In this episode of The Stephanie Kase Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Shannon McKinstrie, a social media mentor and strategist. Shannon shared insights on how small business owners can use Instagram effectively without being left overwhelmed. We dove into Instagram trends for 2025 and how to balance timeless marketing strategies with what’s currently working. If you’re a business owner looking to create a social media strategy that feels personal and sustainable, don’t skip this episode! You’ll learn more about Instagram marketing trends that are working now and how to capitalize on them to grow your business.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Instagram is shifting back to personal, story-driven content and how to adapt.
• The power of blending timeless marketing strategies with trending tactics.
• How to connect authentically with your audience by sharing relatable experiences.
• The importance of knowing your audience’s desires and using their language in your messaging.
• Practical exercises to find inspiration for Reels and tailor them to your niche.
• Why talk-to-camera Reels are trending and tips for creating engaging ones.
• Predictions for how Instagram will evolve in 2025, including the rise of longer-form content.
• How to simplify your marketing strategy by repurposing and resharing content in new formats.

Free Resource for Your Instagram Growth

Shannon is offering a free resource! Reels that Pop-off: A Week’s Worth of Reels Ideas. This includes fill-in-the-blank prompts and scripts for various types of Reels—helpful, humorous, and even sales-focused. Download it here.

Main Takeaway

The biggest shift in Instagram marketing is bringing the “social” back to social media! Personal branding, relatable storytelling, and a focus on your unique perspective are what will stand out in 2025. As Shannon says, “Once you realize marketing is saying the same few things, dozens of different ways, it becomes a whole lot easier.”

Don’t forget to follow Shannon on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more actionable tips. You can also check out her website for additional resources.