Have you ever spent the night in Instagram jail?
Maybe you’re not even sure what Instagram jail is, or maybe you’ve also been in this situation.
This episode – our 100th (yay for us by the way!!!!) is where we tell you what happened, how we think it happened, and what we did to finally get out of lockdown and back to increasing our account following and using the platform normally.
[LISTEN: Best of Podcast Marketing Episodes, part 1 – PODCAST EPISODE]
Instagram for business is becoming the foremost way for businesses to engage with their client base. Creating a profile is one thing, organically building up the profile is another. It takes lots of time, lots of images and a lot of l/c/f. But what happens when IG decides to put you in their penalty box or even worse Instagram jail?
We discuss our experiences and what we did on uphill path towards the coveted 10K follower mark – that’s today on the podcast.
Is it really that easy to land in IG jail?
Well, apparently it is, and there’s no real way to be sure of exactly what you did to cause the problem. There are also a variety of time-outs and “penalty box” actions that Instagram can and will take that penalize your account. We’ve seen a couple of these up close and personal in the past but this was an all out slam dunk, in the form of what’s known as an “action block”.
As luck would have it, while we were in Instagram jail, there was a Facebook/Instagram event taking place in Toronto, so Hazel decided that she would attend and see what she could find out in person from the FB/IG representatives at the conference.
But… that didn’t really go as planned either.
If your business depends on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or any other half reputable social media platform for traffic and engagement, the last thing you want to do is piss off a faceless organization full of algorithms, automated suspension flags, and the like.
Navigating the Labyrinth: A Guide to Instagram Jail for Businesses
Instagram, a social media powerhouse, thrives on user engagement. But sometimes, businesses might find themselves in a state known as “Instagram Jail” – a period of limited functionality on their account. This can be a frustrating experience, especially for businesses that rely heavily on the platform for marketing and customer interaction.
Understanding Instagram Jail:
The exact reasons for Instagram Jail remain somewhat opaque, but it’s generally triggered by violating the platform’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. These violations can range from excessive use of hashtags and inauthentic engagement (like buying followers), to posting inappropriate content or engaging in spammy behavior.
Signs You’re in Instagram Jail:
Here are some telltale signs your account might be in Instagram Jail:
- Reduced visibility: Your posts appear lower in feeds, and reach is significantly diminished.
- Limited actions: You’re unable to like, comment, or follow other accounts.
- Posting restrictions: You’re temporarily blocked from posting new content.
The Business Impact:
For businesses, Instagram Jail can be a major setback. Reduced visibility means fewer potential customers see your content, impacting brand awareness and marketing efforts. Additionally, restricted actions make it difficult to engage with followers and respond to inquiries, potentially damaging brand reputation.
Emerging From the Shadows:
While there’s no guaranteed escape route, here’s what businesses can do if they find themselves in Instagram Jail:
- Identify the Offense: Carefully review Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Analyze your recent activity to pinpoint any potential violations.
- Take a Break: Halt any activity that might have triggered the restrictions. This includes excessive posting, using banned hashtags, or interacting with automated accounts.
- Report the Issue: While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct “get out of jail free” card, you can report the issue by submitting a request through the app. Explain the situation and demonstrate your commitment to following the guidelines.
- Appeal the Decision: If you believe the restrictions were placed in error, you can appeal the decision directly through Instagram. Present your case clearly and provide any relevant evidence.
- Review and Adjust: Use this time to review your overall social media strategy. Ensure your content aligns with Instagram’s guidelines and avoid practices that could trigger future restrictions.
Preventing Instagram Jail:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid Instagram Jail altogether:
- Post Organically: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
- Engage Authentically: Build genuine connections with followers. Like and comment on relevant content, and participate in meaningful conversations.
- Use Relevant Hashtags: Research and use industry-relevant hashtags without overstuffing.
- Promote Responsibly: Run targeted ad campaigns and avoid buying followers or engaging in artificial engagement tactics.
The Takeaway:
Instagram Jail can be a temporary setback, but by understanding the causes, taking corrective measures, and implementing preventative strategies, businesses can navigate this obstacle and continue to leverage the power of Instagram for marketing success.