Instagram is an incredibly popular social media site for people all around the world, and for many people, it has become a job. Insta bloggers use the app to document their lives, connect with followers, and promote their favorite products.
Because there are so many people on Instagram right now, you might wonder if it’s too late to start an Instagram blog of your own. Although the app is already very saturated, it’s definitely not too late to launch your own page. Here’s how you can use Instagram for bloggers and build a strong brand.
Pick A Unique Niche
Since there are already so many interesting bloggers using Instagram, you’ll need to find a way to stand out. While it may seem intuitive to mimic what other successful bloggers are doing, it’s best to let your personality show up and be authentic and unique.
Even if you want to post about popular topics like fashion or travel, there are ways to break out and capture followers’ attention. Instagram users don’t just want to see more of the same, they want someone who can show a different perspective on the common topic that they haven’t seen before.
Really take your time when brainstorming ideas for your online brand. Research the niches you’re interested in to see what’s out there. Consider the kinds of content you’d like to see that isn’t currently out there, and then use that as a launchpad.
Use Instagram Marketing Tools
Since Instagram blogging has become an entire industry of its own, there are plenty of handy tools to be used to boost your online presence. For example, there are tools that will give you automatic Instagram likes, like this one. For bloggers just starting out, these tools can be an easy strategy to get your page off the ground.
Take And Edit Great Photos
Instagram is a visual medium, so you’ll need to start by learning how to take great photos. The standard for posts on the app is very high right now. Since there are so many excellent creators on the platform, users gravitate towards blogs with crisp, well-composed photos.
Luckily, you no longer need a professional camera in order to take high-quality photos. Many of today’s best smartphones have amazing cameras with professional features. Additionally, you can download apps to edit your pictures and add appealing filters.
One of the quickest ways to give your Instagram a sleek, professional look is by making your own presets using apps like VSCO. Presets allow you to reuse the same settings on every single post, which gives them a very cohesive look.
Another simple way to make your Instagram posts look professional is to straighten them. There are many apps that enable you to straighten your photos and even adjust the X/Y balance. This is a particularly handy tool if you don’t have a naturally steady hand.
Depending on what type of Instagram blog you have, you might also need to learn how to make dynamic and engaging graphics. You don’t necessarily need to be a photo wiz or a graphic designer in order to do this. Tools like Canva have made it incredibly simple to create your own graphics.
Use A Consistent Voice In Your Biography and Your Captions
The text you use on Instagram can be just as crucial to your success as your photos. Captions add important context to each post. When they’re well-written, they can really resonate with your followers.
Because Instagram users scroll very fast, you only have a few seconds to draw in their attention. When writing your captions, put the most impactful or interesting statements at the top. Short paragraphs or the use of bullet points are suggested to be used, as they are easier to read and will help keep your users’ attention.
You should also ensure that your bio is a concise yet accurate portrayal of you. It essentially gives users a preview of what they can expect if they decide to follow along with your profile.
Don’t Neglect Your Stories
When you think about Instagram, you probably think about your feed first. However, your stories are just as important, and you should be uploading them regularly as well. Stories are a great way to interact more directly with your followers. You can be more casual on stories, so it’s an opportunity for people to really get to know you. Authenticity is very important on Instagram these days, and stories can help you build that authentic connection.
Instagram has continuously updated the stories tool over the past few years, and there are plenty of unique tools you can use. For example, you can use the question box or polls feature to get your followers’ opinions. After you have created a significant following base, you can also use your stories for sponsored partnerships.
Use Reels and IGTV To Show Off Your Personality
Instagram has also added video features, which are another opportunity to connect with your followers. There are two video options on Instagram – IGTV and Reels. From the first point of view, they seem similar; however, they have a few key differences.
In general, IGTV is for longer videos, and Reels is for shorter videos. Many people use IGTV to do things like tutorials or Q&A sessions, as well as to save recent live records. The Reels feature is very similar to TikTok and limits your videos to 15 seconds. The Reels feature can be an easy way to stand out, but you’ll also have to work fast to make a good first impression.
Research Trending Hashtags
When launching your Instagram blog, you’ll need more than just great content. You’ll also need to make sure you can reach your target audience. This means researching and using the best hashtags for your content.
This can take a lot of trial and error, especially since Instagram’s algorithms change frequently. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the most popular hashtags aren’t always going to be the most successful, especially when you’re just starting out. If you’re one of the thousands of people posting with the same hashtag each day, it’s easy for your posts to get swallowed up by others.
Instead, do some research to find reliable hashtags in your niche. There are hashtags specifically for certain niches like food, travel, fashion, and finance that up-and-coming bloggers can use to get their content seen.
Interact With Other Users In Your Niche
It’s not enough just to put out exciting content – you also need to interact with the people that follow you. Follow other content creators that you find interesting, and make sure to regularly like and comment on their photos (without spamming them, of course). These creators may end up liking and following you back. As you build your following, you might even be able to collaborate with other influencers to reach a larger audience.
Don’t Be Afraid To Be Yourself
We’ve already mentioned authenticity a few times, but it’s worth repeating again. There’s no magic formula to succeeding on Instagram, but users tend to look for people who are human and easy to relate to. Follow your intuition when deciding what to post, so your followers can get to know the real you. Real is often more interesting than something picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
Because there are so many successful bloggers on Instagram, the platform can seem very daunting to people that are just starting out. However, Instagram is not dead by any means, and there’s still plenty of opportunities to start your own blog and succeed. Every person has their creative ideas to bring to the table – you’ll just need to determine what makes you unique and what you can add to the platform.