top of page
Search

The 7 Mistakes Tasmanian Businesses Make on Instagram — And How to Avoid Them

  • Writer: Kirsty Dryburgh
    Kirsty Dryburgh
  • 13 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Instagram is one of the most effective platforms for Tasmanian businesses to connect with locals, attract tourists, and build brand trust. Whether you’re operating in Hobart, engaging customers in Launceston, or growing your presence in Devonport, Instagram can be a powerful marketing tool—if it’s used correctly.

Yet many small and medium Tasmanian businesses unknowingly limit their growth by repeating the same mistakes. Below are the seven most common Instagram pitfalls, plus simple ways to fix them and get better results.


1. Posting Without a Local Strategy

Many businesses post random content without considering who they are talking to or where their audience is located. Tasmanian communities engage differently compared to larger mainland cities.

How to avoid it

  • Tailor posts to your location:

    • Hobart loves lifestyle and scenic visuals

    • Launceston responds well to educational and value-driven content

    • Devonport engages strongly with community-focused posts

  • Write captions that reference local life, events, and seasons

  • Highlight your neighbourhood or region to strengthen local identity

A little localisation goes a long way in Tasmania.


2. Ignoring Reels (The #1 Growth Tool Right Now)

Reels are the fastest way to grow on Instagram—but many Tasmanian businesses still rely on static images only.

How to avoid it

Create simple, authentic short videos:

  • A behind-the-scenes clip

  • A quick product demo

  • A day-in-the-life at your business

  • Staff introductions

  • Local event highlights

You don’t need professional video skills. On Instagram, authentic beats polished.


3. Using Generic or Irrelevant Hashtags

Hashtags like #smallbusiness or #love don’t help you reach Tasmanians. Your posts end up lost in a global crowd.

How to avoid it

Use localised hashtags, such as:

Local hashtags help Instagram show your posts to local people.


4. Forgetting Location Tags

Many businesses skip location tags entirely—missing out on one of Instagram’s strongest local discovery features.

How to avoid it

Tag your:

  • City (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport)

  • Suburb (Battery Point, Riverside, East Devonport)

  • Event venue

  • Local landmark

  • Store or studio

Location tags boost local reach instantly.


5. Posting Inconsistently

Some Tasmanian businesses post three times one week, then disappear for the next month. Instagram’s algorithm pushes consistent accounts—not occasional ones.

How to avoid it

Stick to a manageable schedule:

  • 3–5 posts per week

  • 3–10 stories per week

  • 1–3 Reels per week

Use scheduling tools like Meta Planner, Later, or Buffer to stay consistent.


6. Over-Promoting and Under-Connecting

A lot of businesses treat Instagram like an advertisement board. But selling too much—and sharing too little—causes engagement to drop.

How to avoid it

Balance your content types:

  • 30% value (tips, insights, how-tos)

  • 30% connection (behind the scenes, personal stories, local life)

  • 20% social proof (testimonials, reviews, user-generated content)

  • 20% promotion (offers, new products, services)

Tasmanians love community-driven brands. Show your human side.


7. Not Engaging With the Local Community

Some businesses post regularly—but never reply to comments, interact with other accounts, or connect with locals.

How to avoid it

Commit 10 minutes a day to:

  • Replying to comments

  • Liking posts from local users

  • Commenting on Tasmanian creators’ content

  • Engaging with customers’ posts

This signals to Instagram that your account is active and relevant—boosting your reach.


Bonus Tip: Collaborate With Tasmanian Creators

You don’t need big influencers. Micro-creators (1,000–20,000 followers) in Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport deliver better local engagement than national influencers.

Consider collaborations such as:

  • Local product reviews

  • Short Reels featuring your service

  • Event promotions

  • Co-created educational posts

  • Giveaways for local audiences

These partnerships increase trust and visibility.


Tasmanian businesses have a unique advantage: strong community culture, passionate locals, and an audience that values authenticity. Avoiding these seven common mistakes will help you create an Instagram presence that not only looks good, but actually delivers results.

By using local insights, posting consistently, embracing Reels, and engaging with your community, you’ll build a brand that people in Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport genuinely enjoy following.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page