With the number of brands succeeding in strategic Instagram engagement tactics, the marketing power of this social media platform is obvious. Although there’s a lot of potential for reaching and converting target customers on this social network, Instagram also comes with a number of challenges. Many marketers are scratching their heads over the best way to go about:

• Scheduling
• Analytics
• Staying up to date on algorithm changes
• Platform limitations

Fortunately, many of these issues can be solved, or at least reduced, with tools designed to support Instagram marketing efforts. If your business still hasn’t started investing in Instagram marketing efforts, it’s time to start thinking critically on the opportunities you’re missing out on.

Here are the best Instagram tools for brands to leverage for the most effective use of the platform.

‍To Make Instagram Shoppable

‍Instagram recently announced a shopping feature that is set to revolutionize brands’ use of the platform. However, it’s only open to a number of brands for the foreseeable future, and it’s unclear as to when or if it will ever be released to all users.

Pixlee’s Shoppable Instagram not only makes it possible to shop any Instagram account (right now - no wait!), but also makes it possible to integrate your shoppable Instagram feed onto your website. Pixlee’s product closes the gap between customers and the products they’re interested in, to make sure sales aren’t lost over an incomplete connection.

For Instagram Analytics

‍There are many Instagram analytics tools, and it’s recently been made possible to access basic analytics information on Instagram's own platform.  ‍

Hootsuite is a great software option for a number of social media administrative activities. Besides Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and more - Hootsuite also makes it possible to schedule and gather data from Instagram accounts.

Depending on your plan (there are various free and paid options), you can setup multiple social media accounts across multiple platforms, which makes it especially useful from an agency setting. The only downside of using Hootsuite to schedule and plan Instagram posts is that it doesn’t let you completely schedule them. As of this writing, there is no Instagram-endorsed tool that allows for complete scheduling, which is against their terms and conditions. But if you’re heavy on Instagram there are other Hootsuite alternatives to research that also allow previewing Instagram posts in a grid or scheduling Reels.

To Schedule Instagram Posts

If you are looking to maintain an active presence on Instagram, then you need to automate your Instagram posts with a tool like Social Champ. 

Social Champ is an all-in-one social media management tool that can help you to streamline your daily workflows. The tool is power-packed with rich features and supports all major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. 

Key Features Include: 

• Schedule your post for up to 3 years with the bulk upload feature. 
• Schedule your posts on your preferred time slots with Auto Queue & Auto Next. 
• Instagram first comment & stories. 
• Connect all your favorite blogs or websites to your Instagram account for auto posting using Auto RSS. 
• Tag your favorite locations on Instagram. 
• Create, organize and save your favorite & trending hashtags with hashtag manager. 
• Edit images within the content dashboard using in-app editor.

‍To Grow Your Instagram Following:

‍If your primary goal is to grow your account, Crowdfire is the Instagram followers hack tool for you. Crowdfire is an Instagram tool that makes it easy to grow and manage an Instagram following. Part of that is cleaning up your following, and identifying/unfollowing accounts that don’t follow you back.

One of Crowdfire’s best feature is it’s both web-based and mobile friendly application (iOS/Android).

‍Other key features include being able to:

• Easily follow users who follow specific Instagram accounts (that you specify)
• See the list of followers that you do not follow back
• Monitor who unfollowed you (though only from the time you linked Crowdfire to your account)

It’s hard to deny the possibilities made possible with this Instagram unfollow tool!

‍To Easily Repost on Instagram:

‍The Repost app is an excellent Instagram search tool that will make reposting and crediting an original photo/video owner a lot easier. With just one tap, you can easily share posts from other users to your account. The Repost app is a great application for businesses looking to make use of user generated content.

‍Additional features include the ability to:

• Bookmark photos and videos (so you can repost them later)
• Search photos and videos by hashtag or username
• Gives credit automatically to the original creator of the content

To Advertise on Instagram:

‍Facebook Power EditorInstagram’s ad platform is fast becoming a one of the most powerful advertising tools for social media. Since Instagram is now owned by Facebook, it uses the Facebook Power Editor to self-serve ads, and allows you to run sponsored posts on Instagram.Facebook Power Editor features include:

• Targeting options include location, age, interest, gender, income, etc.
• Flexible pricing with the ability to spend just $1/day on ads (with estimates that show how many people you can expect to reach with your set budget)
• A call to action button that allows advertisers to create more clickable links on Instagram

There are so many tools out there that you can use for your social media marketing, especially when it comes to being effective on Instagram. Play around with different options, and determine what makes the most sense for your business.

What are the best Instagram tools for brands? Do you have any additional suggestions? Tweet your thoughts to @Pixlee, and we’ll share our favorites!