In a day and age where a strong social media presence can make or break your business, it is important to be active and consistent on all of your social platforms. However, there is one platform in particular where a lot of people struggle: Instagram (IG). With its endless option for filters, hashtags and adding emojis to your captions, it can be a lot to manage. Lucky for you, we have a cheat sheet for making your IG profile shine.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A NEW AND IMPROVED INSTAGRAM PROFILE
1. Choose a layout
Choosing a layout for your IG profile can be such a helpful trick. Essentially, the layout is how your photos will be positioned on your profile. This gives you the ability to plan out your content and know which types of photos will look good next to each other. Sound tricky? Luckily there’s an app for that! (Because isn’t there always). Check out the app Preview. This app allows you to drag and drop your photos to see what your IG profile would look like if you chose to lay it out a certain way. Here are a few ideas of ways you can layout your grid:
Tiles
Borders
Row by Row
Puzzle
2. Choose a Theme
Choosing a theme is almost as important as choosing your layout. A theme can be anything from the color scheme you are using (warm colors vs. cool colors), or the overall “vibe” of your page. This theme aligns directly with content that you are choosing to post. Are your photos more bright and happy? Or are they darker and more serious? This all plays into your overall theme.
3. Content
Speaking of content, what are you posting about? Be consistent! Is your profile mostly tropical photos? Interior design photos? Inspirational quotes? Sure it can be a mix of things, but try to hone in on 3-5 main ideas and keep your posts consistent around that.
If you are struggling to think of content ideas, here are a few things you can try:
Ask your audience a question in your post - get them to comment and engage.
Create a fill in the black post. (Ex: The one thing that motivates me the most is ___). This will also give your audience an opportunity to engage with you.
Give advice/motivation to your audience.
User generated content - this is such a big trend right now. Consumers love to see what their peers are interested in and how they use certain products.
Videos
Nostalgia - who doesn’t want to engage with a post that reminds them of their childhood?
4. Stick to ONE filter!
This tip relates right back to your overall theme. Choose one filter that aligns with your vision (perhaps making your colors more cool or more warm toned). By being consistent with this filter, it will help your overall feed to look more unified and relatable to your brand. Also, take a look at the background colors in the majority of your photos. Try to aim to keep these consistent. Perhaps the backgrounds are mostly white, or a tan color, this will help with the overall appearance of your feed!
Cool Colors vs. Warm Colors
5. Bio + Profile Photo
This is a topic that isn’t covered nearly as much as it should be. Your IG profile photo should reflect either yourself (if you are the face behind the business) or your brand. For example, a logo or a branded icon is a photo that will let people know that this is your brands account.
In terms of your bio, it should say something about you or your brand, and lead to an action. You may include your company website or a branded hashtag that you want your followers to use. This will incentivize them to interact with your brand. Make it fun! Some examples are:
6. Last but not least, BE CONSISTENT!
Consistency is such a large part of social media success. Your followers have chosen to follow you based on the content that you put out, so don’t stop posting! Create a schedule using a program like Airtable and keep track of your posts so you don’t lose track.
There is a lot that can be done within Instagram to grow your brand and your business, so why not implement something today! Comment below and let us know what the most useful tip was for you, and be sure to tag @jarja_media on Instagram if you implement anything. Happy ‘gramming!
- Alicia, Marketing Assistant
