What is the critical first step in developing an Instagram content strategy that ensures long-term audience engagement?

The critical first step in developing an Instagram content strategy that ensures long-term audience engagement is conducting thorough target audience research. This involves identifying the demographics, interests, pain points, and online behaviors of the people you want to reach. Understanding your target audience allows you to create content that resonates with them, fulfills their needs, and keeps them coming back for more. For example, if you're targeting young professionals interested in personal finance, your research might reveal that they're seeking tips on budgeting, investing, and career advancement. This information would then inform the type of content you create, such as short videos explaining investment concepts or infographics offering budgeting advice. Without this foundational understanding, your content is likely to miss the mark, leading to low engagement and a failure to build a loyal audience. Knowing their preferences allows tailoring the content, visuals, and tone, which are key for engagement.