Episode #74 - Corey Walker, Author of Instagram for Business for Dummies, Talks Social Strategy

This week on the Instagram Stories Podcast, five-time best-selling author Corey Walker, co-author of Instagram for Dummies and Instagram for Business for Dummies, joins the show to share her expertise on Instagram marketing. Corey explains how she became a successful author and why Instagram is the perfect platform for businesses of all sizes, even considering the rise of TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Threads.

During the conversation, Corey shares insights on using Instagram's features to connect with audiences:

○ She emphasizes the importance of using Reels and Carousels.

○ She suggests creating TikToks specifically for that platform and repurposing the content without the TikTok logo for Instagram Reels. About Corey Walker:

Corey is the 5-time bestselling co-author of Instagram for Dummies, and Instagram for Business for Dummies. She is also a social media marketing agency owner in El Dorado Hills, California. Corey works with service based businesses to get more leads and sales through social media and email marketing by helping them get over the hump of posting on social media - whether they're held back by fear, time, or energy, her strategies get businesses on the right track of posting regularly.

Episode Highlights:

(00:01:32) Recent Instagram update from Adam Mosseri about DM inbox improvements, including request filtering and easier access to story replies.

(00:03:32) How Corey became an author. Corey explains how she started writing "For Dummies" books after her friend and co-author, Eric Butow, needed an Instagram expert.

(00:06:03) Planning content in advance. Corey shares her content strategy for businesses: planning in advance (ideally once a month), creating content pillars (3-5 topics to consistently discuss), and dedicating time for content creation.

(00:07:13) What to avoid doing on social media. Corey discusses social media mistakes businesses should avoid, such as not planning content, ignoring the target audience, using stock photos, and neglecting video content.

(00:08:06) Different approaches for short-form video platforms. Corey advises creating content specifically for each short-form video platform, like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, while keeping the target audience in mind.

(00:09:22) Current and future trends in social media marketing, including the continuing importance of Reels and Carousels, a shift toward authenticity rather than curated content, using Instagram’s built-in tools (because Instagram favors content created this way), and the rising importance of micro-influencers.

(00:11:46) Helping service-based businesses develop content calendars and strategies, identify their target audience's pain points, and utilize the “Instagram Funnel” (Reels, feed posts, Stories, and live videos) to guide potential customers.

(00:13:11) Corey’s new book and free course. December 5th is release date of the new Instagram for Business for Dummies, Third Edition, and her free 5-day email course called “Social Sprint: 5 Days to More Clients” is available now.

(00:16:32) Corey’s volunteer work. Corey shares information about her volunteer work at a cat shelter, where she socializes cats to prepare them for adoption.

Follow Corey:

Website: ⁠https://themarketingspecialist.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/coreycwalker⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/coreycwalker⁠

Social Sprint: ⁠5 Days to More Clients⁠ (FREE!)

Instagram for Business for Dummies, 3rd edition (⁠Amazon⁠)

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