Instagram is well known as a feed of updates and content. Recommendations for managing your Instagram feedare all over the map. Some people say you must post daily, others give you specific times of day to post, or insist you must post more than once a day. (I don’t subscribe to that last one AT ALL.)
If you find yourself saying things like, “I just hate posting on Instagram” or “I just don’t have time to spend on social media”, it may be time to shift your approach toward an Instagram static post feed, also known as an Instagram 9-grid.
What is an Instagram 9-Grid?
An Instagram 9-grid (or sometimes a 12-grid) means you create 9 (or 12) static Instagram posts for your page, and these posts don’t change. Typically, these posts are cohesive and essentially build a decorative page visual. The Instagram 9-grid exists in place of your typical Instagram feed that is updated regularly.
The key to a successful Instagram static post feed is the strategy: creating a grid that is visually appealing, along with Instagram elements that provide information or CTAs that visitors need when they visit your Insta page.
For some, that means creating a 9-grid that includes various CTAs. For others, that means being really strategic with your Instagram bio and highlights.
Is a Static Post Grid Right for You?
There are a few things to consider before you decide to make the switch to an Instagram 9-grid or 12-grid.
1. How much of your website traffic and/or sales comes from social media?
If Instagram is a revenue driver for your business, or if you need social media to drive conversions, this may not be the best approach.
2. Do you have specific calls to action that you want Instagram page visitors to take?
These are things you’ll want to incorporate in the Instagram 9-grid design, as well as when updating your Insta bio and highlights.
3. Do you need to push out timely information or updates to your customers/potential customers?
If you regularly add new products, run sales, rotate specials, etc., you may find an Instagram static grid limiting.
4. Are you trying to grow your Instagram following or track engagement metrics?
Moving to an Instagram 9-grid is a different strategy than using an Instagram feed, so growth and engagement will no longer be key performance indicators (KPIs).
How to Build an Instagram 9-Grid
If you’ve decided an Instagram 9-grid is right for your business, you’re probably wondering how to build one.
Follow these steps to create your design in Canva:
Create a Canva document that assumes 1080 x 1350 px for each post on the grid.
Go to File // View Settings // Add Guides
Add the appropriate guides across and down with no gaps
Design your Instagram Post Grid and export as a .PNG
In the “How to Split” box, indicate how many blocks you want vertically and horizontally
Click Process and Download – let the magic happen!
Now that you have your static grid images, you need to post them on Instagram in order, starting with the bottom right corner and moving right to left. Once you post all of the images in your Instagram 9-grid or 12-grid to your page, you’re done!
Two Peaks Cabin is a VRBO in Glacier, WA. The cabin is an investment property for the owners, and not their primary gig – so posting regularly on social media was a challenge.
And, in short, updates rarely happened with any consistency!
Additionally, with the lack of attention paid to their Instagram posts, the feed was chaotic at best. It was not cohesive and was a good example of what happens when you post whatever, whenever.
I’ll pause here to note that my husband and I own this property, so it’s ok to speak so boldly about our lack of social media effort or strategy!
When we looked at the main drivers of revenue for Two Peaks Cabin, we determined that social media was not a priority. Bookings come primarily through Airbnb and VRBO directly, with a handful coming from the website.
However, we did want to maintain a visually appealing page to appear in search and to provide booking details, just in case someone landed there wanting more information.
Instagram 12-Grid Before and After
We decided on a 12-grid, creating the best presentation on a mobile phone. We added keyword-rich text with a few strategic hashtags to each post to catch IG’s robust search function.
Since we were no longer posting regular updates on our Instagram feed, we were very intentional with the highlights below the bio. Keyword rich content in the Instagram bio helps visitors find our page when searching, and strategic highlights let them gather as much information about the cabin from Instagram as they could from the booking websites.
We also included booking links to Airbnb and VRBO in a “Book Now” highlight, so users can jump directly into their preferred vacation rental platform from our IG page.
Updating an Instagram Account with a Static Grid Feed
Once you create a static 9-grid or a 12-grid, you will not want to update Instagram with static posts. Doing so will upset the grid. However, hopefully that’s the low-maintenance Instagram experience you were hoping for! Set it,forget it, and update things occasionally.
When you do post updates to Instagram, you can do so through Stories (which allow you to include links!) or Reels. And you can update the highlights with anything you may want top of mind – like the newest highlight listing restaurants to visit in Glacier in our example above.
Ready for an Instagram Static Grid Approach?
Static Instagram post feeds and 9-grids may not be for everyone. But if you find it impossible to “feed the beast” and you want to consider a low-maintenance option, this might be a way to go.
This type of approach will not be a big driver of conversions since you’re not updating or engaging. BUT! If done thoughtfully and strategically, it can serve as a lovely landing spot for visitors who can then jump into your more active marketing channels.
Social media is just a sliver of an overall marketing strategy to grow your business. Our team helps businesses create a holistic marketing plan to attract and book the right clients. Because no, you don’t need to rely on social media as your only marketing channel. Let’s work together on a marketing strategy that works for you!
FAQs About Instagram 9-Grids
How often should small businesses update their Instagram 9-grid?
There’s no strict rule, but many businesses refresh their 9-grid once a quarter or semi-annually. The key is to be low-maintenance, but still relevant to your business. If any posts no longer accurately reflect your business, it’s time to change the grid.
Do all nine posts need to match visually?
Not necessarily. While a cohesive look helps, the goal isn’t perfection. Instead, focus on using consistent brand colors, fonts, photo styles, or graphic elements so the grid feels connected. Variety in content can make the grid more engaging.
What types of posts should be included in a 9-grid?
A strong 9-grid usually includes a mix of content types. For example, many small businesses include educational posts, client results or testimonials, personal brand photos, tips or tutorials, product or service highlights, and relatable lifestyle content. This variety helps show both expertise and personality.
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