As someone who has worked in social media for over five years, I’ve seen a lot of changes – but none so drastic as what we’ve seen with Instagram. What was once a photo-sharing app for fun has turned into a powerful tool for businesses and influencers. But with over one billion monthly active users, how do you ensure your content is seen by the people who matter most? When it comes to Instagram success, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind.
Stay Focused On Your Target Market
First, you need to have a clear focus for your account. Are you using it to promote your business, build your personal brand, or share your photos with friends and family?
When it comes to Instagram, success comes from finding your niche and sticking to it. Whether you’re into fashion, gaming, travel, beauty, or fitness, find something that you are passionate about and focus your post content around that.
Your followers will appreciate your dedication to a specific topic, and you’ll be more likely to attract potential followers to click on your profile. Once you know your purpose, you can start to create content that aligns with that.
Hashtags, Hashtags, Hashtags
Next, you need to make sure you’re using the right hashtags. Hashtags are how people discover new content on Instagram, so you want to make sure you’re using ones that are relevant to your niche. If you’re not sure which hashtags to use, you can always do a quick search on Instagram to see what’s popular in your industry.
Using hashtags is one of the quickest ways to get real Instagram likes. Hashtags are keywords that you can add to your captions to make them more visible. For example, if you see a post with the hashtag #foodie, you could leave a comment about your favorite restaurant, which would make your photo visible to anyone searching for those terms.
When you use fitting hashtags on your posts, that will make it a lot easier for users interested in the same thing to find your account. Also, don’t use too many hashtags for just one post; a few relevant ones would suffice. And make sure to use words that are relevant to your content; otherwise, it might get you unfollowed.
Don’t Let Your Followers Forget You Exist.
Post regularly
Finally, you need to be active on Instagram. That means liking and commenting on other people’s posts, as well as sharing your content on a regular basis. The more active you are, the more likely people will see and engage with your content. If you keep these three things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to Instagram success.
Like other people’s posts
Don’t be afraid to like and comment on other people’s photos, even your friends’ nieces’ prom pictures. It’s good manners, and people love it when their pictures get likes. Who doesn’t? Also, when people comment on your photos or like them, say thank you! Give them a committed follower, especially if they’re an influencer. Try using the word “thanks” instead of “thanks!”, which is too exclamation-point and annoying after a while.
Be consistent
You should also need to be consistent with your posting schedule. This means posting regularly– at least three times a week and at the right time. It doesn’t always have to be new content; you can repost old content to remind your followers why they followed you in the first place. People who see you are active and posting regularly are more likely to follow you.
Post Content That Will Make You Proud
It’s important to post high-quality content on Instagram to attract new customers and followers. Think about quality over quantity. Because you can’t post as often as on Twitter or Facebook, every post matters more.
However, it’s not just about posting pretty pictures; your photos should tell a story and highlight your brand’s unique voice. Here are a few tips for creating high-quality content for Instagram:
Plan your content in advance.
When it comes to Instagram, consistency is key. IG accounts are often judged by an audience that wants visual proof of how wonderful life is, and the photos on your timeline will indicate whether or not that statement is true. Even when you don’t have a massive budget for photography or graphic design, there are ways you can create beautiful photos for your account without spending too much money.
Make sure your photos are well-lit and in focus.
Instagram is all about visuals, and if you have developed a particular theme or style on Instagram, strategically plan out your feed’s grid and utilize it as part of your overall branding. The goal should be to have everything look good while also flowing together seamlessly no matter when or where someone jumps into your feed.
Use filters sparingly.
While editing photos through editing tools, you should never forget the purpose of using them. If your goal is to add beauty to your photos and make them look simple, you can use editing tools like filters and different effects. However, if you want to show off your skills, then you need professional photos with great lighting and details.
Engage with your followers by responding to comments and questions.
Engaging and responding to followers is a great start, but you need to elevate that to interactions. There are several easy ways to do this.
- Contests or giving away products can be a great way to spark interactions on your page.
- Asking questions in the comments section of your post is another excellent way to get people involved right at the moment.
- Finally, posting news and announcements about your business or products is another good way to engage with followers who are genuinely interested in what you have to say.
Take advantage of Instagram Stories.
IG Stories allow your followers to directly communicate with you and help them better understand how your brand is evolving. They’re a great way to showcase your business and build brand awareness. And the best part: They’re free to create, so there’s no risk in trying it out!
The Bottom Line
Instagram, the world’s fastest-growing social network, is a great place to share your brand’s story with millions of followers. This is a powerful platform when used correctly to engage customers and boost conversions. I hope the tips above will help you to figure out how to focus on the right strategies to ensure your success on Instagram.
SME Paid Under