Instagram has been around for well over a decade, but it continues to evolve as one of the most powerful platforms for businesses. With nearly 2 billion active users each month, Instagram isn’t just a place for influencers—it’s a hub for businesses to connect visually, share their values, and attract clients. Over 70% of shoppers use Instagram to discover products and services, and 90% of users follow at least one business on the platform.
It’s clear that Instagram is here to stay. But what if your business isn’t inherently visual?
Many of the top-performing posts still come from photographers, designers, and other “creative” businesses. It makes sense—they have a finished product that’s easy to showcase. But what if your business offers coaching, consulting, or other services that don’t feel visually focused?
This guide is here to help non-creative businesses leverage Instagram to attract their ideal audience—without needing to look like an art gallery.
Humanize Yourself Online
The Know, Like, & Trust Factor
Creative businesses often rely on showcasing a product or visual end result. But for service-based businesses, the focus shifts to showing who you are and how you work—building trust through personality and values.
In 2025, video is king on Instagram, so features like Stories, Reels, and Lives make it easier than ever to let people see the face behind the brand. You can share behind-the-scenes snippets, show off your workspace, and talk directly to your audience.
Leverage AI-Generated Content Tools
AI-powered tools like Canva and Jasper can streamline content creation, helping you create on-brand graphics, captions, and layouts quickly. These tools make it easier to maintain a cohesive look without spending hours designing. Use them to create templates for announcements, behind-the-scenes peeks, and testimonials that seamlessly fit your visual story.
Why does this matter? People want to work with businesses they know, like, and trust—and Instagram gives you the tools to make that happen. With users spending an average of 30 minutes a day on the platform, it’s an opportunity to connect, build credibility, and stay top-of-mind.
Showcase Your Business
We’re visual creatures, and Instagram lets people see your business in action—even if you don’t have a physical product. Think of it as a way to make your process and personality tangible.
A great place to start is with a “day in the life” series. What does your workflow look like? What quirky tools do you use? What sets you apart from others in your field? These snapshots give potential clients a sense of what it’s like to work with you—before they even reach out.
Visual Ideas for Non-Creative Businesses
Show Your Workspace (But Make It Dynamic)
Your workspace can tell a story about how you work and what makes your process unique. But in 2025, it’s less about snapping photos of your desk or coffee mug and more about bringing your space to life through video.
Instagram Reels and Stories are ideal for this. Instead of a static shot, try:
Quick video tours of your workspace, pointing out tools or items that are part of your process.
Time-lapse videos of you working, organizing, or setting up for the day.
Behind-the-scenes clips showing a favorite part of your setup, like your go-to notebook or the coffee mug you can’t work without.
Reels with voiceovers explaining how your workspace supports your work or inspires creativity.
Interactive Stories featuring polls or Q&A stickers—ask your audience how they set up their own workspaces or what tools they can’t live without.
People love seeing real-life, unpolished moments that feel personal and relatable. Your workspace doesn’t have to look perfect—it just needs to feel authentic. Bonus: video content gets prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm, so these glimpses into your process will likely reach a larger audience.
Feature Your Team
Highlight the people who make your business work. Share candid shots, professional headshots, or even fun facts about their backgrounds. Bonus: team content tends to get high engagement because people love connecting with faces.
Demonstrate Your Values
Your values can be visual. Whether it’s a photo of your recycling bins to show eco-consciousness or an image of the coffee bar you set up for clients, people resonate with what you stand for.
Leverage AR Filters and Interactive Content
Augmented Reality (AR) tools and filters add interactive elements to your posts and Stories, helping you stand out. Consider creating a branded AR filter that reflects your style—like a vintage photo frame or artistic overlay—to encourage followers to engage with your brand in a fun way.
Pairing Images with Storytelling
Instagram is more than a visual platform—it’s a storytelling tool. Every image or video you post has the power to create an emotional connection.
Instead of just posting a picture of your workspace, pair it with the story of why it inspires you. Talk about how it keeps you organized or the last breakthrough idea you had there.
The story is what makes the image stick—and it’s often the deciding factor for why someone reaches out to work with you.
Getting Visibility on Instagram
One of the biggest challenges businesses face is getting seen by new audiences—not just their existing followers.
Reels and short-form video dominate Instagram in 2025, and they’re prioritized by the algorithm. Businesses that use reels are reaching 30–35% more people than those who don’t.
When it comes to hashtags, focus on smaller, niche tags that speak directly to your audience. Generic tags like #entrepreneur have millions of posts, so your content gets buried. Instead, choose hashtags with 5k–50k posts for better visibility.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s SEO-friendly captions and alt-text features to help your posts get discovered through keyword searches.
One Thing That Makes It Easier: Brand Photography
The easiest way to make your Instagram stand out? Professional brand photography.
Instagram rewards high-quality visuals, and professionally shot images help you build credibility and stop the scroll. A polished brand image creates trust and conveys your professionalism, making potential clients feel more confident in reaching out.
Pro Tip: Combine professional photos with DIY videos to keep your content polished but approachable. This mix helps balance authenticity with aesthetics, so your brand feels relatable and aspirational.
Final Thoughts
Instagram isn’t just for “creative” businesses anymore—it’s for anyone willing to get creative about sharing their process. From showing your personality to demonstrating your values, you have endless ways to make your business more relatable and memorable.
The key takeaway? People want to work with businesses they feel connected to. Instagram gives you the tools to make that connection happen—no masterpiece required.