The Insta-guide to Instagram

We 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.