Instagram is one of the most popular and influential social media platforms available. The service is free to use and easy to learn, making it a valuable marketing tool for any brand. Unlike other social sites, an Instagram feed focuses heavily on visuals and engagement. One does not thrive without the other, and it’s not enough to just post a photo with a short descriptor. The goal is to foster community and inspire your audience to connect with your core message.
Consider what your brand stands for and post accordingly. Whether you’re sharing photos, videos or stories, there are a few ways to make sure your feed stands out and makes a memorable impact. Read below for tips on how to have a great Instagram feed.
Consistency
The first rule for a thriving Instagram feed is to post regularly. Many users follow thousands of profiles and are subsequently scrolling through hundreds of posts each day. Your brand can’t make a proper statement if your content isn’t appearing often enough.
Make it a point to post at least once per day. If engagement is still low, try posting twice per day. The content should always align with your unique style, and each post should complement the ones before and after. If you’re struggling to keep up on a daily basis, use a feed-planning app like Planoly or UNUM to outline posts and captions ahead of time. This will make uploads quicker and easier.
*Tip: To avoid being labeled as spam, don’t post back-to-back updates. Spread them throughout the day to reach users in different time zones.
Quality
In addition to a consistent upload schedule, it’s important to post photos that look good. These snaps don’t need to come from a professional camera or world-class photographer. Smartphone cameras have come a long way and can produce high-quality images that work well in any feed.
Whatever you’re taking a picture of, make sure the lighting is crisp and the main subject is correctly in focus. Photos in your Instagram feed should be likable – something that will make users stop scrolling and actually read your captions. Additionally, your captions should be engaging and informative. Use a call to action or ask questions to encourage a discussion in the comments.
*Tip: Try posting images or videos with a similar color scheme for continuity and visual harmony.
Drive Back To Your Brand
There’s more to having a great Instagram feed than the daily content. It’s also important to have a quality bio. At first glance, new users should be able to identify who you are and what you have to offer. They should also be able to make contact quite easily. Switch to a business profile for an in-app email feature, or list an email address above your profile link. Make sure to closely monitor the inbox and respond in a timely manner.
*Tip: Use your profile link wisely. Update the URL as often as needed, especially if this is where you’re directing people from your posts.
