Crack the Instagram Code: What the 'Best Practices' Update Means for Your Business.
Instagram continues to evolve to help brands and businesses shine on the platform. So, what’s their latest move? Introducing a "Best Practices" section to the professional dashboard! This will be the go-to hub for all account insights, tools, and resources you need as a professional user. This feature gives businesses personalised tips to level up their Instagram game, but what does this really mean, and why is it a total game-changer for brands?
The "Best Practices" feature is here to help businesses and creators nail what works on Instagram. Imagine it as your own custom roadmap packed with savvy tips and action steps to level up your account's performance! This section breaks down essential tips that align with Instagram’s constantly evolving algorithms and platform features, serving as your go-to guide to help professionals maximise their online presence. The "Best Practices" tab is all about keeping it fresh with the latest trends, posting habits, content formats, and strategies to totally engage your audience. From effective tips on using Reels to boost your visibility to savvy advice on ramping up interactions with stories and captions, this feature is all about helping businesses thrive organically and outshine the competition! Instagram's algorithms are constantly shifting, so what was a hit last year will probably not cut it today. The "Best Practices" feature totally breaks through the noise! It gives you the freshest recommendations so businesses can stay in the loop on what moves to make for boosting reach and engagement. This keeps businesses in the know without the hassle of scrolling through an endless amount of articles or trying out strategies that might not align with Instagram’s latest trends.
The recommendations found in "Best Practices" are completely tailored to show how your account is performing. This means that Instagram’s suggestions aren’t just your run-of-the-mill recommendations; they’re actually tailored to give you a helping hand. Whether you’re a small business aiming to shine locally or a big brand wanting to level up your storytelling game, Instagram’s got your back with some super helpful tips tailored just for your niche and what you’re up to. If your brand is feeling a bit lost on what content to create or how to format posts, "Best Practices" is here to save the day as your ultimate guide. This tool is your go-to for nailing the perfect posting times, discovering what content gets the most engagement (think Reels, carousels, or Stories), and finding out the call-to-action phrases that really grab viewers attention. This kind of guidance truly assists businesses craft content that really hits home with their audience.
If businesses get on board with Instagram’s personalised recommendations, engagement levels are sure to increase. Instagram's algorithm loves it when accounts make the most of all its features, like Stories and Reels. So, get creative and show off your skills! When businesses stick to the best practices, they boost their chances of showing up in the Explore feed, connecting with more potential customers, and, in the end, racking up those conversions!
For brands and businesses, time is always of the essence! "Best Practices" takes the guesswork out of social media strategy, giving social media managers and content creators more time to nail their content game! Why waste hours digging through research or trying out a bunch of tactics when you can just tap into Instagram’s know-how? Let them steer your strategy , allowing you to free up resources to focus on other critical aspects of the business!
Whether you're a seasoned social media manager or a small business owner just starting, the "Best Practices" feature is an essential tool to help you unlock Instagram's full potential and stay ahead in the world of digital marketing. Are you ready to optimise your Instagram presence? Explore Instagram's professional dashboard today and start applying these best practices to your strategy!
Written by Heather McMillan, Pique’s Content Executive.
From Wordplay to Trendsetters - How Sabrina Carpenter and Other Artists Turn Songs into TikTok Trends
From Wordplay to Trendsetters: How Sabrina Carpenter and Other Artists Turn Songs into TikTok Trends
In the world of TikTok, music has become a powerful tool for promotion, creativity, and viral trends. Hooks, clever lyrics, and distinctive beats are the lifeblood of the platform's short-form video style. What, however, distinguishes one song from another in this vast landscape? One key factor is clever wordplay - turning lyrics into social media gold that users can latch onto, remix, and repurpose.
Artists like Sabrina Carpenter have mastered the art of playful lyrics, making their songs the perfect soundtrack for the latest TikTok trends. But why do these clever turns of phrase make music so irresistible to TikTok creators? Let’s break it down.
One of the most effective ways music gains traction on TikTok is through repeatable and shareable lyrics. For instance, Sabrina Carpenter's songs are perfect for the creative community on TikTok because she incorporates funny, relatable, and clever lines into them. Consider the following line from her song "Nonsense": "This song's catchier than chickenpox is." This clever pun is sure to turn heads and is a great match for the platform's inclination towards humour and silliness. Users create content, such as lip-syncing or skits, set to these lyrics, which increases the song's visibility. Lyrics that are easy to relate to or have a light-hearted tone have a better chance of becoming a trend on TikTok.
TikTok is all about creativity, and users want to feel like they’re part of a larger cultural conversation. Songs with clever wordplay provide a foundation for that creativity. Artists like Doja Cat and Olivia Rodrigo also tap into this trend, offering lyrics that spark viral challenges, dances, or even storytelling through video. Doja Cat, with her clever and often playful lyrics, is a perfect example of this phenomenon. In her hit "Say So," the line, "Didn't even notice, no punches left to roll with," led to a viral dance challenge that took over TikTok. The playful nature of the lyrics gave users the chance to not only dance but create fun, dynamic content that invited others to participate. This type of engagement fuels virality, helping the song spread across the platform.
One reason why clever wordplay does so well on TikTok is that it frequently draws on situations that people can relate to. For instance, Sabrina Carpenter's lyrics are so light-hearted that they seem like an inside joke. Users are more inclined to incorporate a song's sound into their own videos if the lyrics speak to their personal experiences, be it in relationships, social situations, or just day-to-day living. Olivia Rodrigo’s "drivers license" became a viral sound on TikTok because its lyrics struck a chord with users' real-life emotions. Though not overtly playful, the way she weaves relatable storytelling into the song creates a deep emotional connection. TikTok users jumped on the opportunity to share their own stories, amplifying the song’s reach across the platform.
