Top 5 Mistakes Brands Make on Instagram (and How to Avoid Them)

You are scrolling through Instagram. You see posts from brands. Some catch your eye. Others? Not so much. Why is that?

The truth is, Instagram is a war zone for attention. Brands fight to stand out. But a lot of them are screwing up big time. And those errors led to lost followers, engagement, and sales.

Don’t worry. You’re here because you want to get it right.

Here, you’ll learn what not to do — and how to make it right. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Ignoring Your Audience

You’ve heard this before: “Know your audience.” But do you really?

Many brands skip this step. And they post whatever seems cool to them. Or worse, they steal from competitors. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Here’s why it matters. Instagram is personal. People follow brands they identify with. Without understanding your audience, you can’t connect. Simple as that.

So how do you avoid that mistake?

How to fix this

Start by asking questions. Who are they? What do they care about? What issues can you resolve for them? If you have a business account, make use of Instagram Insights. Analyze demographic data and time of activity and engagement patterns.

Then, tailor your content. Speak their language. Share what resonates. Don’t guess—know.

Top tip: Use polls or ask questions in Stories Engage directly. You keep learning, and you keep performing.

2. Posting Inconsistently

Consistency is key. But many brands act as though Instagram is an afterthought.

One week, they post daily. The next, crickets. Sound familiar?

Here’s the deal. Your audience is looking for frequent updates. You disappear and they forget about you. Out of sight, out of mind.

How often should you post?

How to fix this

Three to five times a week is perfect. But it’s always quality over quantity. Plan ahead. Create a content calendar. Schedule posts by using tools such as Later or Buffer.

And don’t forget Stories. They’re great for filling in the cracks between your main posts. Keep showing up. Stay top-of-mind.

Oh, and one more thing. Have a cohesive aesthetic. It creates a polished, professional appearance for your profile. It’s like your brand’s visual voice.

3. Overloading on Sales Pitches

Let’s be honest. Nobody wants to be sold to every time you interact. But some brands push their products over and over.

“Buy this!” “Get that!” “Limited time offer!”

It gets old fast. And guess what happens? People unfollow.

Why does this happen?

Because Instagram is social media, not a place to shop. People come here for inspiration, entertainment, and connection — not ads.

How to fix this

Don’t hard sell: Lead with value. Educate. Entertain. Inspire. Build trust first. You feel like promoting, and when you do, it feels organic.

Share behind-the-scenes content, for example. Highlight customer stories. Share tutorials relevant to your product Mix it up. Keep it real.

A good rule of thumb? Follow the 80/20 rule. It should inform, engage or entertain 80 percent of your content. Only 20% should sell.

Trust me, it works.

See how authenticity fueled Dubai brand campaign case studies

4. Neglecting Engagement

Engagement goes both ways. But for many brands, it’s a one-way broadcast. They talk but don’t listen.

Here’s the problem. Interaction is rewarded by Instagram. Likes, comments, shares — they increase visibility. Disregarding engagement, you lose out on unique opportunity.

What does what neglecting engagement looks like?

• Not responding to DMs
• Ignoring comments
• Skipping collaborations

All these are painful for your relationship with followers.

How to fix this

Reply to messages promptly. Thank people for comments. Shoot questions to inspire conversations. Show appreciation.

Work with influencers or other brands too. It expands your reach. Plus, it’s a way to show that you’re one of the community.

Keep in mind, Instagram is a two-way street. You get back what you give out more.

5. Failing to Adapt on Instgram

Instagram evolves constantly. New features. Algorithm changes. Trends come and go.

Some brands adapt quickly. Others lag behind. Which one are you?

Doubling down on old tactics will not suffice. You need to stay fresh. Relevant. Exciting.

How to fix this

Keep an eye on trends. Try out Reels, Guides, and Live videos Test new formats. Try what resonates with your audience.

Follow industry leaders. Join marketing groups. Learn from others. Never stop improving.

Adaptation builds resilience. It keeps you competitive. And it guarantees you’re always making progress.”

Curious what’s next? See the video production trends 2025 shaping social content

Wrapping It Up

Mistakes happen. That’s okay. The important thing is to learn from them.

So there you have it, the 5 biggest mistakes brands make on Instagram. More important you know how to stay out of them.

To recap:

1. Understand your audience like the back of your hand.
2. Eliminate those excuses and make sure you plan so you post consistently.
3. It is time to concentrate on value instead of salesroffers.
4. Show up and engage, then build that relationship.
5. Be adaptable and open to change.

And one more: invest in strong visuals. Work with a video production company in Dubai to create scroll-stopping content.

Ready to elevate your Instagram strategy? Start a project with The Project F today.