HOW TO ADVERTSIE ON INSTAGRAM FOR FREE

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and have developed a practical guide on How to Advertise on Instagram to help you set up, launch, and track ads that deliver real results for your brand.

When I speak to small business owners about Instagram marketing most of them assume they need a big advertising budget to get results. In my opinion this is one of the biggest misconceptions about the platform. Instagram offers several ways to promote your business completely free if you understand how the algorithm works and what type of content Instagram rewards.

Below is a simple guide that explains exactly how to advertise on Instagram for free using tools and tactics that genuinely work for local businesses.

1. Optimise your Instagram profile so it sells for you

Before you try to get free exposure your profile needs to look trustworthy and complete. A strong profile converts visitors into followers and followers into enquiries.

Make sure you have:

  • a clear profile picture such as your logo

  • a bio that explains who you help and what you offer

  • a link in your bio that goes to a lead generating page

  • your business category selected

  • your contact details visible

In my opinion this step alone increases conversions without spending a penny.

2. Post content that Instagram naturally pushes for free

Instagram rewards posts that keep people on the platform. If you create content that is engaging, helpful or entertaining Instagram increases your reach without you paying for ads.

The formats that get the most free reach are:

Short Reels (10 to 15 seconds)

Reels are the most algorithm friendly content type. You only need your phone and good lighting.

Carousel posts

Step by step content or educational carousels keep users swiping which boosts your reach.

Short educational posts

Teach something useful in under 30 seconds. Instagram loves shareable content.

Behind the scenes content

Real moments, not polished marketing. This performs extremely well for local businesses.

3. Use Instagram Stories daily to stay at the top of people’s feeds

Stories appear at the top of Instagram which means your audience sees them before scrolling. They do not need to be polished. Quick updates work best.

Post:

  • behind the scenes clips

  • customer shoutouts

  • reviews

  • product or service demos

  • polls

  • Q&A stickers

I believe daily Stories are one of the easiest free advertising tools available.

4. Engage with your audience to increase your visibility

Instagram pushes accounts that behave like real humans. If you want free reach you need to interact.

Spend five to ten minutes each day:

  • replying to comments

  • responding to DMs

  • engaging with accounts in your local area

  • commenting on posts from businesses near you

This trains the algorithm to show your posts to more people.

5. Use hashtags strategically to increase local reach

Hashtags are not dead. They still help Instagram understand who your content is for. The trick is using low to medium competition hashtags rather than huge global ones.

For local businesses I recommend a mix of:

  • local hashtags such as #BedfordBusiness or #MiltonKeynesFood

  • niche hashtags specific to your industry

  • problem based hashtags such as #BoilerRepairTips or #LegalAdviceUK

Use ten to fifteen per post. Avoid using the same ones repeatedly.

6. Post into Instagram’s “Notes” and “Broadcast Channels”

Instagram is pushing these features and early adopters get more visibility.

Notes

You can post a small message that appears at the top of your followers’ inbox. Use it to promote:

  • offers

  • new posts

  • events

  • availability updates

Broadcast Channels

A one to many messaging channel where you can send updates to your most engaged followers.

In my opinion these tools act as free mini advertising banners.

7. Collaborate with other local businesses

Collabs allow your post to appear on both profiles. This exposes your content to a new audience instantly.

Ideas:

  • a joint giveaway

  • a how to video filmed together

  • a Q&A session

  • a customer success story

  • a shared educational post

For local businesses this is one of the fastest free reach builders.

8. Share user generated content and testimonials

Any time a customer tags you or sends a review, share it. Social proof increases trust and engagement which Instagram rewards.

You can share:

  • review screenshots

  • video testimonials

  • photos of customers using your service

  • reposts from your clients

This kind of content performs extremely well because it feels authentic.

9. Post into local Facebook groups using your Instagram content

This method works incredibly well and is completely free.

You can:

  • share Reels into local groups

  • share helpful posts as advice

  • promote offers (when rules allow)

  • engage with local residents

Many groups have thousands of local people. One good post can generate enquiries instantly.

10. Join or create Instagram Trends early

Instagram boosts content that uses:

  • trending audio

  • trending Reels formats

  • trending templates

Use Instagram’s Reels audio suggestions to stay ahead. You do not need to dance. You simply adapt the trend for your business.

11. Create shareable content that drives organic growth

People share:

  • tips

  • myths

  • emotional stories

  • relatable posts

  • checklists

The more your content is shared the more visibility Instagram gives you.

In my opinion one viral carousel can outperform two months of ads.

12. Use Instagram’s scheduling tool to stay consistent

Consistency is the number one driver of organic growth. Instagram rewards active accounts.

Aim for:

  • 3 to 4 Reels per week

  • 2 carousel posts

  • daily Stories

Using Instagram’s built in scheduler makes this far easier.

13. Start conversations in comments

Instagram boosts posts with lively comment threads. Ask questions such as:

  • “What do you think about this”

  • “Has anyone else tried this”

  • “Would you like a part two”

More comments equal more exposure.

14. Use Instagram Guides to repurpose old posts

Guides allow you to group old content and present it as a mini booklet. They show authority and help new followers catch up on your best posts.

Free promotion with zero new effort.

Bringing Everything Together

In my opinion advertising on Instagram for free is completely achievable when you understand what the platform pushes and what your audience finds valuable. You do not need a large budget. You need consistency, clarity and content that helps, entertains or builds trust.

We have also written in depth articles on How Much Does it Cost to Advertise on Instagram and How to Advertise on Instagram for Free as well as our Instagram Hub to give you further guidance.