TikTok’s music-driven trends show that the right combination of clever wordplay, relatable content, and an engaging beat can turn a song into a viral sensation. Sabrina Carpenter, along with other artists like Doja Cat, Lizzo, and Olivia Rodrigo, have harnessed this formula to make their music not just heard but experienced in creative and communal ways. On TikTok, music isn't just background noise—it's the heartbeat of a trend. By creating lyrics that are catchy, clever, and easy to engage with, artists can use TikTok as a powerful promotional tool, driving their songs up the charts and into the ears of millions around the world. Whether it’s through playful wordplay or relatable storytelling, music and TikTok are shaping the next generation of viral moments.
by Heather McMillan - Content Executive at Pique Agency.
From Textbooks to TikToks: My Journey from Marketing Graduate to Content Creator.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is a huge accomplishment, and I felt like a new chapter
in my life was beginning when I received my marketing degree. My journey from a
marketing student and to a full-time Content Executive role for Pique Agency has
been nothing short of transformative.
From digital marketing and branding to consumer behaviour and market research, I
was exposed to it all throughout my coursework. Among these, content creation
stood out to me. The idea of crafting compelling stories and engaging visuals to
connect with audiences inspired me. As I began experimenting in video editing
and social media content creation, I discovered that this was something I was truly
passionate about.
My marketing degree provided a solid foundation in understanding market dynamics,
strategic thinking, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Courses like
Digital Marketing and Consumer Psychology were particularly influential. They not
only equipped me with theoretical knowledge but also practical skills through group
presentations and projects. I learned to create content that wasn’t just creative but
also aligned with broader marketing goals.
Being able to gain experience from Pique Agency throughout my studies was my
creative bootcamp. Picture this: a buzzing boutique marketing agency, tight
deadlines, and an endless stream of ideas. I was thrown into the deep end, creating
content for diverse clients. From brainstorming sessions to analysing performance
metrics, I learned to blend creativity with strategy.
Graduation was both a finish line and a starting gate. Armed with my degree and a
portfolio bursting with creativity, I set my sights on the content creation world. I
jumped straight into a full-time job with Pique Agency and haven’t looked back since.
Now, my days are a whirlwind of words, visuals, and ideas. I craft content that
dances across social media, blogs, and websites. I dive into analytics, uncovering
the secrets hidden in engagement rates and click-throughs. Every project is a new
story, every campaign a new adventure. The creative chaos is exhilarating, no days
are the same, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
by Heather McMillan - Content Executive at Pique Agency.
End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to Traditional Social Media Influencing
The fascinating new frontier of social media influence has emerged in an
internet age where one post can start a worldwide trend and a TikTok
video can make an average person famous in an instant. What started
as an individual platform for sharing selfies and favourite products has
transformed into a powerful marketing juggernaut, altering our methods
of connection, consumption, and production.
In the early years of social media influencing, platforms such as
YouTube were among the first sites that established the groundwork for
social media influence. Most influencers were bloggers or youtubers that
specialised in topics such as beauty, fashion, and tech. Influencers were
valued because of the genuine feeling of community they fostered and
their deep honesty. Individuals looked up to early influencers because
they felt as though they knew them and trusted their judgement due to
most of them being regular people with the confidence to pick up a
camera and talk.
Coming into the mid-2010s, Instagram became a dominant platform for
influencers, particularly in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. The
influencer aesthetic and visual content both rose to popularity in the
culture of social media. More and more sponsorships and collaborations
emerged as brands realised influencers could be a powerful marketing
tool. Affiliate marketing, product placements, and brand collaborations
became major sources of income for influencers. Travel, fitness, food,
and gaming are just a few of the categories that influencers have
branched out into. Influencers have also taken to using Twitter and
Snapchat to provide a variety of information and interact with their
audiences.
Moving on to the late 2010s to the early 2020s, the influencer market
became saturated, making it harder for new influencers to gain traction.
Audience scepticism also grew as followers questioned the authenticity
of sponsored content. Brands shifted focus to micro (10k-100k followers)
and nano-influencers (1k-10k followers), who often have higher
engagement rates and a more dedicated, niche audience. These
influencers were seen as more authentic and relatable. Particularly
among younger generations, TikTok became a formidable platform.
Because of its algorithm, up-and-coming influencers might become
famous quickly, levelling the playing field. It all comes down to video
material, especially short-form videos. TikTok and Instagram Reels
gained traction, while YouTube’s prominence remained stable.
In the current space of social media, influencers are increasingly
transparent about sponsored content and partnerships to maintain trust
with their audience. Authenticity remains a key factor for influencer
success. Influencers can connect with their followers in real-time through
live streaming on platforms such as Twitch, Instagram, and TikTok,
which helps to build a stronger community. The popularity of interest-
based vertical platforms and niche communities is on the rise, this can
be seen through the growing number of podcast communities such as
Barstool Sports by Dave Portnoy and Unwell by Alex Cooper.
The development of social media influence mirrors larger shifts in digital
marketing, customer habits, and technology. As new platforms, tools,
and social trends emerge, influencers’ methods of engaging with their
audience and monetising their material undergo constant evolution,
however the core concepts of authenticity and community stay constant.