The Insta-guide to Instagram
#BlogArticlesWe all know and love Instagram—our beloved photo-sharing app—but Instagram is loaded with features and functions that will take your brand to the next level. Instagram is all about producing a brand that viewers can both interact with and enjoy.
Content
Getting Started
Although it may seem obvious, being both an active consumer and an active producer on Instagram is crucial to generating a loyal following. Invest in Instagram by liking and commenting on others’ photos: this will get you noticed by the brand and other followers.
Public Domain
By allowing public access to your account and varying the types of content you produce, your Instagram account will be accessible, engaging, and inviting. Post photos, videos, organic content, as well as reposts from others in a similar realm to show support.
Trends
While you want your content to be unique, you also need to make it salient for your audience. Trends come and go, but social media is an immediate source of knowledge, and trends are essential to ensuring your content is current and accessible. Using keywords in your posts and generating popular hashtags will help you gain exposure and interest within the network.
Getting Featured
One of the best ways to increase your reach and get noticed on Instagram is to get featured. Getting featured is when your work is showcased on a larger curation (featured/popular) account. The key to getting featured on one of these curation accounts is to echo the kind of content that your intended curation account produces. You want your content to be eye-catching and unique while following the style and depth of your mentor account. Additionally, you will have to know the guidelines and hashtags that your curation account uses. Begin tagging them in your photos that feature their brand or ideals. Give shout-outs and join forces with similar accounts in your field.
If you want to keep up with your curation account, you can turn on notifications by going to their profile, clicking on a photo, expanding the three dots on the bottom right-hand side, and clicking “Turn on Post Notifications.” This way, you will get notified when they post content, making it easier to interact with the brand and its content.
Scheduling
Timing and Frequency
Based on the content and motive of your Instagram account, posting times will be crucial. In general, Wednesdays and Thursdays show the most engagement on social media sites, while 7pm-9pm is often the best time to post. You want to predict (and research) when your target audience will be engaged on Instagram. Furthermore, aim to post once or twice a day. You will remain visible to your audience without spamming them with content.
Networking
Instagram posts are intended to grab your viewer’s attention within seconds through photographs and/or short captions. Highlight the essence of your post on the main frame, and educate your audience or provide further background information by posting a link in your bio (note that URLs appear as plain text in posts, so invite viewers to check out the link in your bio) that exposes viewers to a blog or article.
Another way to gain exposure is to explore other posts near your location. Find the “Near Current Location” tab under a place search to see what is trending in and around your location: gain both insight and exposure by incorporating this insider knowledge to your posts.
Although Instagram is competitive, it’s important to remember that it is an online community that fosters relationships and generates networks. So get out there and post your way to success!
Written by Megan Hall
Sources:
- https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/instagram-features-tricks#sm.000006bjdo53wuf3az23iozfx9poh
- http://www.massplanner.com/5-simple-steps-to-get-featured-on-instagram/
- https://later.com/blog/best-time-to-post-on-instagram/