How to Win on Instagram in 2025 (Without Dancing or Faking a Jet)
Instagram in 2025 isn't about filters or fake lifestyles. It's about authenticity, strategy, and knowing where your audience lives online. If you're a business owner, freelancer, or personal brand looking to grow on Instagram—this guide will show you how.
In a candid conversation with Instagram expert and author Corey Walker, we break down how to actually make Instagram work for business—no fake jets required.
1. Start With Where Your Audience Is
You’ve heard, “Go where your audience is.” But how?
✅ Research your competitors.
✅ Look at engagement (not just follower counts).
✅ Evaluate your target audience’s age, behavior, pain points, and social habits.
If your competitors are getting traction on Instagram, there's a good chance your audience is there too.
2. Authenticity > Overproduction
In 2025, high production doesn’t equal high performance.
👉 People want real.
👉 Overproduced content can actually hurt relatability.
👉 Raw video with clear messaging often performs better than flashy edits.
Simple tips: face a window, speak genuinely, and deliver value.
3. Understand Instagram’s Funnel
Instagram can act as a sales funnel:
Top of Funnel: Reels (15–30 seconds for discovery)
Middle of Funnel: Carousels (education & trust-building)
Bottom of Funnel: Stories (personal connection)
Conversion: Lives (engage, interact, sell)
Bonus tip: Batch content creation once a week to stay consistent without the daily stress.
4. No, You Don’t Have to Dance
“I’m not dancing in the street.” Good. You don’t have to.
📌 Talk directly to the camera
📌 Use voiceovers
📌 Record your process or workspace
📌 Use text-based Reels with trending audio
Your personality is your asset. Let it work for you, not against you.
5. Reels Still Rule—but Keep Them Short
Instagram Reels can now be 3 minutes—but don’t go long unless your audience already knows and trusts you.
💡 Best-performing reels are 15–30 seconds
💡 Grab attention with a strong hook
💡 Stimulate comments to extend watch time
Tip: Use the HIT formula → Hook – Information – Take Action
6. Quality vs Quantity? Go With Momentum
Worried your first few Reels will suck? They might. Post anyway.
👉 Instagram favors consistency
👉 Mediocre content weekly > amazing content monthly
👉 You’ll improve with practice and data
7. Engagement Triggers Growth
Encourage comments by asking simple questions like:
“Do you agree with this?”
“What would you do differently?”
“Ever experienced this?”
Every comment helps your Reel get shown more.
Final Thoughts:
Instagram in 2025 isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being real, helpful, and consistent. Start small, stay authentic, and build momentum.
Want help? Check out Corey Walker’s free resource:
➡️ themarketingspecialist.com
For more insights and detailed discussions like this, don't forget to subscribe to The Common Cents Show on YouTube and catch each episode live for the opportunity to engage with the experts.