How to Make Your Instagram Content Work for You?
Rules of Instagram:
If you’re using Instagram for your business or personal brand, you’ve probably wondered how to get your posts to really perform.
Whether you’re building a brand, promoting a product, or simply trying to grow your community, optimising your content is key.
So, how do you make sure your content is doing the most for you?
Here are the three simple rules I follow every time I post. Stick to these, and you’ll see the difference!
1️⃣ Content Strategy: Keep It Simple but Effective
A good Instagram strategy is all about being intentional and consistent.
Here’s what I mean:
Cohesion:
- Every post should look and feel like it belongs to you. Does it fit with your brand vibe? Does it match your style and voice? If yes, then you’re on the right track.
Content Pillars:
- Focus on three main topics. These will be your go-to themes for all your posts. Think of them as the pillars of your content—whether it’s educational tips, inspiration, or behind-the-scenes looks.
- These pillars will make it easier to stay focused, and your audience will know what to expect from you.
Consistency is Key:
- Posting sporadically won’t do the trick. Stick to a schedule that works for you and keep showing up.
- Whether that’s 3-5 times a week or going live every Friday, just stay consistent and the Instagram algorithm will love you for it.
Pro tip: Batch-create your content ahead of time so you’re always ready to go, even on those busy days!
2️⃣ Content Optimisation: Work Smarter, Not Harder 💖
It’s not just about pretty pictures and fun captions—your content needs to work for you.
Here’s how to optimise every post:
Use Keywords:
- Think of Instagram like a mini search engine. Use keywords in your captions to help people find your posts.
- The right words help Instagram know what your content is about, making it easier to get discovered.
Hashtags:
- Don’t sleep on hashtags! Use ones that relate to your location, audience, and industry.
- Be strategic with a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags to get the best reach.
Trending Audio:
- If you’re making Reels, using trending sounds can boost your visibility.
- Instagram tends to push content that uses popular audio, so make the most of it!
Strong Hooks:
- You need something that grabs attention right away. It could be a catchy caption, a bold headline, or even a cool visual in your video.
- Hooks are what stop people mid-scroll, so don’t skip this step!
Pro tip: Keep an eye on Instagram Insights to see what hashtags and keywords work best for you.
3️⃣ Community Engagement: Don’t Just Post and Ghost 🫵🏻
Instagram is a two-way street—engagement is just as important as posting. Here’s how to boost engagement and grow your community:
Engage 10-20 Minutes Before Posting:
- Spend time liking, commenting, and interacting with other people’s content before you post.
- This helps prime the algorithm to show your content to more people as soon as you hit publish.
Inbound Engagement:
- Show love to the people you already follow. Like their posts, leave thoughtful comments, and respond to their stories.
- Building these relationships will encourage them to engage with your posts too.
Outbound Engagement:
- Don’t limit yourself to just your followers. Go find new accounts and interact with people who don’t follow you yet.
- This will expand your reach and introduce your profile to new potential followers.
Engage with Ideal Clients:
- Engage with big accounts in your niche, especially those whose followers align with your target audience.
- Meaningful comments can catch the attention of both the account owner and their followers, which can help you grow your own following.
Pro tip: Set aside 15-20 minutes a day for community engagement, whether it’s in the morning or during your lunch break. It’s a small-time investment with a big payoff!
By following these simple rules, you’ll notice your Instagram content starts to perform better, and the leads will start rolling in. 😍
Consistency and engagement are key—stick with it, and you’ll see results.