Instagram Etiquette for Businesses in Today’s World

Let’s be honest—Instagram isn’t what it used to be. The days of overly polished, salesy posts are long gone, and thank goodness for that. Today, people want real, relatable content. They’re looking for connection, inspiration, and a little bit of an escape from the chaos of everyday life. And as a business, you’ve got to keep up.

We’ve learned a lot about how Instagram works in this new normal. It’s no longer just a marketing tool; it’s a way to genuinely connect with people and show them who you are. But that comes with a bit of responsibility too. No one wants to follow a brand that feels tone-deaf or out of touch.

So how do you use Instagram the right way in today’s world? Let’s dive in.

The Feed: Where Escapism Meets Authenticity

Instagram has always been a place for dreamy, picture-perfect moments, and honestly, that hasn’t changed much. But now, it’s less about showing off and more about creating moments that make people pause, smile, or dream a little.

For businesses, this means thinking about how you want people to feel when they see your posts. Are you inspiring them? Giving them a moment of beauty? Sharing something relatable?

Let’s say you’re in the event industry (hi, friends!). Share those gorgeous tablescapes or dreamy destination setups, but pair them with a caption that tells a story. Maybe it’s about how you overcame a challenge during the event or how that setup made the couple feel. People want to see the pretty pictures, but they also want a little depth.

Stories: The Unfiltered Side of Things

If your feed is the curated highlight reel, Stories are where you let loose. This is your space to be real, relatable, and even a little messy. People love seeing the behind-the-scenes stuff—setting up an event, prepping for a photoshoot, or even just what’s on your desk that day.

And don’t just post—engage! Use polls, Q&A boxes, and stickers to get people involved. For example, if you’re a planner, ask your followers what color palettes they love or what’s on their wedding Pinterest board. It’s a simple way to make them feel part of the conversation.

Stories are also a great place to educate your audience. Share quick tips, “how-tos,” or even answer common questions. Keep it casual and fun—it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Instagram Live: Real-Time Connections

Going Live might feel scary, but it’s honestly one of the best ways to build a real connection with your audience. It’s raw, unscripted, and personal.

Use it as a chance to chat directly with your followers. Maybe you share a behind-the-scenes walkthrough of an event you’re setting up or hop on with a vendor partner to talk about upcoming trends. The key is to be yourself and keep it interactive.

Reels: A Chance to Show Off Your Personality

Reels might feel intimidating at first, but trust me, they’re worth it. They’re fun, creative, and a great way to reach people outside your usual audience.

Think about what makes your business unique and turn it into bite-sized content. If you’re in catering, maybe it’s a Reel showing how to assemble a stunning charcuterie board. If you’re a designer, show a quick before-and-after of a space you styled. And don’t shy away from trending sounds or fun transitions—they’re a great way to keep things fresh.

Keep It Relevant, Keep It Real

Here’s the deal: Instagram isn’t just about selling anymore. People can spot an insincere post from a mile away, and they’re not interested. Instead, focus on being a source of inspiration, positivity, and even a little humor.

That doesn’t mean you can’t talk about your business—just make sure it feels genuine. Share the “why” behind what you do, celebrate your team, or talk about what’s inspiring you lately.

And one last thing: be mindful of the world around you. Posting a “look at me” moment during tough times can come off as tone-deaf. Take a second to think about how your content fits into the bigger picture.

Bottom Line: Show Up as Yourself

At the end of the day, Instagram is all about connection. Show up as yourself—authentic, thoughtful, and maybe a little playful. Share the beauty of what you do, but don’t forget to let people see the heart behind it. That’s what builds trust and keeps people coming back for more.

So, let’s get out there and create something meaningful, one post at a time.

Whether you’re an event planner, a caterer, or part of a creative team, Instagram remains one of the best tools to connect with clients, showcase your work, and inspire your audience. By staying authentic, thoughtful, and engaging, you can turn your Instagram presence into a powerful extension of your brand.

Want to learn more strategies to elevate your business?

• Sign up for our newsletter for insider tips and updates.

• Follow us on Instagram and on Tiktok for fresh ideas, behind-the-scenes inspiration, and practical advice.

• For even deeper insights, tune in to our Wine and Dine Me Podcast in Apple Podcast and Spotify, where we explore all things weddings, life, and business

We’d love to hear how you’re using Instagram to connect with your audience—tag us in your favorite posts! Let’s keep building, growing, and creating together.