Between managing multiple client social media accounts, scouring the web for creative inspiration, and engaging with those in our local communities, we spend a fair amount of time on Instagram. Although big brands usually receive the credit for having amazing Instagram aesthetics, quite a few brands in our local area have mastered using this platform to build community and to showcase their business. 

Destin Commons (@thedestincommons)

Have you visited Destin Commons? If you have, chances are you have taken photos during your visit. Whether you snap a picture of their holiday decor, a shot of your family with your favorite mural, or photos of your children playing, many visitors leave with fond memories and Instagram-worthy-photos. The team at Destin Commons utilizes all photos that their visitors share on Instagram on their feed. Not only does using this user-generated content give Destin Commons plenty of great photos, but it also helps them foster a relationship with their audience.

To Do in Destin (@todoindestin)

Started by local Cali Hlavac, this Instagram account provides visitors and locals a wonderful resource for what to do along the Emerald Coast. Although you can find many Instagram accounts sharing popular things to do in Destin, Cali’s has outshined many because of her understanding of great branding, crisp photos, timely posting, and so much more! She also utilizes a variety of features that Instagram offers to include Stories, Reels, and IGTV to optimize her reach on the platform.   

Rock Out Climbing Gym (@rockoutclimbing)

The Rock Out Climbing Gym account shares a perfect blend of business and fun. Followers stay informed about event happenings around the gym but also get a peek at the people behind the phone screen. Their Instagram account gives insight to the owners, the team, and their passion for their work.

Cottonwood Company (@cottonwood.company)

Cottonwood Company Instagram is what aesthetic dreams are made of! They fill their feed with beautifully taken photos that showcase what their store has to offer. As a small business, they do not hire professional photographers to photograph their products, but they prioritize clear photos with good lighting and angles. 

Avantgarde Salon (@avantgardesalonflorida)

As a salon, Avantgarde realizes the importance of utilizing a highly visual app like Instagram to its fullest potential. The team at Avantgarde uses a template to showcase their photos so that their feed is cohesive no matter if they share hair photos, products, updates, or any other posts.   

Navarre Beach (@relaxinnavarre)

The Navarre Beach Instagram feed will make you wish you were soaking up the sun on their beaches! Their account showcases all there is to do in Santa Rosa County while engaging their followers and ensuring that they answer all of their followers' questions regarding the destination. They understand the benefits of working with influencers, engaging on the app, and posting consistently. 

Maxine Orange Art (@maxineorange)

When you first visit Maxine's account, you instantly see what inspires her creations but also a dive into who she is as an artist. If you enjoy getting to know people and making friends on Instagram, you want to give Maxine a follow! Her vulnerability is rare and refreshing. 

Shane Reynolds (@colorearthpro)

Shane is a local videographer that utilizes his Instagram to share both personal life updates and the work he creates through his production company, A Color Earth. He takes advantage of trending topics to optimize his reach, allowing Instagram users to find his content, and acquiring new followers. 

East Pass Coffee Co. (@eastpasscoffeeco)

This local coffee shop takes pride in their Instagram and puts in the time and effort to ensure they have an aesthetically pleasing feed. Their photos have great lighting, product placement, and thorough captions that are relevant to their pictures. Through great photography, potential customers know what they can expect when they visit the coffee company. 

3rd Planet Brewing (3rdplanetbrewing)

3rd Planet's feed will make you thirsty for their brews! They consistently update their followers with happenings around the brewery and partner with other local businesses to host events. They tag other appropriate accounts in their posts to optimize their reach and build relationships with their partners and followers online. 

Craft Bakery Pensacola (@craftbakerypensacola)

In addition to their beautifully curated feed, Craft Gourmet Bakery also utilized Instagram Stories and their highlights to inform their followers and potential customers of their offerings. Their detailed bio helps those searching for the company or their products easily find them on the platform. 

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties (@newmandailey)

The team at Newman-Dailey uses a mixture of user-generated content, professional photography, and designed graphics to fill their feed. They utilize Instagram Stories daily and dock the important posts to their highlights section so followers can find helpful information even after it is gone from their Stories.