When we wrapped up last year we took a look at what posts really performed and once again our best Instagram hashtags and VSCO filters posts were among the top. The funny thing is, we don’t post about Instagram all that much, but this year we want to make sure our content really speaks to you. So, more Instagram tips it is! Let us know if these quick tips help you grow your Instagram.
1. Plan 3 posts at a time – More if you’re building a brand. For my projects, I stick to a few because it saves room for spontaneous posting (over-planning trips me up) but doing this allows you to strengthen the overall aesthetic and stick to a visual identity.
2. Browse profiles beyond who you follow – Get a feel for what’s out there that you don’t see everyday. A lot of us tend to follow blogs and brands with similar vibes as us (makes sense), but there are a ton of ways to succeed with Instagram.
3. Know your top-performing posts – I didn’t post a 2016 best nine and you don’t have to either to easily generate which posts got the most likes last year. Good to know when planning for the new year!
4. Don’t over think it – It’s easy to obsess over the perfect feed. Just like in web design, I suggest taking a step back when needed so you don’t get so caught up or change directions 50 times.
5. Try Instagram stories – I’ve been resisting this forever (though not as long as I first resisted Snapchat! haha) but the other day I decided to post a couple photos to my story and was surprised by the amount of views I got. It’s a good way to get even more out of Instagram.
6. Get casual with your captions – Especially important if you’re selling a product or service, because it’s harder that way. No one wants to read a robotic social media post! It’s okay to be casual.
7. Take your own photos – Occasional regrams or posting styled stock photos can be great ways to utilize Instagram if photography isn’t your thing, but your feed should never be filled with photos you saved from Pinterest. It’s not an authentic way to use Instagram, and it’s not good etiquette. I’ll take an imperfect feed over a perfectly curated but unoriginal profile any day.
8. Use hashtags correctly – In our hashtag post, I made a special note about utilizing them correctly. Incorrectly using hashtags, ie posting them to photos that aren’t relevant to what the hashtag is for, doesn’t serve you because it doesn’t reach the audience you want it to. For example, if you post a selfie with the hashtag #blogtips (and the selfie’s caption has no tips), you’re not reaching people who want to see self-portraits, you’re reaching people who like blog tips. Those looking for blog related content will skip right over your photo, so there’s no point in doing posting it there. But if you post an actual blog tip, you totally want to use #blogtips, in hopes that other bloggers or those seeking tips will find it!
9. Comment often – Engagement is important on Instagram and you’ll get more engagement on your profile if you’re engaging yourself (wordy, I know!). Comment on things you love or are intrigued by, and you’ll in turn grow your own instagram, just like in blog world.
10. Prepare posts for when you’re uninspired – I have a bad habit of going from consistently posting pretty photos 2x a day for a few days, then… Radio silence for the next 3. If you’re not someone who can keep up posting more than once daily, save them so you can spread them out over the week, or at least have a few in your queue for when you simply have nothing to post all week. It helps a ton, as an inactive account isn’t gaining new followers!
K, I think that’s enough for now! Share your Instagram strategy below!
Gemma says
Ohh fab ideas!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Natalie says
These are great ideas. I struggle to work Instagram like a brand for my blog and i know i should. I’m trying to find a balance between real life and beautiful curated content. I like the idea of planning extras for when you have nothing to post. GREAT idea for when its super busy and there’s no time.
Natalie says
Thanks for the tips! I’m always looking to improve my instagram
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Nitroyl says
Thanks for the tips! I have really improved my instagram skills following them… ;-D
Klara Donovan says
I am one of the over-thinkers… I can’t help it! Until I post each day, it’s almost all I think about. I’m not a strong photographer and I really stress about trying to find attractive, relevant things to photograph and post. I would love a bright, fresh feed but it often ends up looking muddy despite my best efforts!
Gen says
Really great tips. Thank you so much! I’ve worked a lot on my feed, although my photos are not top notch, still in the process of investing on a pro camera.
Brooklyn W. says
Great tips! Gonna pin this post for sure! ;) I’ve always struggled with finding things to post on Instagram! I don’t even have enough time to plan pictures out. Any suggestions?
<3 Brooklyn
| latidoblog.weebly.com |
Sophie says
These are so really helpful tips, thank you for sharing. Sophie x
sophiehmstewart.com
Laura Galloway says
You know when something is just so simple you wonder why you never thought of it? That was the advice in this post, thank you for sticking in front of my face. It was so helpful xx
Nancy says
YES. Seven and Nine are big ones… I hate it when people pretend photos are theirs when I know they are stock, and comments are king – especially on explore mode.
Melissa says
Thanks for the advice! Number 9 is a great one!
Jasen Hudson says
Awesome article! Thanks. Trying Instagram for my start up And its really helpful for me.