The Top 5 Instagram Mistakes We See Newcastle Businesses Making (And How to Fix Them!)
Instagram can be a goldmine for local businesses in Newcastle. It's where customers discover new places to eat, shops to visit, and services to try. But for every business absolutely nailing it, there are many making common slip-ups that cost them customers and engagement.
At AdToast, we work with local brands every day, and we've spotted some recurring mistakes that are easy to fix once you know what they are. Are you making any of these?
Mistake #1: The "Ghost Town" Account (Inconsistent Posting)
The Problem: Your feed is a mix of posts from last week, last month, and then silence. Customers land on your page and wonder if you're even still open. Inconsistency signals unreliability.
The Fix: Commit to a realistic schedule. It's better to post 3 high-quality times a week consistently than 7 times for one week and then nothing for a month. Use a scheduler (like Meta Business Suite, which is free!) to plan and automate your posts. Your customers want to know you're active and engaged.
Mistake #2: Blurry Photos & Bad Lighting (The "What Am I Even Looking At?" Problem)
The Problem: Your products or services look incredible in person, but your Instagram photos are dark, blurry, or have distracting backgrounds. In a visual-first city like Newcastle, poor visuals make you look unprofessional.
The Fix: Prioritise good lighting! Natural light is your best friend. Take photos near a window. Keep backgrounds clean and simple. You don't need a fancy camera; most modern smartphones take excellent photos with good lighting. (Check out our guide on phone photography tips here!).
Mistake #3: No Personality (The "Just Selling" Trap)
The Problem: Every post is a sales pitch: "Buy this!" "New product!" "Limited offer!" Your audience gets bored. People follow people, not just products. They want to connect with the brand behind the business.
The Fix: Show the real you! Introduce your team, share a funny behind-the-scenes moment, ask your audience a question about their favourite Newcastle spot, or share your own passion. Let your brand's unique personality shine through. People buy from brands they feel connected to.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Power of Reels (Sticking to Stills Only)
The Problem: Instagram is pushing video content, especially short-form Reels, hard. Businesses that only post static images are missing out on massive reach. Reels are often seen by people who don't even follow you yet!
The Fix: Start experimenting with Reels! You don't need to be a videographer. Simple 10-15 second clips showing a product in use, a quick tour of your premises, or a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse can work wonders. Use trending audio (Instagram makes this easy). This is how you reach new audiences beyond your existing followers.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Your Local Connection (Not Using Newcastle to Your Advantage)
The Problem: Your content could be for any business anywhere. You're not tapping into the powerful local pride and community of Newcastle.
The Fix: Embrace your roots! Use location tags in your posts (e.g., "Jesmond," "Quayside"). Use relevant local hashtags (#NewcastleFoodies, #SupportLocalNE, #NewcastleBusiness). Talk about local events. Show off your surroundings. Your local identity is a huge selling point—use it!
Ready to Fix Your Instagram and Attract More Newcastle Customers?
Making these fixes can transform your Instagram presence. It takes time and a bit of know-how, but the rewards are a more engaged audience and more customers coming through your door.
Feeling like you need a hand turning your Instagram mistakes into marketing wins? AdToast specialises in helping Newcastle businesses build an online presence they're proud of. Let's chat!
