By Sydney Suttles
You've found your content. Maybe it's fashion, your baby, your furbaby, or home decor. How do you want to present it to the world? This it the time to use your data and see what works. Is the Valencia filter getting you more engagement than Clarendon? Are users clicking the links in your story? What about an Instagram theme? Do some exploring in the app and see what works for you. Trial and error, my friend. Use a calendar to stay on track and keep on posting your passion.
Ideation
Use Instagram's Explore page to see what's trending in your community (above left). This page uses an algorithm based on accounts you follow and interact with to recommend content you may like. This is a great way to see what similar accounts are posting to get ideas. It's also a reminder to interact with accounts like yours who may be interested in what you post. Look for trends in locations, filters, hashtags, challenges, or what kind of posts others are using. The content on the Explore if there for a reason. They're doing something right so might as well follow suit. For example, I never would have thought of a creating a banner out of one photo in multiple posts if I hadn't found it on Explore from @danfcallahan (above right).
Mix It Up
Photos make up 70% of posts on Instagram so sometimes they can get lost in the feed. Don't forget about videos like Boomerangs, time-lapses, and stop-motion. These are fun ways to cut through clutter and catch followers' attention. Captions also have a secret power. My favorite accounts have beautiful photos and hilarious captions. It's unexpected and doesn't take itself too seriously. Make jokes, ask questions, tell a story, throw in some emojis! No matter what kind of post though, add a location. Posts telling users where they are get up to 79% more engagement than those without. Dabble with different types of posts, captions, stories, and analyze engagement to see which do well and which could use a little work.
But, Keep it Consistent
Try different types of posts, but create a schedule to get into a routine. Consistency is key in keeping audiences coming back. 73% of success accounts post weekly. Try a weekly post like "Thoughtful Thursday," "Monday's Coffee," or my personal favorite, "#Caturday." A weekly post or calendar with related holidays will help with creativity block. It's also useful to simply keep a laundry list of ideas written on typed in your phone for a rainy day. Instagram Stories are also a great way to post content without committing to it forever holding real estate on your carefully-curated themed account.
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