Here Are 7 Tips to Make It Fun and Fabulous!
Have you looked at your Instagram feed recently – like really reviewed it to see how interesting your posts are (or are not)? Well, I have. Let’s just say it needs some work. And I seriously need to reconsider my reliance on dog photos (but I adore dog photos)!
I love Instagram’s mojo. It’s visual. It can be inspiring. It’s the best of social channels in that it allows for a written post, lots of photos, short form video, longer form video (reels), and disappearing quick hit “story” posts. To me, Instagram combines the best features of all the other social channels.
Instagram can document one’s life, but it can also support a brand. Now that’s magical. Whether you are repping yourself or your local non-profit, you can build an Insta account that will keep people coming back for more. It will take some concerted effort and dedication, but it’s all very doable.
Here are some tips to keep your Instagram account fun and fabulous:
1. Post high-quality content.
Make sure the pictures and videos you post are of good quality, have proper lighting, and are visually appealing.
2. Be consistent.
Keep a consistent posting schedule so that your followers can expect new content from you. It could be once a day or a few times a week.
3. Use Instagram stories.
Share behind-the-scenes content, daily routines, or interesting moments in your day through Instagram stories. They will keep your followers engaged and give them a glimpse into your life.
4. Interact with your followers.
Respond to comments, like them, and reply to direct messages. This interaction will help you build a relationship with your followers and make them feel valued.
5. Use hashtags.
Add relevant and popular hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts and attract new followers. Hashtags allow users to search for related content.
6. Collaborate with others.
Collaborate with other influencers or brands in your niche to create interesting content or host giveaways. This collaboration will increase your reach and help you gain new followers.
7. Keep it fun and positive.
Don't take yourself too seriously and keep your content light-hearted, positive, and fun. Share your personality, hobbies, and interests with your followers.
I thought it would be valuable to share some accounts that are doing great things with their social cache. They may not all be of interest to you, but each Instagram account has done an admirable job using the above strategies to provide engaging content and grow their following.
@PrestonKonrad
Preston Konrad posts on Insta with great consistency. He most frequently uses video, which enhances engagement. He stays on his brand – home and personal styling. He is very purposeful in sharing affordable décor at stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon – often dupes for high-end pieces. He also loves shopping for vintage pieces for his NYC apartment and upstate cottage. You’ll also find Preston on TV sharing his styling wisdom.
@wendys
The fast-food giant, Wendy’s, is famous for their use of humor in their social accounts. To quote fastcompany.com – who says it best, IMHO – “Wendy’s isn’t afraid to drop the mic. Three million plus people follow the brand for its saucy tweets and good-natured burns. The brand represented by a sweet-faced, red-haired girl roasts fans, cracks jokes, and calls out competitors. She also promotes her menu, gives away free food, and even dabbles in the occasional rap battle. Kurt Kane, Wendy’s executive vice president and chief concept and marketing officer (CMO), calls the brand voice "sassy."
@dinnerin321
Laura Johnson posts under the @dinner321 account. Her bio mentions joy, and I would definitely agree – her posts on easy meals are filled with joy. While she is an RDN (Registered Dietician Nutritionist) and a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator), she never comes off preachy in her video posts. If you’re looking for quick recipes (meals and treats!), her content merits a bit of your time.
@torok.coupon.hunter
This is one of my favorite social media accounts (in fact, I’ve shared her account on one of my weekly #heathersfaves Friendsville social posts). Kiersti Torok is a couponer who shares her expertise through multiple platforms. She is extremely approachable in her videos, and she breaks down couponing into something fun and easy. Her brand is upbeat, instructional, humorous and a little Disney-ish.
@testkitchen
A friend turned me onto America's Test Kitchen account that provides tips and recipes for all levels of home cooks. Their feed includes great content, strong visuals, and consistent posts of interest that keep followers coming back for more.
@vancityreynolds
Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds centers his brand on his dry wit. He keeps us engaged by sharing (some) details of his family and work life. His irreverence is charming – especially when he uses Instagram to perpetuate his pretend feud with fellow actor, Hugh Jackman.
@petershankman
I learned about Peter Shankman when he was the keynote speaker at a national conference I attended. His style hooked me immediately, and I quickly began following him on socials to learn more about his communication style. Peters is an author, keynoter, PR guru, futurist, and creator. He was the founder of Help a Reporter (HARO) and @fasterthannormal. He embraces his ADHD diagnosis and readily shares its powers with others. He’s honest, direct, kind, hard working as all get-out, and smart, and he regularly asks his followers for their feedback. He’s often the guest on national news programs after epic public relations failures to discuss the fallout and opportunities. While one can learn a lot from his common-sense approach to public relations on his channels, you will also learn the power of kindness, positivity, and being just a little different. And as a bonus, he opens up about his life – his work travels, his grind to be fit, and his life as a single dad – so his followers feel like friends.
This year, I pledge to take steps to follow the seven tips to improve the quality and engagement of my personal Instagram account. What about you – how do you feel about your Insta feed, and what might you do to “turn up the volume?”