Whether you are just starting out on Instagram or need help optimizing an existing account, we have some great tips to help you make the most of it. If you are starting a brand new Instagram account for a business, it’s a good idea to immediately upload 6 photos so that when Instagram users visit your profile, there won’t be any photo spaces left blank. After you’ve gotten a profile photo, bio and photos uploaded, it’s time to start following people in your community to gain an audience. Think about what kind of people are going to be interested in your account and business. What’s next? Read below for more tips: 1. Don’t steal content. If you’re going to use photos from someone else’s Instagram account, either use the Repost App* or give the person credit in the caption by tagging their account.
2. Use Apps. There are so many photo-editing apps out there for you to take advantage of to make your pictures stand out from the rest. The Repost app, as mentioned earlier, is a convenient way to share photos from other accounts. You can make funny memes, cool videos, and so much more with the use of apps to ensure your Instagram account doesn’t bore.
3. Make the most of using hashtags by doing a little research first before posting your photos. You should be able to find hashtags that will connect with your local community as well. For example, #cltbeer is the official hashtag for the Charlotte craft beer community and #cltfood is often used when posting photos of dishes from Charlotte area restaurants. Remember not to overload on hashtags, though, as there is such a thing as #toomuch.
4. Create an Instagram contest. By hosting contest on Instagram, you’ll be able to engage with your audience, gain followers and brand awareness. Be sure to research hashtags before you choose one for your contest so as to not use a hashtag that is already popular among other groups or businesses. Keep up with those who participate and engage by liking and/or commenting on your audiences’ submissions. You can also repost the best submissions to use as your own content and encourage other users to enter the contest as well.
5. Mix up your content. Post real-life photos from behind-the-scenes happenings to give your Instagram a personality. Post quotes and memes to inspire and make followers laugh. Post call-to-action photos and graphics asking followers to like or comment. Find a voice and be consistent and the followers and engagement will come to you.
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