Are you tired of following Instagram formulas, tips, and tricks that no longer work? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode of Small Business PR, host Gloria Chou chats with Instagram strategist and content expert Shannon McKinstrie—an Instagram OG with over 270,000 organic followers. Together, they unpack what’s actually working on Instagram in 2025—and what outdated strategies to finally let go of.

From embracing authentic storytelling to getting back to basics with commenting and engagement, Shannon shares the real, human-first Instagram growth strategies that are helping product brands, service providers, and creators stand out without burning out.

What’s Actually Working on Instagram in 2025 (According to a 270K-Follower Pro)

• Why “how I” storytelling now beats “how-to” content
• Shannon’s 4 H’s Content Method: Heard, Helpful, Humor, and Happenings
• A simple Instagram Stories hack that instantly boosts views
• How commenting on popular accounts still drives organic growth in 2025
• Why your first 3 Stories matter more than ever
• The truth about how often you really need to post
• Why unscripted, raw videos perform better than polished ones
• How to combine growth, engagement, and conversion—all in one post
• The outdated Instagram content tactics to stop using now
  
  

Whether you're a product-based business, personal brand, or service provider, Shannon shares how to simplify your content strategy, boost engagement organically, and make Instagram fun (and profitable) again—without having to post every day.

You’ll learn why storytelling, casual videos, and simple Reels are outperforming polished content—and how to use Instagram as a genuine connection tool instead of just another sales platform.

Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
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• Learn more about Shannon McKinstrie:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmckinstrie
• Website: https://shannonmckinstrie.com/
• LinkedIn: