HOW TO ADVERTSIE ON INSTAGRAM FOR FREE

Advertising on Instagram doesn’t have to mean throwing money at ads and hoping for the best. While paid ads can be effective, there are plenty of ways to market your business on Instagram for free, if you know how to play the game. If you’re on a tight budget or just love a good challenge, here’s how to get your brand noticed without spending a single penny.

The first trick is to optimise your profile. If your Instagram page looks like it was set up in a hurry, people won’t stick around. Choose a profile picture that’s instantly recognisable (like your logo), write a bio that clearly explains what you do and include a link to your website or landing page. Think of your profile as your digital shopfront, it needs to look inviting.

Next, create shareable content. Instagram rewards engagement, which means the more people interact with your posts, the further they spread. High-quality photos, behind-the-scenes glimpses and funny or relatable captions can work wonders. Carousels and Reels also get more engagement than single images, so mix up your content to keep people interested. The goal is to make posts so good that people feel compelled to share them with their friends.

Hashtags are your best friend when it comes to free reach. Use relevant hashtags to help people discover your content. But don’t just throw in random hashtags like #InstaGood and Love, it’s better to use a mix of niche and trending hashtags related to your industry. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but the sweet spot is usually around 10 to 15. Experiment and see what works best.

Another powerful (and free) strategy is collaborating with others. Find influencers, brands or creators in your niche and team up. Whether it’s a giveaway, a shoutout or a joint Instagram Live, collaborations expose you to a whole new audience without spending a penny. Just make sure you’re teaming up with accounts that align with your brand. A bakery partnering with a fitness influencer?

Probably not the best match, unless they’re promoting protein-packed pastries.

Engage with your audience like your life depends on it. Instagram loves accounts that actually interact with people. Reply to comments, answer DMs and comment on posts from potential customers or similar brands. The more you engage, the more visibility Instagram gives you. Plus, it makes your brand feel more human rather than just another faceless account trying to sell stuff.

Finally, never underestimate the power of Instagram Stories and Reels. Stories keep you at the top of people’s feeds, and Reels have the potential to go viral. Use interactive features like polls, Q&As and stickers to encourage engagement. The algorithm pushes content that gets people talking, so ask questions, run mini-contests or post behind-the-scenes clips to keep followers hooked.

Advertising on Instagram for free is all about creativity and consistency. You don’t need a massive budget to make an impact, you just need to understand how the platform works and take advantage of every tool available. With the right strategy, you can build brand awareness, grow your following and even drive sales, all without spending a single pound.