Want to Stop Feeding Your Instagram Feed?
Want to Stop Feeding your Feed?
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, "I just hate posting on Instagram" or "I just don't have time to spend on social media"...
Well Reader, I'd definitely have more cash than I do today!
I am a big believer that less is more when it comes to social media. At Woods MarCom, we try to post 3x a week with a few stories thrown in when we have time. I continue to resist the "every day" mentality.
However, if 2-3x per week is still too much to take on, you might want to consider switching your Instagram "feed" to a 9-Grid (static post content).
What is a 9-Grid?
A 9-Grid (or sometimes a 12-Grid) means you create 9 (or 12) static Instagram posts that don't change. Typically these posts are cohesive and essentially build an informative or decorative page, rather than your typical Instagram feed that is updated regularly.
Or... not regularly... if you relate to the case study below.
Case Study: Two Peaks Cabin
Two Peaks Cabin is a VRBO in Glacier, WA. The cabin is an investment property for the owners and not their primary gig - so posting regularly on social media was a challenge.
And, in short, rarely happened with any consistency!
Additionally, with the lack of attention paid to their IG posts, the feed was chaotic at best. It was not cohesive and was a good example of what happens when you post whatever, whenever.
I'll pause here to note that my husband and I own this property, so it's ok to speak so boldly about our lack of social media effort or strategy!
When we looked at the main drivers of revenue for Two Peaks Cabin, we determined that social media was not a priority. Bookings come primarily through AirBnB and VRBO directly, with a handful coming from the website.
However, we did want to maintain a visually appealing page to appear in search and to provide booking details, just in case someone landed there wanting more information.
The Before and After
We decided on a 12-Grid, creating the best presentation on a mobile phone. We added keyword rich text with a few strategic hashtags to each post to catch IG's robust search function.
Additionally, we were very intentional with the highlights below the bio to ensure that visitors could gather as much information about the cabin from IG as they could from the booking websites.
We also included booking links to AirBnB and VRBO in a "Book Now" highlight, so users can jump directly into their preferred vacation rental platform from our IG page. Always make it easy to purchase!
Updating Instagram Moving Forward
Now that we've created a 12-grid, we will not want to use IG for static posts. Doing so will upset the grid.
And, honestly, that's fine with us! Set it and forget it update things occasionally.
When we do post updates to Instagram, we can do that with Stories (which allow us to include links!) or Reels. And we can update the highlights with anything our visitors may want top of mind - like the newest highlight listing restaurants to visit in Glacier.
Ready for a 9-Grid?
Static IG post content and 9-Grids may not be for everyone. But if you find it impossible to "feed the beast" and you want to consider a low-maintenance option, this might be a way to go.
This type of approach will not be a big driver of conversions since you're not updating or engaging. BUT! If done thoughtfully and strategically, it can serve as a lovely landing spot for visitors who can then jump into your more active marketing channels.
If you're 9-Grid curious, hit reply to this email or reach out on our website (or IG!) and let's huddle!