Five Major Instagram Misconceptions

May 28

It’s true: there’s TONS of information out there about social media. From Instagram to Tiktok, there are tons of ways to achieve a desired results, and unfortunately that means there are also tons of misconceptions.

In this article, I’ll be breaking down these misconceptions and clarifying a few myths. Let’s bust ‘em and see what are ACTUAL tools you can use!

Instagram myths:

Myth #1:

"Scheduling tools lower engagement"

The Truth:

Scheduling Tools could actually HELP your engagement.

Posting consistently gives your audience a better chance of seeing and engaging with your posts. Posting at ideal times can increase your reach and planning ahead means you're more likely to post content that aligns with your overall strategy.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Myth #2:

"Follow for follow is a good strategy"

The Truth :

No. Just No.

It's spammy, it's outdated, and it means your only goal is your follower count. This "strategy" might (but probably won't) get you new followers, but it definitely won't help you build a community or connect with an audience that's actually interested in what you have to offer.

Myth #3:

"Instagram shadowbans my posts."

The Truth:

Unless you're going against community guidelines, your posts aren't shadowbanned.

Yes, the algorithm determines how your posts are seen. No, Instagram isn't hiding your posts.

The way your content ranks is determined by things like what you posted, what your audience typically engages with, and how your audience has interacted with you in the past.

Myth #4:

"I need to go viral to be successful."

The Truth:

There are SO many ways to be successful on Instagram without going viral.

...and the first step is knowing what success even means for your account. Are you going after engagement or reach? Do you want to grow your audience? Knowing and achieving your KPIs is what actually determines success. At the end of the day you're a business so if you gained a client or made a sale -- you're successful (viral post or not).

Myth #5:

"The algorithm hates me."

The Truth:

It's not the algorithm, it's you.

l’ll keep this one simple. What you post matters. If your content isn't engaging, entertaining, valuable, or inspiring you're not going to get any extra love from the algorithm or your audience.

Are you totally OVER hearing about these Instagram misconceptions too? Seeing misinformation like this being thrown around like it's fact really makes me cringe! Bookmark this blog post if you ever need help explaining why these rumors are wrong - whether you're talking to a client, friend, or an "expert."

Let me know if I missed any other rumors you've heard around the 'gram.