Instagram is frequently rolling out new features, such as broadcast channels, AI generated story backgrounds, and Threads. In 2023, the popular social media platform released its Notes feature.
Notes are an excellent way for small businesses to engage with their followers, gaining trust and credibility. But how do you use them when you are so limited by the number of characters?
Follow along for more information on Instagram Notes and how to utilise this feature as a multi-location small business.
Instagram Notes are text posts featured in your Direct Messages (DMs) tab. Under this tab, there are circles where those whom you follow can post 60-character updates above their profile picture.
Notes are only visible to mutual followers and close friends. For small businesses, they are best used to start conversations with followers and current customers. Notes also have a short life. Like Stories, they disappear within 24 hours.
Now that we know what Instagram Notes are, let's dive into the benefits of using them for small businesses.
Because Notes are relatively new, they are an easier space to navigate. You have more potential to stand out as it isn't oversaturated like Instagram Reels.
A recent update now allows users to leave notes directly on reels or feed posts. While the profile and inbox notes can only be seen for 24 hours, notes left on posts and reels will stay visible for up to three days after being posted.
Additionally, Notes have a high audience reach because they are directly visible to your mutual followers. So, let's say you own a small diner. You follow back everyone who follows you, and they get to see your Notes in their DMs.
To engage with your customers, you post a link promoting a new dish. This little Note allows followers to message you and respond to the text directly.
The format for Notes is also convenient and easy to use, although you are limited to 60 characters. Notes only appear for 24 hours, perfect for quick and casual conversations and updates. This quick format encourages DMs and 1:1 conversations, boosting both engagement and trust in your business.
It's okay to be nervous when using Instagram Notes, as you are limited to just 60 characters, but this can work in your favor.
You can say a lot in just 60 characters, especially if you utilize emojis well. Not sure how to use Notes? Listed below are a few ideas with examples.
A great way to utilize Notes is to promote your products and specials. Limited-time specials make people feel the pressure, as it doesn't last long.
Example: “✨ Happy Hour at our Soho location starts at 5 PM!”
This is especially important for small businesses that attend farmers' markets and festivals. Post your pop-up!
Use emojis to lower the words you use. Just don't forget to include the location for multi-location businesses
Example: “Catch us at the farmers market this Sunday 🍓”
CTAs are slept on. They are the way to get people to do an action. Information without a purpose or CTA can only go so far. You can add a CTA to DM for an appointment, check out the menu, or attend an event.
Example: “Booking up fast for holiday appointments—DM to grab your slot!”
Shout out your customers and company partners in your notes. Not only is it a sweet gesture, but the genuineness is what users want to see.
Example: “Loved this customer review today 💬 Thanks @username!”
In a sentence or question, use a value proposition or bold headlines. Test which one works by how many people respond and interact.
Example: “Need social media help but short on time?”
No one wants to read something that sounds like a robot. While you have to remain professional as a business, still humanize your voice so it is more relatable.
Example: “Our team is living on cold brew today ☕️ Anyone else?”
If someone is following thousands of accounts, how can you get them to see your new posts? Instagram Notes! Redirect your followers to your new posts or Stories.
Example: “New reel just dropped → check our feed 👀”
Trust your followers and customers. Don't be afraid to ask questions about content. The more people respond, the better.
Example: “What should we post next—tips or team stories?”
Instagram is packed with features that can help you grow your small business, but it can be overwhelming when looking at the options.
To make it easier, we've added a table that compares Stories, Notes, and Broadcast Channels.
|
Format |
Best for |
Audience |
Duration |
|
Notes |
Text-only updates, casual CTAs |
Mutual followers |
24 hrs |
|
Stories |
Visual storytelling, engagement |
All followers |
24 hrs |
|
Broadcast Channels |
Community announcements, deeper content |
Opt-in subscribers |
Ongoing |
Small businesses thrive when they use social media effectively, but it can be tough to plan and schedule content, especially for multiple locations. You can use a social media management tool like Sendible’s Instagram scheduler to plan, schedule, and track Instagram Feed posts.
Use the tool to schedule ahead of time (even two years in advance). This way you’ll have more than enough time to post reactive content through Notes to ensure you’re relevant and following meaningful trends.
You don't want to just use Instagram Notes and leave it alone. Instead, the Notes have to be effective. But how?
One effective way to utilise Notes is to use emojis strategically. They can make a huge difference and take up less space than actual words. Let's say you're a real estate agent and have just posted and pinned the open houses for the week.
It's a mouthful to add a sentence or two describing this. Instead, you can include the pin emoji in your Notes, prompting followers to visit your pinned post for more information.
Restaurants can also use emojis effectively by using emojis for the food they are selling. Have a pizza special? Include a pizza emoji.
Notes are also casual.
They were designed to be quick and effective ways to start a chat or include an update. Formal, stiff words can make your company seem complicated to approach. Stick to a casual, conversational tone whenever possible.
Although it's essential to post consistently, this doesn't mean the content needs to remain the same. Promoting your specials is excellent for boosting sales, but not necessarily engagement. Play and test with different Instagram Notes strategies to see which works best.
Do people respond to questions? Emojis? Or jokes?
The final tip is to ensure your voice is consistent across all social media platforms and locations. Multi-location businesses with multiple Instagram accounts should follow a similar, if not the same, format to remain consistent.
If not, it can read as if your businesses are apart.
Only mutual followers can see when you post an Instagram Note.
Businesses can and should use Instagram Notes to promote their sales, special deals, and products.
Instagram Notes are an effective way to engage with your audience in a more casual, but intimate way. It boosts engagement by only popping up for mutuals, which can include past or potential customers.
Instagram Notes are limited. As of June 2025, you can only post up to 60 characters of text or linked songs.
Although Instagram Notes are a great way to promote your business, not everyone wants to see the text. To mute a Note, tap and hold the Note you want to mute. A menu will appear with the option 'Mute notes.' Click on it and you're done!
To unmute someone's Notes, you'll have to go to their profile. Click the button labeled 'Following,' and you should see an option labeled 'Mute.' Turn it off by tapping the button next to it.