The Best Instagram Tools for Management and Marketing

Almost all Instagram tools for management and marketing you’ll find online advertise themselves as the #1 in the industry. It’s a well-known fact that a lot of these apps are your run-of-the-mill automation tools that promise to boost follower and engagement numbers. But there are many others out there that sufficiently fill real needs in account management and marketing. 

Let’s take a look at the best of these Instagram third-party apps that can add great value to your account. 

Tools for content programming

Instagram’s API can’t be accessed by third-party apps without permission, i.e., Instagram has to approve an app before it can access the platform’s API. For content programming, in particular, even approved third-party apps have limited functionalities when used on Instagram. The best options you have to include:

• Hootsuite. This is one of the most comprehensive tools out there that’s Instagram-approved. Among its features is content programming. 
• Onlypult. You can try this app for free for 7 days. The app can be used to program content for multiple accounts. 
• ConjureGram. This was the first cloud-based content auto-scheduler and auto-rescheduler, and also offers other automated functions. 
• Grum. This app is one of the most affordable in the market. It allows content programming from your computer. 

Tools for profile optimization

There are many ways to optimize your profile, one optimization option that will prove invaluable to any business account is the link in the bio feature. Instagram’s link in bio allows you to redirect your followers to your website where they can learn more about you (in case your Instagram bio section is not enough) and/or where they can view and purchase your products. 

Some third-party profile optimization tools are specifically designed as link-in-bio tools. While Instagram is widely used as a business platform, it doesn’t allow clickable links on post captions. You can still post a link to the specific product that you’re promoting in a post, for example, but it won’t be a live URL. Your followers will have to copy the link and paste it on a browser to make it work. 

Some users simply update their Instagram link in bio every time they add “see link in bio” to a caption to redirect their followers to the correct page on their website, depending on what the post is about. This process is, obviously, very tedious. 

The link-in-bio tool makes it possible to create multiple, clickable links for your account. The tool basically creates a landing page that hosts multiple links. So when you create content for your page and you encourage your followers to see the link in your bio, when they visit your bio and click on the link, they’ll get access to multiple link options. 

Your multiple links can include a product category link, resources link, FAQs link, and your website’s landing page link, among others.  

IGLINK is an Instagram-approved link-in-bio tool; it also offers the added advantage of allowing you to use your Instagram handle on your customized link in bio. 

Tools for analysis and monitoring

Analytics tools 

Instagram’s built-in analytics tool is already highly insightful. But getting extra analytics help is always welcome; the more data you can gather and analyze, the better you can manage your account. Here are some of the best third-party analytics tools you can check out. 

• Metricool. You can use this tool to collect and analyze data from multiple sources, including your Instagram account, website, online ads, and other social media accounts. 
• Iconosquare. This app’s analytics are especially helpful when interpreting performance of social media posts (Instagram and Facebook) and adjusting your strategy. The tool can also be used for content scheduling. 

Monitoring tools 

The best monitoring tools that keep track of hashtags and your competition include:

• Hashtracking. This analyzes the effectiveness of hashtags used on Instagram. 
• Keyhole. This is another hashtag monitoring tool. 
• Followercheck. This tool allows you to check the number of fake followers that another account (your competition) has. 

Tools for photo editing and design

Visual content is, of course, the number one merchandise on Instagram. Instagram’s own photo editing tools are great. But to help you further in creating unique and captivating visual content, you can check out these tools:

• Aviary. This tool is available for both Android and iPhone. It’s an Adobe photo editing app, so you can expect professional quality and beautiful final products.   
• Studio Design. Available in both Google Play Store and the App Store, this tool will give you access to thousands of wonderful templates to help you create content that’s uniquely your own.  
• EasyErase. This app is only available in the App Store. It’s a handy editing tool that allows you to delete elements from photos. 
• Frametastic. Only available to iPhone users, the app allows you to create framed compositions and collages. 

Other useful management tools 

Tools to download stories, photos, and videos

Keep in mind that when using these tools, you should practice common courtesy and only download your own content, or ask for permission before downloading another person’s content. 

• StoriesIG. This tool lets you download Instagram stories to your computer. 
• DownloadGram. This app lets you download both photos and videos to your computer.  

Instagram tools

• IFTTT. Short for If This Then That, this app allows you to connect all your different apps and devices, and to automate specific actions on your Instagram account, such as automatically sharing your IG photos as native photos on your Twitter account. The app basically lets users program a response to certain actions. 
• SnapWidget. This tool allows you to share your Instagram content on your website. 
• Zapier. This app functions the same way as IFTTT. 

Instagram advertising tools

• Power Editor. This is a professional-level platform for managing advertising campaigns on both Instagram and Facebook. 
• Text Overlay. This tool keeps track of the amount of text you use in an ad. The accepted maximum limit is 20%; any higher and the reach of your ad will be limited. 

Tools for selling on Instagram

Instagram’s restriction on links included in post captions limits a business’s ability to sell products on the platform. 

One of the best solutions to this obstacle is Soldsie. Soldsie allows customers to purchase products by commenting on a post. When a customer comments “Sold” on the photo of a product you posted, they will be emailed a mobile-friendly invoice which they’ll use to check out. Soldsie also helps you keep track of your sales, inventory, and other data. 

Final Thoughts  

There are countless management and marketing tools you can use for your Instagram. When determining which ones will be the most suitable for your account, keep the following things in mind:

• What kind of help do you need to more effectively manage your account?
• Is the third-party app approved by Instagram?
• Will it give you more features and/or provide better functionalities than what you can already get from Instagram?

Remember that certain third-party apps — apps that automate following and liking, for example — are not allowed on Instagram and can get your account banned if you use them. Make sure to familiarize yourself with Instagram’s Terms of Use so you’ll know which services to avoid and which ones are safe.