When it comes to Instagram, people choose who to follow. So all of your followers are looking at your posts, right?
We’d love to say yes, but the answer is actually no. Here’s the thing. Your followers also follow hundreds of other accounts. When people open up Instagram, they start scrolling. But that’s just the thing, they’re scrolling.
While their thumbs are flicking them through their feed, you want them to stop, pay attention, and process your posts. But for many companies, mastering Instagram is hard. Where do you start?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are 7 things you can do right now to create a “thumb-stopping” Instagram.
#1: CHECK YOUR COMPOSITION
Humans process imagery 60,000 times faster than words. So yes, a good photo is a very effective way to get your point across. But in order to take a good photo, you need to pay attention to your photo composition.
Stop and think. What’s in the background? Does my photo have a main focal point? Is my subject placed attractively in the frame? Could I take a better picture from a different angle?
If this is new to you, take a few pictures from different angles and distances. Eventually you’ll get the hang of what looks best!
#2: EMBRACE VIDEO
Social media users spend 5 times longer looking at video than static imagery. The good news is that you can apply the same photo composition logic to video. Incorporating video doesn’t mean that you have to create a web series or anything like that. It can be as simple as creating a short clip using different effects.
The best part is that you can do this all from your phone! Just use the Instagram app, or check out apps like Videoshop. Boomerang, and Quik.
#3: DON’T JUST ADVERTISE
If there is one thing that you take away from this article please let it be this: don’t post fliers on Instagram.
As a general rule, people are not going to stop scrolling for what they see as a blatant advertisement. That doesn’t mean that you can’t promote your events though. Instead, use a relevant picture or video that will interest your following and then mention the event in the caption.
#4: FOCUS ON EXPERIENCES
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – FOMO is a real thing, and you can definitely use it to your advantage. When you’re planning out your content, think of your Instagram as a visual portrayal of your customers experience.
This works for any vibe. Family-friendly breweries can show kids playing board games and sipping on sodas while their parents are tasting flights. Distilleries focused on their creative cocktail menu can take a short video clip of part of the drink making process.
#5: USE THE BIO SECTION
Your bio is a quick snapshot of who you are. Get creative with what you’re saying about your business! Add a little detail, but keep it short and snappy.
And, of course, link to your website for more info. But, don’t be afraid to change the link in your Instagram bio. If you just posted a blog or are promoting a specific event, change the link so that people can find it faster.
#6: WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
Let’s face it. We don’t all have professional cameras and state-of-the-art studios, but honestly, you don’t need them! You can create an amazing feed with a smartphone, a couple of inexpensive props, and a little creative thinking.
Love the marble trend, but lacking marble countertops? Matte marble-printed contact paper on a foam board looks just as good in a photo. Not so sure about your lighting? Figure out what time of day you get the best natural light and put it in your schedule to take pictures then.
#7 LOOK AT OVERALL LAYOUT
Each photo and video on Instagram should stand alone, but remember that followers will see them all together on your profile page. Make sure that the photos you take complement the content in the grid around them.
THE TAKEAWAY
The thing is, strategic creative content can increase revenue. So yes, that company you’ve been following with stunning pictures and 28K followers is making sales, and lots of them. Why? People need to be exposed to a product several times before they buy it, and social media is one way to expose a large group of people to your brand.
Implementing these strategies properly will increase your followers and thus increase the pool of people exposed to your brand. And once you’re comfortable with these tips there are strategies to take your IG game even further.
Interested in learning more about developing social strategies that get you noticed? Send us an email and set up a consultation – the first one is on the house.