Instagram Do’s & Dont’s
The ability to build a brand and curate a unique aesthetic has never been easier. Instagram has really changed the game for companies looking to build a following and affinity for what they do. The platform goes beyond just sharing photos. A feed that is intentionally crafted will keep people coming back. Below are some tips to consider when creating and sharing content.
DO
Use A Clear Photo
This one may seem straightforward, but it’s super important. Make sure the image you post is the correct resolution and maintains clarity after editing. Followers will engage less with a photo that’s blurry or distorted due to poor quality. You’ll also want to keep the classic 1080 x 1080 square in mind when selecting the right image to ensure everything fits into the frame. Remember, people are scrolling for visuals, so you have to catch and keep attention with the best version of your photo.
Find A Consistent Theme/Filter
When building your brand, consistency builds trust and strong consumer following. An easy way to curate a cohesive feed is to maintain a consistent theme. Many content creators build their feed by following a certain aesthetic, using a specific filter, or emphasizing one color across all posts. Using a photo-based app can be overwhelming because the possibilities are truly endless, but using a theme also sets boundaries, allowing you to narrow down what you want to share, and in the process, find your audience.
Know Your Audience
Pay attention to your audience and their engagement habits. Analytic data is offered for business accounts and can be useful in adopting better posting habits. Be mindful of the time your followers are engaging with your posts, and tailor your schedule accordingly. Let the data be your guide, noting which types of posts are more successful than others and why. You can put a lot of time into curating your feed and if it’s not reaching your followers at a convenient time, your engagement numbers won’t reflect a real payoff. Remember, the fun in building your platform is the community you create in the process. Make sure you’re reaching them!
Use Relevant Hashtags
Using the right hashtag can do wonders to attract your desired audience. With so much content flooding today’s platforms, finding users who will appreciate and engage with your content requires some work. Hashtags narrow down your topic and allow users to pinpoint exactly what they want to see. Take advantage of the ability to put your content in front of people who are looking for it! Instagram also gives its users the option to follow a specific hashtag. If a user does this and continues to see your content, you’ll eventually earn the follow.
Use Stories
Beyond just posting photos, Instagram also gives users access to other features for engagement. Stories allow multiple ways of interacting, whether it’s through polls, live-streams/IGTV, filters, and more. Take note, however, that some content is actually better suited as a temporary story, not meant for the permanent feed. Some examples include a flash sale or event promotion or brand Q&A. You can also alert followers to a new post by sharing it to your story and directing them to it. The algorithm can cause issues with visibility, so giving your followers another opportunity to see your content is a helpful tool to have.
DON’T
Post Too Much
You don’t want to overwhelm your followers by flooding their feeds. It’s better to focus on quality over quantity. You don’t want your audience to feel bombarded. Options like the story feature can help avoid this. Be more strategic about what you post to your feed. Make sure your followers look forward to seeing your posts because they stand out. Stick to one or two posts a day to avoid follower fatigue.
Ignore Your Audience
Social media can be an overwhelming place. It is often a place where users go to voice their concerns or frustrations about a brand or current event. You have to be ready to respond accordingly. If you ignore the concerns of your audience, you’ll lose all credibility. It may be tempting to delete comments or simply not address questions, but remember that the comment section is a public forum and others are watching. Be transparent with your audience to maintain their trust.
Use Content Without Proper Credit
Make sure you’re always giving credit where it is due when using images that are not your own. It’s unfortunately common for photographers, graphic designers, and other artists to have their work stolen. Using someone else’s content without proper permission is theft. You won’t build any favor with creatives and you could lose the trust of your audience. There are plenty of websites that offer simple templates, graphics, and free stock imaging to avoid this problem. If you are interested in using someone else’s photo, just ask and remember to tag them!
Instagram is a great platform that allows for building a unique community of people with similar interests. It’s a branding dream come true. Take advantage of this by carefully curating your content to match the audience you hope to find. Really take your time crafting your messaging and creative imaging and watch your audience grow!
