Getting the most out of Instagram
Optimise your craft business's Instagram account to reach new audiences and generate revenue
Last updated 24 August 2021
Social media moves fast. Some in-app features mentioned on this page may have changed or been removed since the time of writing. For the latest technical advice please check the platform's own guidance for businesses.
Instagram is one of the most used social media platforms by businesses as it provides direct contact with customers as well as connecting you to retailers, press and curators. The resources on this page will cover essential features like your link-in-bio, main-grid posts, Stories, Highlights, Reels and IGTV as well as best practices around content creation, hashtags, captions and comments.
In this video, the Crafts Council's digital marketing officer Frannie Glass and digital manager Emily Collins are joined by Annahita Hessami, founder of Cut Glass Studio - London’s leading architectural glass service. Annahita has amassed a loyal following of more than 12,000 followers and shares her tips for fellow makers looking to grow their audience and tell their story in engaging and authentic ways.
“It gives me the ability to connect with makers all over the world, having gone from starting a business and being so serious and formal to taking commissions via Instagram!”
- Annahita Hessami, Cut Glass Studio
For further guidance, please download our frequently asked questions (FAQs) and Glossary of terms. The Crafts Council has created these documents to support you, whether you're creating an Instagram account for the first time or making improvements to an established business page.
Topics include:
- Account set-up
- Personal and Business pages
- Verification
- Content strategy
- Formats and specs
- Instagram Shopping
- Engagement tactics
- User-generated content
Useful links
- Kickstarter: Ultimate glossary of Instagram terms
- Tide: The definitive guide to Instagram marketing for business
- Sprout Social: How to use the Instagram link in bio to drive traffic
Scheduling software
If you require an alternative format to any of the information provided, please email makerdev@craftscouncil.org.uk
Annahita Hessami at work
About Cut Glass Studio
Founded in 2011 by Annahita Hessami, Cut Glass Studio is a London-based workshop providing high-end architectural glass services including bespoke design, manufacture, and installation. The studio prides itself on using the finest quality materials and craftsmanship. All stained-glass work is produced using traditional techniques from initial hand-drawn cartoons, cut lines and the glass cutting and leading process. The studio prides itself on dexterity in design and craft using methods like glass painting, sandblasting, fusing and acid etching to create depth, tone and gradients within works.
Follow Annahita on Instagram @annahitahessami
Visit the Cut Glass Studio website
Spring-back talks
This presentation was part of the Spring-back talks online programme and Crafting Europe - a project funded by Creative Europe. Ten free lunchtime talks took place on Zoom from May - September 2021, offering essential marketing advice to makers preparing their business for digital and physical opportunities in 2021 and beyond.
The full playlist of talks is available to watch now on the Crafts Council YouTube channel.
If you require an alternative format to any of the information provided on this page, please email makerdev@craftscouncil.org.uk
