
If you’re struggling to stand out on Instagram, it’s hardly surprising. With so many people using the same tired tricks—witty hashtags, picture-perfect shots, and the odd discount code—it’s hard to make a mark. But there are fresh ideas out there that can help you turn heads. Below, we’ll look at five unusual approaches that go beyond the basics.
We know you’ve probably spent time and money trying to create the perfect Instagram marketing idea. That’s not what this article is about. All too often, marketing can feel like going to an online casino – you spend your money, you spin the reels, and then you win, or you lose. As is true of all online casinos, the player usually loses. If it were any different, online casino networks would be out of business. These new ideas below aren’t about spending loads of money or shouting into the void. They’re about surprising your audience, involving them in what you do, and giving them good reasons to keep coming back.
1. Turn Your Feed Into A Puzzle
Most Instagram profiles read like a string of separate images. But what if you treated your feed as one big picture broken into several squares? When someone visits your profile, they’d see all these smaller posts form a single, eye-catching design. For example, let’s say you run a small jewellery business. Instead of showing a single pendant on a white background, arrange nine posts to form a whole scene—a model wearing a necklace standing in a garden. Each post on its own might feature a close-up of the pendant, a shot of some flowers, or a glimpse of the model’s smile. Put together, these pieces make your profile look like a mini art gallery. You could refresh it every month or so with a new puzzle, giving people a reason to visit your profile page rather than just catching your posts in their feed. This puzzle approach not only grabs attention but also shows off your creativity.
2. Let Your Followers Help Design Your Next Product
User-generated content isn’t new, but most brands don’t push it far enough. Instead of asking followers to share a photo, try giving them a real say in what you create next. Suppose you bake and sell homemade cakes. Why not run a series of polls in your Instagram Stories asking for feedback on flavours, icing colours or even the shape of your next batch? Show your followers a few different options—maybe strawberry, chocolate, or lemon—and let them pick which one you’ll make next week. Along the way, share quick updates as Stories, showing yourself testing a new frosting recipe or mixing ingredients they chose.
This approach does two things: it makes your audience feel important and reminds them that you’re not a distant brand, but a real person who values their input. When your new product is ready, it’s not just something you whipped up. It’s a treat your community helped create. Don’t go thinking this is just for things like cakes, though – the Seiko 5 was designed by fans, and if that’s possible, anything is possible.
3. Run A Themed Challenge That Matches Your Brand’s Values
Everyone’s seen giveaways that say, “Tag a friend to enter.” They might work now and then, but they rarely stand out. Instead, think of a challenge that reflects what your brand cares about. For example, if you sell eco-friendly clothing, you might create a “7-Day Green Living Challenge.” Over a week, ask your followers to share a daily Story of them doing something kind to the planet—using a refillable water bottle, cycling to the shop instead of driving, or packing a waste-free lunch.
They’d tag you and use your chosen hashtag so you can keep track. At the end of the challenge, you could choose a winner at random, or pick the most creative participant to receive a small prize—maybe a discount code or a special item. This does more than generate likes. It encourages real-world action that lines up with your brand’s values. These challenges get followers involved, making them feel part of a community. They’ll remember you as the brand that made their week more interesting and meaningful, rather than just one more account selling something.
4. Use Close Friends For VIP Content
Instagram’s “Close Friends” list is often seen as a personal feature—something you use to share private moments with mates. But you can also use it for marketing. Imagine you run a small skincare line. You could offer your most active followers a spot on your Close Friends list. Being on this list might get them first dibs on a new product, early access to a sale, or behind-the-scenes peeks that no one else sees.
To make it work, mention in your posts that people who comment regularly or share your content can earn a place in your Close Friends circle. Once they’re in, give them benefits that matter. Maybe they see a Story showing how you source natural ingredients for your creams. Or they get a discount code two days before you release it to the public. This exclusivity turns followers into insiders. It’s like having a VIP lounge in the middle of a busy market. People love feeling special, and this personal touch encourages loyalty. Over time, word will spread that you reward genuine engagement, attracting more people who want to join that inner circle.
5. Tell A Story That Unfolds Over Multiple Posts
Scrolling through Instagram can feel a bit mindless, not to mention the fact that it’s bad for you. Most posts stand alone: a pretty picture, a caption, done. But what if you posted a story in several parts, giving people a reason to follow the whole thing over time? Let’s say you’re a travel blogger. Instead of posting one photo of a tiny seaside village you visited, why not create a series of posts that show your journey there, the people you met, the food you tried, and the hidden spots you discovered?
For a brand, you could do something similar with a product. If you make handmade candles, share their journey: the first post might show you choosing scents, the second could highlight how you pour the wax, and another might show the finished candle lighting up a small living room corner. End each caption with a hint about what’s coming next. This leaves people curious and encourages them to check back. Over time, they’ll pay closer attention to what you share, rather than just glancing and moving on.
Putting It All Together
These ideas aren’t just about getting more likes. They’re about helping your followers feel connected to your brand. By turning your feed into a puzzle, you’re creating a mini art project that draws people in. By letting your followers decide on product details, you’re inviting them into your workshop. By running a themed challenge, you’re building a sense of community and encouraging small but meaningful actions. By using Close Friends for VIP content, you’re rewarding true fans. And by telling stories over multiple posts, you’re keeping people interested day after day. Put it all together, and you’ve got a potent five-step strategy.