Instagram isn’t just about pretty pictures and endless content creation—it’s a powerful tool to build relationships and grow your business when used strategically. If you’re a service provider, freelancer, or Virtual Assistant, your success on Instagram isn’t about how many posts you churn out. It’s about how you connect.

After over a decade in the online business space, I’ve learned that it’s not the platform you use but how you use it that makes all the difference. So, if you’ve been treating Instagram like a content treadmill, it’s time to shift your focus. Here are five unconventional ways to leverage Instagram to dramatically improve your business.

This article is based on my written interview with Authority Magazine. You can read the original here.

1. Move From Content Creation to Connection

For so long, we’ve been told that consistency is key—post, post, post, and eventually, you’ll see results. But what if I told you that you don’t need to be stuck in a never-ending content cycle?

Instagram was designed to foster connections. Yes, content plays a role, but relationships are what actually drive business growth. Instead of constantly creating, start engaging. Comment on posts, reply to stories, and send genuine messages. Think of Instagram as a networking event rather than a megaphone.

Action Step: Every day, dedicate time to interacting with people in your niche. Leave thoughtful comments, send DMs, and focus on building relationships over simply pushing out more content.

Image suggestion: A screenshot of an engaging Instagram DM conversation that led to a client or partnership.

2. Move the Conversation Beyond Instagram

DMs are great, but if you want stronger relationships (and paying clients), you need to take the conversation off-platform. Instagram should be the starting point, not the final destination.

Whether it’s a Zoom call, a voice note exchange, or even just shifting to email, moving beyond Instagram creates a deeper level of connection. It allows you to establish trust and have real conversations that aren’t limited by an algorithm.

Action Step: Next time someone engages with your content or messages you, guide the conversation toward a more personal space—offer to hop on a quick call or continue the conversation via email.

Image suggestion: A step-by-step visual of how to transition from an Instagram DM to a sales call or email conversation.

3. Use a Personal Profile for Relationship Building

Most business owners assume they need to have a business account. But sometimes, a personal profile can be a more powerful networking tool. Why? Because people don’t want to feel like they’re being sold to immediately.

When someone sees a business profile, their first thought is often, They’re trying to sell me something. That can create resistance. Instead, making those initial connections through a personal profile can feel more organic and authentic.

Action Step: If you have both a business and personal profile, experiment with networking through your personal account. See if you get more engagement and authentic conversations that way.

4. Build Ongoing Relationships—Not Just One-Time Connections

A single conversation isn’t enough. If you want to turn Instagram relationships into long-term clients or collaborations, you need to keep showing up.

Trust is built over time. The strongest business relationships are formed through ongoing interactions. This means continuing to engage with someone’s content, checking in via DM, and being present in their online space long after that first message.

Action Step: After an initial conversation, make a note to follow up. Engage with their posts weekly, reply to their stories, and keep the connection alive.

5. Get Vulnerable and Show Humility

One of the most underrated ways to build trust on Instagram? Vulnerability and humility. People want to connect with real humans, not polished perfection.

Being open about your experiences, challenges, and even failures makes you relatable. It doesn’t mean you need to share every struggle, but letting people see the person behind the brand builds trust faster than a perfectly curated feed ever could.

Action Step: Share a post or story where you open up about a challenge you’ve faced in your business journey. Watch how people respond when they see the real you.

Do You Need Instagram to Be a Successful Virtual Assistant? Absolutely Not!

While Instagram can be a fantastic tool for networking and growing your Virtual Assistant business, it’s not a requirement. Plenty of successful Virtual Assistants never post on Instagram at all.

The truth is, you can land high-paying clients without ever touching social media. Some of the best ways to get clients include:

Referrals – Happy clients will refer you to others.
Cold outreach – Sending strategic, value-driven pitches via email.
Freelance platforms – Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contra can help you get started.
Networking in business groups – Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and local networking events are great ways to connect.

If Instagram feels overwhelming or just isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it. It’s just one of many paths to success.

Final Thoughts

Instagram isn’t about how much content you create—it’s about how you use it to connect. By shifting your approach from constant posting to intentional networking, you’ll not only grow your audience but also attract more meaningful business opportunities.

And if social media isn’t your thing? That’s okay too. There are plenty of other ways to build a thriving Virtual Assistant business without it.

If you’re ready to take your Virtual Assistant business to the next level and get weekly training on how to grow, sign up for the VA Vortex. You’ll get actionable strategies straight to your inbox, helping you build a thriving business without the overwhelm.

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