🎯 What Should (and Shouldn't) Be on Your Instagram Grid: A Guide for Social Sellers

For many of my clients and the women in my world - their Instagram grid (all the squares of pictures that you see when you go to someone's profile) is a bit of a mystery.

Here's what I need you to know - 

In the world of Social Selling and Network Marketing, your Instagram grid isn't just a collection of photos—it's your brand's storefront. Every post should serve a purpose: to educate, inspire, or connect with your ideal audience.

Let's delve into what content belongs on your grid and what should be reserved for other parts of Instagram.

✅ What to Include on Your Instagram Grid:

1. Niche-Specific Content

Identify your target audience and tailor your content to their interests and needs. This focus will make content creation more straightforward and resonate more deeply with your followers.

Tip: Create a weekly “Did You Know?” series with quick facts, solutions, or truths specific to your niche (e.g., wellness hacks, skincare myths, protein tips for women over 40).

2. Value-Driven Posts

Share insights, tips, and information that provide real value. Establish yourself as an authority in your niche by consistently offering content that educates and informs.

Tip: Answer one specific question your ideal customer is already Googling. Use the caption to give a clear, actionable answer (e.g., “Wondering how to stay consistent with content in less than 1 hour a day? Here’s my 3-step system…”). Then include a CTA like “Save this for later” to boost engagement and shareability.

3. Personal Branding

In social selling, your audience isn’t just buying your product—they’re buying into you. That means your Instagram grid should reflect your values, lifestyle, and the real human behind the brand. Infuse personal touches that align with your mission, whether it's your morning routine, a glimpse into your family life, or your “why” behind the business. The goal is to build trust, relatability, and connection without turning your grid into a personal scrapbook. Think intentional, not random.

Tip: Share a photo of yourself doing something meaningful (e.g., working from a coffee shop, mom life moment, post-workout glow) and pair it with a story about why you started your business or what keeps you going. End with a question like “Can you relate?” to spark comments and conversations.

4. Storytelling

Share your journey, experiences, and testimonials. Stories are powerful tools for connection and can effectively convey your brand's message.

Tip: Use the “Hook–Heart–Help” framework:

• Hook: Start with a scroll-stopping first line (e.g., “I almost gave up on this business last year…”).

• Heart: Share the honest emotions and challenges you faced.

• Help: Wrap it up with a lesson, transformation, or tip that your audience can apply to their own journey.

❌ What to Avoid on Your Instagram Grid

1. Personal Celebrations

While birthdays and anniversaries are important, they might not align with your brand's message. Reserve these for Instagram Stories, where more casual content is appropriate.

2. Overt Product Promotions

Avoid cluttering your grid with direct sales posts or company graphics. Instead, integrate products naturally into your content, such as using them in lifestyle shots or tutorials.

3. Reposted Content Without Personalization

Sharing generic content without adding your perspective can dilute your brand. Ensure that all reposted material is customized to reflect your voice and message. Or even better - let your grid be full of original content.

🔧 Tips for a Cohesive and Engaging Grid

• Show Your Face: Personal photos help build a connection with your audience

• Maintain Aesthetic Consistency: Use a consistent colour palette or theme to make your grid visually appealing

• Leverage Reels and Videos: Dynamic content like videos can increase engagement and reach

• Be Consistent: Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and your brand top-of-mind

By thoughtfully curating your Instagram grid with content that educates, entertains, and authentically represents your brand, you'll create a compelling presence that attracts and retains your ideal audience.

🚀 Action Steps + What to Do Next:

Now that you know exactly what belongs on your Instagram grid (and what doesn't), here’s how to put it into action:

✅ 1. Audit Your Current Grid

Scroll through your last 9–12 posts. Ask yourself:

• Does each post align with my niche and brand message?

• Am I offering value or just posting to post?

• Is there a balance of personal connection, education, and entertainment?

✅ 2. Pick 1 Content Type to Focus On This Week

Start small. Choose one content type from this blog (like a storytelling post or a value-driven carousel), and commit to posting it this week with intention.

✅ 3. Batch Create with a Grid in Mind

Plan your content in advance using a visual planner (like Canva or Planoly) to ensure your posts are cohesive, aligned with your brand, and strategic in purpose.

✅ 4. Show Your Face

If it’s been a while since your followers saw you, post a fresh photo with a personal caption. People connect with people—not products.

✅ 5. Stay Consistent

Commit to a realistic schedule you can maintain. It’s better to show up consistently 2–3 times per week than to post daily for a week and ghost the next.

💌 Ready to start using Instagram for your business?

Grab my FREE Social Media Planner
📥 Get organized and consistent on social media — a content planner + trackers.
👉 Download Now (yes! it's totally free!)

🚀 Want to Go Faster?

Check Out My Signature Program:
🔥The Level Up Academy— Where I help women build social selling businesses in less than 1 hour/day.
✨ What's inside:

• Building a Personal Brand
• Social Media Strategy
• Email Marketing Strategy
• Sales Strategies
• Building and Leading a Team
• And NEW - How to Build a Digital Product all your own!

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