How to Grow Your Instagram Business Account: Stories, Reels & Analytics Strategies That Actually Work

If you're starting a business, you’ve likely heard that social media—especially Instagram—is crucial for visibility. But where should you begin, and what actually works? Whether you're a barber, salon owner, solo entrepreneur, or local shop, these three essential Instagram strategies can help you build a following, reach new customers, and grow your brand.

1. Use Instagram Stories Daily to Stay Visible

Stories are short-lived, 24-hour content that appears at the top of a user's Instagram feed. Using Stories daily keeps your brand visible and active without the pressure of creating polished posts every time.

Why Stories Matter:

You stay top of mind. Stories appear first in the app’s top navigation, so your followers are more likely to see your updates.

They boost engagement. Use polls, Q&As, countdowns, or stickers to interact with your audience in real time.

They show the real you. Behind-the-scenes, unfiltered updates make your brand feel more relatable and human.

Example: A barber can post an open appointment slot, offer limited-time discounts, or share a quick before-and-after of a client haircut—all through Stories.

2. Post Reels and Carousels to Reach More People

Instagram Reels are short, vertical videos (think TikTok-style) that get pushed to both followers and non-followers. Carousels are multi-image posts that can be educational, promotional, or visually seamless.

Reels: Catch Attention Fast

Reels are prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm and shown to people who don’t follow you.

• Use hooks in the first 2 seconds (“Watch until the end!”) to draw viewers in.

• Great for dramatic reveals like haircut transformations or product demos.

• Easy to make right in the Instagram app—no fancy gear needed.

Carousels: Educate and Retain Attention

Instagram often reshows carousels using a later slide, giving your post a “second chance.”

• Share step-by-step guides, product benefits, or promotions.

• Use arrows and seamless backgrounds to encourage swiping.

• Tools like Canva and other carousel apps make design easy.

3. Use Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

Don’t just post and pray. Use Instagram’s built-in analytics to track what’s working and what’s not.

How to Access Analytics:

• Set your account to Creator or Business to unlock insights.

• Go to your profile > tap the top-right menu > choose “Insights.”

• See top-performing posts, audience demographics, and best times to post.

Why This Matters:

Identify which Reels or carousels got the most views, saves, or shares.

Test different times of day for posting (e.g., evenings work better for blue-collar audiences).

Adjust your content type—lean into what works while still diversifying.

Bonus Tip: Creator vs. Business Account

Creator: Access to full trending music catalog (e.g., Post Malone, Jelly Roll).

Business: Get access to Instagram Shop and expanded analytics, but limited music selection.

You can switch between account types anytime.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a pro marketer or have thousands of followers to grow a successful Instagram presence. Focus on showing up consistently in Stories, engaging your audience with Reels and carousels, and studying your analytics to refine your strategy. These three foundational practices will set you up for long-term success.

For a complete step-by-step on how to build your digital presence—including setting up your website and social profiles—check out our course at LaunchingPros.com.