Are you obsessed with Instagram like I am? By now the usual social media crush has worn off and I've moved on, but there's just something about Instagram. It keeps growing and has become a channel for growth for many businesses and brands, including mine. The thing I love the most about Instagram is that it's such a visual platform that allows for instant interaction. I am very much a visual learner so I can definitely say it's been a very valuable learning tool for me. In fact, Instagram has taught me the most about branding. So much so that I've discovered a few no fail tips to really standing out on Instagram. If you're new to Instagram, want to rebrand, or really just want to have a stand out profile, I've discovered some ways to help you. The main thing to know is that Instagram is all about strategy, systems, and intention. You don't have to spend all day on Instagram to create killer engagement, grow in numbers, or really create a one of a kind experience for your followers. Here are a few painless tips you can start using right now to help your business and brand stand out on Instagram.
How to Stand Out on Instagram
1. Provide Value
How many times have you heard this right? It's true though. When creating your Instagram strategy an instant key to standing out is knowing what value you will provide to others. To take it a step further, really take some time to add a special spin on how you deliver this value. This is the secret to making your value stand out in a sea of information. Take some time to brainstorm how you can helps others. It can be with tips, inspiration, demonstrations, or even directions. Get creative and have fun.
2. Have a Message
Your message is a way for you to emotionally connect with your audience. It is the underlying reason you provide the value that you share. It will be the reason others connect with you. Connecting with others through our values and beliefs is how we build trust and relationships and that is exactly what you want to do when designing a unique experience for your audience. Make sure that your message is clear through the captions you write and the photos you share and do not stray from it.
3. Create a Visual Strategy
Because Instagram is a visual platform it is so important to be intentional about what you post and how you post it. Creating a visual strategy will help you do this. A visual strategy is simply a plan on how you will execute and deliver the visual aspects of your brand. It will take you planning ahead so that you will have a good idea of how your planned execution will look and feel. Start by getting your ideas and the photo details together. Next, take the photos and play around with the placement taking into consideration concept, color, and layout. Do this until you've come up with a cohesive visual strategy that will automatically draw eyes to your profile.
Because Instagram is a visual platform it is so important to be intentional about what you post and how you post it. Creating a visual strategy will help you do this. A visual strategy is simply a plan on how you will execute and deliver the visual aspects of your brand. It will take you planning ahead so that you will have a good idea of how your planned execution will look and feel. Start by getting your ideas and the photo details together. Next, take the photos and play around with the placement taking into consideration concept, color, and layout. Do this until you've come up with a cohesive visual strategy that will automatically draw eyes to your profile.
4. Show Love
If you've ever wanted direct contact with your audience, Instagram provides it like never before. I think using this ability to show your audience love is the best way to leverage this ability. Not only can you use tools such as hashtags to find and attract your ideal client/audience, you can also comment directly on their photos. You can like their photos, share their photos with shout outs, and even host special challenges and giveaways. The possible ways to show your audience love is endless. Have fun with it!
If you've ever wanted direct contact with your audience, Instagram provides it like never before. I think using this ability to show your audience love is the best way to leverage this ability. Not only can you use tools such as hashtags to find and attract your ideal client/audience, you can also comment directly on their photos. You can like their photos, share their photos with shout outs, and even host special challenges and giveaways. The possible ways to show your audience love is endless. Have fun with it!
5. Post Consistently
Being consistent is about presence and trust. Consistency allows you to get out in front of others. It also allows others to come to rely on you for a certain value which is what builds trust. When thinking of consistency, don't just think about what time you post and how much you post. Also consider the consistency of the type of photos you post, the type of captions you share, and the consistency of your message and values. If they can trust you, they will support you, and in turn their support will help you to stand out in the crowd.
Being consistent is about presence and trust. Consistency allows you to get out in front of others. It also allows others to come to rely on you for a certain value which is what builds trust. When thinking of consistency, don't just think about what time you post and how much you post. Also consider the consistency of the type of photos you post, the type of captions you share, and the consistency of your message and values. If they can trust you, they will support you, and in turn their support will help you to stand out in the crowd.
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I love Instagram too, it's still my favorite. Thanks for the tips
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I'm trying to grow and engage my IG audience. I've watched other IGers and seen many things that look great...but I'm so sporadic with my posts. The thing about it is my IG is for both personal and blog purposes. I don't always have things to post everyday and my posts don't always relate to one another. I post how I feel. I'm trying to at least be more consistent and at least post once a day. My audience is growing, but having more engagement is next on my list!
ReplyDeleteThese tips (and the tips in "How To Style Your IG Photos) are great and I'll definitely be considering these in the future.
I also love instagram! Thanks for these tips! Following you now :)
ReplyDelete-Tiffany #blmgirl
"Being consistent is about presence and trust". LOVE THAT!!! You nailed it! Thank u girlfriend...will be sharing this along to my clients looking to grow their instagram. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love these instagram tips! All so true!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Very helpful in thinking about how to make the most out of my account.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Kelley! I have found that doing these things has helped me gain quality followers. Not just followers who stand in as a number, but people who are likely to become actual clients!
ReplyDeleteSo into Instagram - thanks for sharing some helpful tips!
ReplyDelete