Whether you use social media professionally or for leisure, I am sure you have heard all about how Instagram's algorithm is "working against you".
This is 100% true.
Today I want to highlight what I have found works best with Instagram, and what doesn't.
Stay consistent with your theme.
Everyone is all about your Instagram grid now-a-days. I for one am not a fan of the orange skin and highly edited photos, but if that's your thing? Stick to it! I recommend finding your favorite preset and using it on at least 3 photos at a time. I like to use different ones if I went somewhere cool or had an event. But the most successful Instagram accounts have a very cohesive theme and all their photos coordinate with each-other and have the same color palette.
Post regularly and on the best days for your followers.
I personally cannot post every day just due to my lifestyle and that I don't have enough content or time to create more content. But I always suggest paying attention to what days your posts do the best, and posting on those days every week. I try to post at least once a week, but daily is suggested for people trying to grow their Instagram following.
If you are going to use hashtags, embed them in your caption.
With the new algorithm, hashtags have become very valuable. They need to be hashtags for your target audience and if you're a personal account, not just a list at the end of the post. I have found that people on a personal account dislike hashtags, but expect them from a business account. If you are going to use all 30 hashtags at the end of a caption, add them a few days after your post so it is not on your followers feeds anymore but can still reach people searching those hashtags for more likes.
Use all of Instagram’s features.
Geotag your photos, tag your friends, share it to your story the next day. No one ever got anywhere on Instagram without trying... okay well maybe some people. But make sure when you're planning a post to plan if you can add the place you're at or places where your target audience would be at. If you're posting your coffee, tag Starbucks. If you are eating at a restaurant, set it as your location. That way you not only have the potential of those businesses seeing it, but also people who search those places as well.
Don’t Post Ads on Ads
If you are looking to make money on social media, making agreements with companies and doing ads
is a part of the business. To make them seem more genuine and less aggravating to your followers, stick with your favorites and don't post them back to back. A good mix of original and advertisement is the way to go.
Don't Post Stock Images
I feel like this one is self explanatory, take your own photos.