with algorithm changes. Think of it as a mini handbook curated by Instagram itself—available within your profile.

Instagram’s Professional Dashboard already allows users to track insights, access branded content tools, and manage ads. Now, with the addition of the “Best Practices” section, businesses get a clear direction on how to effectively navigate the platform and boost their performance.

Here’s how you can use it based on your industry:

For Personal Brands: Optimize Your Presence and Deepen Engagement

For personal brands like influencers, coaches, and content creators, leveraging Instagram’s “Best Practices” section is key to building a stronger relationship with your audience.

How to Leverage It:

• Refine Your Content Strategy: Instagram’s tips will help you understand which content types and posting schedules work best. For instance, if the Best Practices section emphasizes Reels engagement, consider incorporating more short-form videos into your feed that highlight your expertise or personality.

• Focus on Building Connections: Use Instagram’s suggestions on engaging with followers to boost your connection with your audience. Regularly respond to DMs, create engaging Stories with polls and questions, and don’t hesitate to hop on Instagram Live for Q&A sessions.

• Embrace New Features: Stay on top of Instagram’s latest tools and features like new filters, interactive stickers, and Reels templates. These new additions can be used to keep your audience engaged and offer them more dynamic content.

Pro Tip: The “Best Practices” section might recommend an optimal post frequency or feature tips for specific formats. Experiment with these suggestions and track your analytics to see what resonates best.

For Restaurants: Drive Engagement and Bookings

For restaurants, Instagram is a key platform to showcase your dishes, events, and dining experience. The Best Practices section can guide you on how to better communicate with your audience and drive foot traffic.

How to Leverage It:

• Highlight Visual Appeal: Instagram’s best practices likely emphasize creating visually appealing content. Focus on high-quality images and videos of your best dishes, your restaurant’s ambiance, or unique dining moments. Use Reels to highlight behind-the-scenes content or feature popular menu items.

• Encourage User Engagement: Instagram will probably advise on engaging your followers with interactive content. Create Stories with polls asking about your followers’ favorite dishes, or run “choose our new special” challenges where users vote for upcoming menu items.

• Promote Special Offers or Events: Use the Professional Dashboard’s recommendations to create effective posts promoting events or limited-time specials. If the advice highlights using Instagram ads, consider investing in promotions for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or a chef’s table event.

Pro Tip: Make sure to leverage location-based content suggestions to target users in your vicinity who are looking for dining options.

For Hotels: Create an Experience Beyond the Stay

In the hospitality industry, Instagram is crucial for showcasing your hotel’s vibe and unique selling points. Instagram’s insights can help you refine your strategy to entice guests and boost bookings.

How to Leverage It:

• Share Visual Experiences: Utilize Instagram’s tips on creating engaging Reels and Stories to take followers on a virtual tour of your property. Use Reels to highlight your best amenities like pools, spas, or rooftop views. Add a “guest experience” highlight to your Stories where you feature real guests’ experiences.

• Offer Local Recommendations: The Best Practices section might emphasize offering value to your audience. Use this opportunity to share insider tips about nearby attractions, dining spots, or hidden gems around your hotel.

• Highlight Seasonal Offers: If the dashboard emphasizes the effectiveness of limited-time promotions, create themed content around these specials. For example, you can promote seasonal packages, last-minute booking discounts, or special holiday events.

Pro Tip: Consider using Instagram’s Branded Content Tools to collaborate with travel influencers and increase your reach through authentic recommendations.

For CPG Brands: Build Trust and Inspire Loyalty

For consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands, Instagram’s best practices can help you build brand loyalty and drive product awareness by showing how to create shareable and trustworthy content.

How to Leverage It:

• Tell Your Brand Story: Instagram’s advice will likely focus on creating relatable and authentic content. Share your brand story through carousel posts or short Reels. Let your audience see the behind-the-scenes of your production process or meet your team.

• Create Educational Content: The Best Practices section might emphasize value-driven content. Create tutorials, “how-to” guides, or product explainer videos that highlight the benefits of your products. For example, a beauty brand could create a Reels series on skincare routines using your products.

• Engage With User-Generated Content: Take advantage of any advice from Instagram on boosting engagement. Encourage customers to share their experiences with your products by running UGC campaigns, and feature their posts on your Stories or feed.

Pro Tip: Stay up-to-date with any new recommendations for sponsored content or hashtag strategies within the Best Practices section to increase the discoverability of your brand.

Final Thoughts: Leveraging Instagram’s “Best Practices” for Success

Instagram’s new “Best Practices” section in the Professional Dashboard is more than just another update—it’s a valuable resource curated by the platform itself to help creators and businesses optimize their approach. By leveraging this new feature, you can stay ahead of the curve, improve engagement, and build an authentic connection with your audience.

Whether you’re a personal brand, restaurant, hotel, or CPG brand, staying informed and adapting your strategy based on these recommendations can elevate your Instagram game and help you achieve your goals.

Ready to maximize your brand’s potential on Instagram? At Golden Hour Co., we specialize in crafting social media strategies that align with platform updates and your business’s needs. Get in touch at danielle@goldenhourcodigital.com to learn how we can help you shine on Instagram and beyond!