Instagram is my favorite social media hands down! I just love learning about new things through pictures, catching up on the lives of some of my favorite people, and being able to invite readers into my world. Instagram offers a unique perspective and representation of you – it is important to know that and be intentional to let it share your story.
I know a lot of us got Instagram accounts awhile back when it first swept the globe (just like we all downloaded Snapchat and Periscope when they came out to see what the fuss was all about 😉 ) Maybe you haven’t thought about your Instagram since then or maybe you’ve been trying to think about it but don’t really know where to start. Here are five tips to really up your Instagram game in the new year and share your story
CHANGE YOUR PROFILE PICTURE
Your profile photo is one of the first things people will notice when they hop over to your feed! It is also what they will see when you comment or like images on Instagram so you want it to reflect you well! Pick one that fits with your overall style and theme of your Instagram.
Bonus Points: I also highly encourage you to make it the same one across all social media so that you create brand consistency! It helps followers be able to recognize you more across platforms and creates a stronger brand.
CHANGE YOUR BIO
When was the last time you updated your Instagram bio? What does it say about you? What do you want it to say about you? One of the questions that I love to ask is “What do I want people to know/do when they come to my Instagram?”
Things to Consider:
- Let people know your general location (aka Colorado) just in case of collab opportunities!
- Provide a link to your website (because you want them to go there!)
- Add a contact email for collaborations & connections
- Share some little things that make you unique & show your personality. Feel free to use emoticons!
CURATE YOUR FEED
Instead of just slapping up the next picture you have on your phone, organize your feed before it goes to Instagram! I use VSCO to upload all my photos before they head over to Instagram so that I can see if I like the way they look and the overall feel. This is a great place to edit pictures if you want but you don’t have to if you are uploading them from another location (like your computer.) It is also a great way to plan ahead and organize your next several photos!
ADD HASHTAGS & TAG BRANDS
Go back on the most recent posts and add a couple relevant hashtags to connect with a community. Also make sure that you are tagging brands and people when you post so that those featured in the post make sure to see it! I always tag clothing, gear, and product brands when I post on Instagram and I have been regramed by several of them which has brought new eyes to my Insta! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be featured or grouped with like accounts because you skipped the tagging & hashtags.
Keep In Mind: Only use relevant hashtags that will help build your brand and connect you with like minded followers. Excess hashtags are just clutter.
EXPLORE POSTS
Click on over to the magnifying glass and search for some new accounts to follow and friends to meet. Don’t just go over and spam like a bunch of photos – genuinely interact with some new feeds and follow some new accounts! This is a great way to grow your followers and make new friends!
Bonus Points: Find people who you could potentially collaborate with or who live in the same area as you do! Local connections are so fun! (Think of all the regraming and photo tagging possibilities with these ones!)
What are some of your Instagram Tips? How do you use the social media? What is your favorite thing about Instagram? Make sure you follow me on Insta & come say hello! I would love to meet you!
Photo by: Stellar Propeller Studios
These are great tips! I really want to brighten up my feed and definitely need to work on my bio. I also agree about the hashtags…too many just looks desperate and clutters up that hashtag’s feed. When everyone uses one, it looses its power.
Yes! Totally! Use a couple that represent the picture and your brand!
Fantastic tips, Elizabeth! Thank you!
Thanks so much Allison!
Such good tips I feel so silly that I don’t have my home spot on there (Wyoming), but it’s such a good idea. Every time I see someone in Laramie based I get so excited… so I should probably do the same thing. 🙂
Kelsey | http://www.abalancingpeach.com
Yes! I know – I was seeing all these people with location mentioned and I loved finding other Colorado people! Then it dawned on me 🙂 You totally should and let me know if you find some new WY people!
I always forget to go back and update my bio. Thanks for the reminder!
Yes! Go for it 🙂 It is also kinda fun!
Instagram is definitely my favorite social media outlet! Love all these suggestions xoxoxo
Jordan! YAY!
Great post!! I love Instagram! Like I’m totally obsessed! I haven’t updated my bio in a while, so I’m going to think it over and update it a bit!
~Sara
Thanks Sara! That is so fun! I love it too! And yes! You can totally change your bio whenever you want!! I kinda love it!
Oh I totally agree with these tips. I think my main struggle with instagram is to keep a strong theme in the pictures because I always love to photograph so many different things that making it look like a unity is so difficult!
Love,
Yara
Yes! Don’t feel like you need to be overly themed! I share a lot of photos on my Insta that are kinda all over the place! Just try to edit the same and have a cohesive feel!
Great ideas. Especially making your profile picture the same across the board. Huge brand awareness.
– Amanda Shuman | http://www.carrylovedesigns.com/blog
Yes! I love that!
I definitely want to grow my Instagram this year… but I’m looking for efficient methods! Thanks for sharing yours, Beth. I love your feed!
You are so welcome! I mostly think it is patience and quality posts! There are some people who do different methods (some being to follow and unfollow in hopes to get new followers ) but I think to create the most authentic feed and following you just have to work on each each day and not get too caught up in growth and numbers.
Also tagging brands and being regramed is the way that I’ve been able to make a couple huge leaps. Work on create a feed and images that brands will want to regram!
XXOO
Love this post! Do you mind if I reference in my Social Media Class that I am currently running? Great info 🙂
Of course Natalie! As long as you share proper credit!
XOXO
Handy stuff! and I love that you put your personality profile in your bio…I feel inspired. ENFPS
You totally should! I think it helps me connect with other personality type loves and reveals a bit about my personality even if you have never met me!
These are great tips, Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome Lecy! I hope you are encouraged and inspired!
VSCO is my go to favorite! I love that you can see what your feed will look like before you post a picture.
Yes! It is a really great tool! I encourage people to use it all the time! Even if you are not needing to edit all your pictures you can just see how it looks in your feed before posting it!
I love these tips! One of my 2016 goals is to bump up my Instagram game! I definitely got caught up in posting “the next picture on my phone” last year because I was doing a 365 project. so instead of taking my time to have good photos and a good flow, I just posted something because I “had to” for the day! Starting off much better this year! Thanks for sharing this!
Yes! I totally get this! This year do something new 🙂 Post and create and engage!
Just stumbled upon this post and it was so great for me! Thank you for all your helpful advice!
Fallon! I am glad you stumbled over here and were encouraged!!!