Instagram has always been one of my favorite social media platforms. At the risk of sounding stalker-ish, I love it for the sheer fact that it gives people a glimpse into the daily lives of others. Instagram allows us to see a more behind the scenes look than what we are accustomed to in blog posts. I feel that I get a better feel for a person based on what their feed is. And yes, I do know that we often times see the filtered and semi-perfect shots more often than not, but I still enjoy them. Today I am sharing some basic and simple tips for you to up your Instagram game.
Use Hashtags
This is a newer concept to me but one that truly can make a difference. Using hashtags will bring more people to your feed. More importantly though, I find more people to follow this way. Some people tend to go way overboard (in my opinion) when it comes to hashtags. I prefer to limit mine to 3-6 at a time but again, that’s a personal preference.
Some of my favorite hashtags include #thatsdarling, #thatsdarlingweekend, #holdersnotfolders #abeautifulmess #flashesofdelight #ABMSpring #vsco #vscocam #glitterguide #kindredco
Engage
Like any other form of social media, engagement is key. If someone comments on your photo, reply back. See a photo that you like or one that inspires you? Leave a comment!
Define Yourself
It’s easy to fall prey to wanting the picture perfect photo that is perfectly set up with props aligned just so. If that’s what you like, go for it! But if that’s not you, don’t do it. Instagram like I mentioned earlier is a personal thing. Make this about you and showcase you and your interests. Looking to brand your photos? Use the same filter on each photo you post and your feed will stand out a bit more and be easily recognizable. A great example of this is Dana from Wonder Forest. Check out her Instagram.
Be Consistent
Like all social media, showing up is half the battle. You have to be present. Does this mean posting multiple photos all day long? Not at all. Posting a photo a day will definitely help though. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. I mentioned the app Latergramme in a previous post on blogging resources. It is a great app to have and will keep you on track scheduling your photos.
Edit Photos
Speaking of apps, there are so many great photo editing apps out there. Some of my go-to favorites include Afterlight, VSCO Cam, and PicTapGo. Play around with filters to see what you like. Try cropping photos to get a different view. Does every photo need to be edited? Not at all. An unedited photo is refreshing in my opinion. No matter what though, be sure that the photo is not grainy or blurry.
Join Challenges
This is a great way to engage with the Instagram community. A challenge, to me, is defined by a photo a week (or day) that follows a certain theme. One of the newest ones I have found (which is quickly becoming a community) is one started by Cassie and Amber called #morethanaframe. Each week they post a prompt and followers share a photo representing that prompt. I love seeing how each prompt is interpreted by each person and how they share that prompt in a photo.
Get Inspired
I dare you to look through your feed and not be inspired. I see beautiful designs, whether it be for the home or a blog, and it can get my creative juices flowing. I see people out exercising and yes, it reminds me to get moving. I see flowers and gardens and I want to try new groupings of plants.
Enjoy
Instagram is a perfect way to spend time just getting lost. I scroll though my feed and smile at all of the happy moments I see. From births, to weddings, to celebrations and graduations; they are all there. I see people asking for support whether it be in good thoughts or prayers. I see the perfectly styled worlds of some and the perfectly messy worlds of others and I know that somewhere among all of that there is a space for everyone. Don’t play the comparison game!
The key to Instagram is knowing that each photo is one snapshot. What we don’t see is the hidden mess. Take every photo with a grain of salt and just enjoy it for what it is.
Have we connected on Instagram yet? You can find me here. What tips would you add to make your Instagram experience a better one?
