Instagram has recently rolled out a few new features including Reels, Shop and Guides. When Instagram (or any platform!) rolls out a new feature definitely try it out. New features are added to social media platforms to help improve the users experience and help them to create and consume content on that platform so try them out as soon as they become available to you. Diving into these new features may even be favoured in the algorithm...

Instagram Guides are a new format that can be used to share curated, scrollable content. This new feature provides the users with an easier way to shop directly from Instagram, keeping you on Instagram rather re-directing to a third party website.

Here are few reasons that I think you should definitely be using Guides:

1. It's a simple piece of content to create. 
2. It is one of IG's most recent features so using it will be favourable in the algorithm.
3. It helps you to connect, promote and share other businesses. 
4. It's a great way to drive users to your profile and showcase your products or services. 
5. You can create a guide for Places, Products and Posts. 
6. A great way to promote your products and services this holiday season. 

Instagram Guides are not limited to products but they can also be used to highlight places and posts. I think that this is especially helpful because you can create a Guide of posts that you've already posted. 

What I recommend is that you go through and make a few Guides. Don't overthink it too much, just decide what kind of Guide you want to make - place, product or posts - then decide if you want to showcase your own products/services or highlight some of your favorite accounts then have fun being creative. Once you've created that Guide share it and repurpose in any way you can. Do some Stories for IG and Facebook. Make a little video about it and share it to your feed, IGTV, Facebook and YouTube. Share it as a post to FB and LinkedIn. Turn it into a blog post for your website and an email for your email list. 

And especially share it with me! I want to see how your guides have turned out and we can share them. 

If you need a little help finding Guides on your Instagram App or would like to see how to create a guide check out my tutorial. 

​Getting ready for the holidays is a LOT of work! Not only are you getting ready for your family Christmas but you also have to get your business ready! Like we didn't have enough to do!! To help you out, I have created for you a list of 10 social media posts you should do this holiday season.

1. The Introduction
Take a moment to introduce yourself, your product/service or business to your followers and subscribers. Don't forget to share a picture of yourself!!

​2. Behind the Scenes.
Showcase your life behind the highlight reel. Let your followers have a look at your office space, your home, your business, your studio - whatever it is that you do show them where you create. Be a little vulnerable. 

​3. Share something about your holiday prep or traditions.
Tis the season to be jolly (or super stressed and overwhelmed!) Share something relevant to the holiday season from your personal life. This could be a family tradition like baking cookies, skating on the outdoor rink, festive party/celebration, shopping for gifts, or celebrating the release of the seasonal Starbucks cup, the list is endless! Anything that shows your holidays spirit and gives your audience a peak into your personal life.