The Do's and Don'ts of Instagram Collab Posts: A Guide for Charlotte-Based Businesses
Instagram collaborations can be one of the most powerful tools for growing your brand, especially when you're trying to increase visibility and reach in a competitive market like Charlotte, NC. But not all collab posts are created equal. Done well, they can drive traffic, build trust, and boost engagement. Done poorly, and they can fall flat—or worse, hurt your brand.
At 7th Peak Marketing, a Charlotte-based social media agency, we’ve helped countless local businesses execute high-impact collaborations that get real results. Whether you're a small business owner, a content creator, or a marketing manager, this guide will walk you through the do's and don'ts of Instagram collabs so your next post hits all the right notes.
Why Instagram Collabs Matter
Instagram's collaboration feature allows two accounts to share the same post, meaning it shows up on both feeds and shares engagement metrics. This doubles the exposure and provides a unique opportunity to reach new but relevant audiences. In Charlotte’s tight-knit business community, this can be a game-changer for local growth.
The Do's of Instagram Collab Posts
1. DO Choose the Right Partner
Look for collaborators whose values, aesthetic, and audience align with yours. If you're a Charlotte-based coffee shop, teaming up with a local pastry chef makes way more sense than collabing with a fitness apparel brand. Relevance beats follower count every time.
2. DO Share the Work
Plan the content together. Whether it’s a giveaway, product launch, or co-branded reel, both sides should contribute to the creative process. Collaboration should feel like a true partnership, not a one-sided promotion.
3. DO Optimize for Both Audiences
Your caption, visuals, and call to action should appeal to both your audience and your partner’s. Make the messaging clear, engaging, and relevant for everyone who sees the post.
4. DO Review Content Before Posting
If your collaborator is creating the content, ask to see it before it goes live. This ensures the messaging, tone, and visuals align with your brand. It's much easier to fix something before it's posted than after it's already public.
5. DO Send the Collab Invite When Posting
Send the collab tag as soon as the post goes live. Delays in tagging can lead to missed visibility and reduced engagement, especially with Instagram’s fast-moving algorithm.
6. DON’T Collab Just to Collab
A random or forced partnership will feel inauthentic to your audience. Choose collaborations that make sense and add value to both brands.
7. DON’T Assume It’s a One-Time Thing
The most successful collabs often turn into ongoing partnerships. Treat this as a relationship-building opportunity, not just a quick engagement boost.
8. DON’T Forget the CTA
Always include a clear call to action. Whether it’s “Visit the link in bio,” “Tag a friend,” or “Stop by our Charlotte location,” your audience should know exactly what to do next.
9. DON’T Ignore Analytics
After the post goes live, review the data. Track reach, engagement, and clicks to see what worked (and what didn’t) so you can improve future collabs.
Maximize Your Reach with Localized Strategy
For businesses in Charlotte, NC, the local community is a major asset. Collaborate with other Charlotte-based brands to tap into existing networks and strengthen your presence in the city. A well-executed local collab can lead to real-life foot traffic, brand loyalty, and long-term partnerships.
Need Help Growing Your Brand on Social?
At 7th Peak Marketing, we specialize in full-service social media strategy and content creation for Charlotte-based businesses. Whether you're planning your next collab, launching a campaign, or just trying to stay consistent online, our team is here to help you stand out and grow with purpose.
Ready to take your social media to the next level? Contact us today to get started.